From the Whimsical Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the
Over the Moon Oracle, "Congratulations:"
Morrison uses the story of "The Flax" to represent the Wheel. Flax knew it was destined to be used for something important, so it was happy to be spun into thread and used for a linen tablecloth. But the tablecloth wore out after several years, and it was cut and used first for ladies' bloomers then for men's handkerchiefs. It wasn't too pleased in these roles, but finally it was employed by a book binder. It was content once again, but when the book fell apart after much handling, it was tossed in the fireplace. Flax was crestfallen until its ashes came to rest in the field where other flax plants grew. Then it realized its importance in fertilizing the soil for the next generation of plants. What a wonderful story to illustrate impermanence and change. It reminds me of a quote from Pema Chodron:
We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.
The Congratulations (Nine of Diamonds) card shows a woman being admired and acknowledged by her friends for her gardening efforts. This is one of the joyful times on the Wheel when things are going well. It is a time to soak up the deliciousness of the moment, but without expectation or hope that it will last forever. Things will change. But that same philosophy will be a balm when times are tough, knowing they won't last forever either.
