The waves roll in. The waves roll out. They come back to begin again. It is a dance that began long before the first creatures crawled out of the ancient waters to breathe upon dry land for the first time. This revolutionary act sparked a new dawn, a new way of life. These primordial creatures set us on a path that cleared the way for us today. Each tide, each breath is its own cycle. And today, just as the ancient ones breathing their first breath to spark new life, we too, must forge our own way forward, reaching the dreams of our own shoreline. When it comes time, will we dare to bask in the joy of the sunshine or will we wait offshore, entangled in the weeds?
In a recent meditation, I was reminded that the Wheel of Fortune tarot card is a cycle as well. The Wheel of Fortune spins around and around. Sometimes we are on the top of the Wheel, enjoying the bounties life. The brilliant sun, shines down upon us. We are blessed and offered the riches life has to offer through the toil of our hard work. Yet, the Wheel continues to spin and this too, must come to an end. The cycle moves, stopping time for no one. It is a difficult truth that we do not have control over. It reminds us to move though life with respect of the powers that are not in our control. Life and the Mysteries of the Universe are much bigger than us. If we look for the lessons within them, we will find a path forward even on our darkest days. For the wisdom in the lesson is the light that leads us to the Wheel again as it arcs back towards the top. It helps to pull us up from those unknown and darkened depths. As we stretch and reach up, we can ascend once again to receive the blessings of the Wheel of Fortune. However, we are the ones who must choose to accept the blessings of the lessons and in turn, the welcoming motion of ascension.
In the act of surrender in our darkest hours, we cannot cling to the past or yesterday’s glories or even a dream that never fully manifested. There is such struggle when we fight to hold onto something that is no longer there. Our anguish is born out of the ghosts of our past. When our failures paralyze us, we are chained to the versions of ourselves that are merely echoes in our own mind. By breathing in the moment, we can begin to let go of expectation and what once was as we welcome the rays of light that lead us forward. It is our choice.
Nothing stays the same. Nothing rests. Time and the tides will always move. Cycles will begin and end, only to begin once again. Are you willing to allow the Wheel of Fortune to pull you up and into the light? It is not an easy question. The answers may be even more difficult to find. Sometimes we are tangled in the weeds that keep us from the shoreline. Perhaps it is out of our control. Then again, maybe we are keeping ourselves stuck in the weeds for a variety of reasons. I know I kept myself off the shoreline, afraid to take in that deep breath. I think over the last few days I untangled myself enough to see that I can make it to the safety of the shore. The Wheel has shown me that and the fresh breath of life feels so good. Also, I know that this moment too, will eventually change.
The waves still come. The waves still go. Sometimes it is a cycle the moves with a welcoming grace. The cleansing rush of salty water, purifying your body, mind, and spirit. Sometimes it is a force that can strike us down, pulling us into the depths of the unknown. That too, is a purifying cycle. Whatever the experience, whatever the wave, they deserve and demand our respect. We do not have control over the tides. We do not have the power to stop them. The cycles of life will continue to flow. It is up to us to move and flow with what comes our way. We have the power to decide how we will respond. To do so with respect and reverence is a choice. How will you choose?
Be well today and may the grace of life hold you with mercy as we move with the changing tides of life.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 