This design offers clues to the seasons, the motion of the constellations, and in addition, to metabolism and respiration. The Wheel of Fortune paintings were frequently made during the medieval period. Now they turn up in tarot designs from time to time.
I have been ask to explain the meanings behind this type of painting. The concept is intriguing. If the reader is up to the task then much can be learned. The reasonings behind the painting are many and cover a wide range of disciplines. In a wheel of fortune painting we may find a figure of a woman beside the wheel. She appears to be involved in turning this wheel. Who is this woman? Previous scholarly attempts to understand this design assumed that their origin could be traced to the Roman period. To find the answer we have to look further into the past. We must examine the artifacts from Egypt. The land of the Khem. Subsequent paintings of a lady and her wheel appeared in the manuscripts of western Europe from the mid 1200 (13th century). The style of the designs changed as the mediums used altered from illuminations to oils to wood cut ink prints. Such efforts can be found up to 1500. Therefore the wheel made be seen in works made during the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Later wheel paintings appeared, but not as frequently. One example was in the 19th century. The artist Edward Burne-Jones created a wheel of fortune painting in 1883.
The astrological relationships of the seasonsThe wheel of fortune provides a unique view of the seasons on the earth as they appear. Just from the painting alone a glimpse of a yearly cycle can be experienced. This information also provides the necessary knowledge required to understand the origin of these pictures.
The four figures on the wheel represent the four positions of the solstices and equinoxes.
In the illumination above we can come to realize what the action of the wheel demonstrates. The figure wearing robes and sports a crown is located at the position when the solar solstice occurs. The figure directly below the royal one is a figure stretched horizontally with very little clothing. The position of this poor figure is where the winter solstice occurs. Once these two markings are understood then the clarity of the diagram can be fathomed. The figures placed on the left and right of the painting depend on the rotation and orientation of the wheel. The figure said to rise by the “eye” is in the process of becoming. To arise from sleep is an event that happens in spring. The effect can be understood if you compress and spring and then release the spring. The object increases its size. A figure on its way up toward the crowed figure wearing the robes represents the spring equinox. This figure is placed on the upper left corner. If we look at the lower right hand corner we see a figure on the way down. This one is falling. The fall is a way to describe autumn. This falling is the position of the autumn equinox. Every gesture discerned in these paintings offers information. The mind often ignores subtle features. A determined effort is necessary. Note the positions of the hands and the objects that each figure holds onto.
Carving of constellations originally found in the Hathor temple near Dendera
The constellation designs depicted are estimated from 30 BCE. This is during the Greek Roman influence in Egypt. The circumpolar constellations retain their Egyptian designs. This can be determined because the picture for Libra is that of a balance. A much older form of this constellation was that of an Altar. The stone containing these carvings was installed in the ceiling of the Hathor temple near Dendera (1.6 miles south east). This temple work is suspected to been constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty period (305BCE to 30 BCE). It is possible older versions of the temple exist near this site. Some of the designs may not be familiar. Those of the zodiac can be easily identified with what is currently in use. The figure of Aquarius has two vessels each and pours them both simultaneously. The numerous smaller figures at the circumference of the wheel are the decans for the corresponding zodiac members. The figure near the center of the wheel concerns this article. To the left side of what resembles the leg of a large animal is a female water pig. The picture shows the pig standing on its paws and has a tail. The right arm holds an object.
Close up of the polar axis constellations. These are of Ox leg and a female pig (Sow)
A closer view of the carving gives a better view. The goddess named Rerit is pictured as a sow (IPA: /saʊ/ ) rhymes like cow. This deity provided nourishment for the first man of the Egyptian creation mythology. This representation is preserved in different cultures through time for Rerit is described as rotating around the celestial pole. The object being held is related to the turning of the this polar axis. The same turning is shown in the wheel of fortune paintings of a human woman. The use of animal chimeras to describe forces were later replaced with the sculptured form of human figures. In the orient temples still contain a mixture of human and totem animals. In the west older forms of chimeric figures exist in the least traveled porches of Gothic cathedrals. The meaning of this symbols are preserved waiting for the faithful to unlock the knowledge that is in these figures. Art from much older times are only preserved in drawings and a modern world cannot understand them. Their meaning requires more thought and a willingness to ask questions. This means breaking free from literal translations.
A carving of the deity. She is described as the lady of heaven. This figure is also found in astronomical ceiling map in the tomb of Senemut. The image can be found here . In this image the male consort of the goddess is represented as a crocodile placed upon the back of the goddess figure. The estimated period of this work is 1463 BCE.
The connection to the organs
The representation of Rereit is depicted as a chariot. This use of a chariot is not by chance. Nor is it a coincidence that the word appears in many places. The Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) begins with a conversation being held between Krishna and Arjuna in a chariot. This is the same chariot as Rereit. One can discern from the role of the chariot how the heavenly mother sustains and maintains. Other names are also besides chariot. Some are wagon, plow, drinking gourd, ladle, cup, and big dipper. Such names are given to the asterism of the constellation of Ursa Major. By the location of these stars with respect to Polaris the season can be identified.
Note Asterism = recognizable pattern of stars, Ursa Major = Great Bear constellation
These seven stars of the constellation are assigned to different organs of the body. The chart below shows the name of the star and the corresponding part of the body. Alcor and Mizar can be seen with binoculars.
Table relating the stars of the big dipper to the parts of the body. Notice how two stars appear for the kidneys.
Each of these stars in addition to having an art representation also has spiritual intelligences. They are depicted as well. The designs are well thought out. Below is an example. The figures in their costume have their names indicated in the last row.
This print is from the Taishō shinshü daizōkyō (大正新脩大藏經)
Here each of these figures are the assigned intelligences for each of the stars in the constellation. Other representations are possible. Drawn in this scheme as seven women. The seven intelligences are from right to left. They are as follows. 1 Heart 贪狼 (Tan lang), 2 Lungs 巨门 (Ju men), 3 Liver 禄存 (Lu cun), 4 Spleen 文曲 (Wen qu), 5 Stomach 廉贞 Lian zhen, 6 Kidneys 武曲 (Wu qu) and 天府 (tian fu) This is the smaller male scholar figure, and 7Eyes 破军 (Po jun). How do these assignments related to mental behavior? There are five systems which operate through 5 of the organs. These are heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and the kidneys. 1 The intuitive approach and the major task of supervising how the mind and body will respond is assigned to the heart. 2 The ability to react toward stimulus by basic instincts relay on the lungs. 3 The property of self awareness and self control is related through the Liver. 4 The two processes of remembering and thinking occur with the spleen. 6 Memory is accessed through the kidney. A discipline of divination called 紫微斗数 (Zi wei dou shu) uses these seven stars along with other stars and planets. A brief description in both English and Chinese can be found here. The importance is not to take the literal meaning of the names when studying their exact purpose. An advance source on the big dipper stars and their role in control of body and mind is found in a Ming dynasty manuscript 無上三天玉堂正宗高奔內景玉書. The English has been described as “The precious text of flying high in the inner landscape of the correct tradition of the jade hall of the supreme three heavens”. This work contains some wood block prints, which can be studied in the link provided above. Estimated to be published in 1445 C.E. The title implies the work involves the organs and proper functioning. The inner landscape means heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, muscle, bone, and so on.
Doumu The Mother of the Great chariot
Another version of the turner of the wheel. The name in Chinese is Mother of the Great Chariot (斗母元君 ). The great chariot is of course your body. In pin yin this is Dǒumǔ Yuánjūn. The word in English is Dou mu for short. In addition for the visible stars there invisible ones as well. They cast a black light that does not shine. The intelligences of these stars are given descriptive names. These are referred to as Nine yin who serve the emperor. They are used in the construction of the diaphanous bodies. Outwardly there are prayers directed to these Nine yin. They are described to grant the powers of invisibility. Such information exists in warrior training manuscripts. Esoterically these are designed to allow the Great Work to proceed in building of the higher vehicles. In western hermeticism such vehicles are referred to as the planets and elements.
The progress of evolution
The design is from the 12th century and is found inserted at the end of a 10th century manuscript called the Moralia in Job. A english translation of the manuscript is available here. Why the picture was included is not known. The words in the picture are Regno (I Reign), regnaui (I have reigned), Sum sine regno (I am without reign), Regnabo (I shall reign) and fortuna (fortune). Pay attention to this design. The rotation sense is counter clockwise and the figure holding the handle uses the right hand to control the wheel motion. The left hand holds a sword.
The tarot makes use of this image currently. This one from Italy does not show our lady explicitly at the controls. It is the tarot that preserves the artist contributions to the wheel of fortune. The crowned figure has lightening bolts and a cornucoppia. It also has wings. Those wings are also present in the Marseille tarot as well. The position of the tarot key 10 (Roman numeral X) is marked as corresponding to the Greek Zeus, or Roman Jupiter. This is a planetary star. The star has many uses if understood properly. First to introduce the concept we will focus on Jupiter’s pivotal role on the the Microprosopus (Small face). The Greek is Mikros Prosopon ( μικρος πρόσωπα ). The Chaldean short face is written in Hebrew as ( זְעֵיר אַנפִּין ) Ze`eyr ‘Anpin. The structure is expressed as a five pointed star. Regardless of the spellings and pronouciations the concept reveals the esoteric principle of God in Man. The movement of a hand, arm and leg are taken for granted when. it must be realized that your bodily functions are themselves a miracle and must not be taken for granted. To say that we live in the age of miracles is an understatement that is the primary lesson occultists aim to teach to the student. The activity of Jupiter is in a region of the body known by the words Abdominal Brain. Information available in other media here. It is called the solar plexus nerve cluster. This is found in the pith of the stomach in front of the aorta. In esoteric texts this is the site of birth. The heroes found in song and manuscripts such as Krishna, Attis, Bacchus, Dionysus, Cú Chulainn, and Tammuz as well as many others all share the solar region or Sun as a place for them. This can be difficult to perceive if not versed in the language of mythology and their relation to physiology. These heroes are described as being born in a cave, a stable, found under a pine tree. The body provides shelter to many hosts and is a sanctuary. Various sacred manuscripts speak of the nerve clusters in their own terminology. To think that our thoughts originate in a series of organs outside the cerebrum or head region will appear anti-heretical in the age of scientific discovery. Never-the-less even in the various disciplines in science there is a growing movement toward looking at the nervous system with new eyes. Current methods lack the capability to study these nerve centers. Art still has this ability. We respond to art and music. Methods still persist in using art in this way. The heavenly gift to change occurs here. The son of the king, the prince, emerges in the solar kingdom. In addition to this royal suite the solar plexus is the domain of the emotional mind. The area misunderstood in poems by the laymen assume emotion is derived from the heart is not true. The great push and pull of your feelings own their place in this region. The feeling of fear and butterflies in the stomach will be felt in the the very same pith region. This uncomfortable feeling is accurately pinpointed in the language yet our assumptions of blindness make the conclusion that heart incorrectly rules emotions. Unfortunately this is also where the great power is located. If you are ruled by your emotions you are a slave. In order for the the neophyte to achieve control a great struggle of the will is necessary. To rule it is necessary that you weld the sword. This sword is composed from the different nerve centers and must be constructed by the neophyte.
This design is from the collaboration of the artist Pamala Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite. First published 1909. Despite its popularity many of the secrets contained in the paintings remain hidden yet to be discovered. Let us examine the wheel of fortune key X (10) of this Tarot. The four different corners in the above picture represent the ends of the earth. This is from where the winds blow. The winds appear to be engaged in study. This is the preparation for a neophyte. At the top of the wheel is a chimeric figure. I like to draw your attention to four different features. These are subtle and always overlooked. One is the lower part of a lion. Two is part of human female. Three is the Nemes headdress. Seen on statues of Djoser (Tosorthros Greek name version) of the third dynasty (2686-2613 BCE). Four is the sword that the sphinx holds. These parts are required in order to assume the real you. Continuing on with the descriptions of the occupants on the wheel we have the figure in red. This is identified as a Hermanubis. This is a chimera of Hermes and Anubis. As this figure rises in the counter clockwise fashion the evolution of consciousness from lower to higher occurs. The sphinx represents our real personality behind the veil. This is to most ignorant. Our real self is an enigma hidden. We attempt to please others, by mirroring a false world rather than seek out our own personal values. The yellow serpent is the familiar Apep (Apophis Greek name). That is the heavenly messenger. Each of these figures occupy the positions involved in the ancient mystery rituals. The cipher of this tarot painting may prove of interest to our readers. If the letters T under the sphinx, A R beside the hermanubus and O by the serpent are grouped together they form the word TARO. This is in a clockwise sense. If the wheel is turned in a counter clockwise sense the letters produce ROTA. This is starting with the legs of hermanubus, followed by the serpent undulation, and end with the sphinx. ATOR, and ORAT. One arrangement of these four letters is ROTA TARO ORAT TORA ATOR. The four letter combination of ROTA is a Latin word for wheel. If O is selected as the first letter, where the serpent is indicated, the combination ORAT is produced. This has the meaning of begat. The letters TORA indicate the Hebrew word for Torah ( תּוֹרָה, ). The letters of ATOR is a Latin identity for Hathor. It has been surmised that this reads as The cycle of the book of Thoth teaches the law of Hathor. This law of Hathor is the law of nature. In a clearer sense this reads as the wheel of the tarot speaks the law of nature. There are other relations possible the word TAROT can be devised by beginning and ending at the position of T where the sphinx is located. Another four letter combination is TROA. This is ascribed to indicate a unique type of gate referred to as a Teruah ( הערת ) in Hebrew. If you were to add up all the letters using their corresponding numerical values you will arrive at the number 697. If this number is used in the summation of 6 + 9 + 7 the sum is 22. This mathematical relations points to the 22 Hebrew letters as the building material used in the construction of the wheel. Broken down this refers to the 12 zodiac signs, 7 planets, and the elements (air, fire, water). The element earth is included with the planet Saturn. This again really means the cosmos. Hence the structure of the cosmos obeys the laws of nature. Mental function observes a law of periodicity. If you pay close attention to yourself you can perceive a pattern of similar activity. So much of this actually happens that is possible to catch your own mistakes once you identify the rhythm of these events. The occult law of cause and consequence also operates as shown in the wheel of fortune. This is demonstrated in us by presenting to us the products of what we sow in the earth of the spinal chord. Good thoughts produce good things. Bad thoughts yield unpleasant experiences. Breath and blood circulationThe inner star called Jupiter has control over circulation. This another relation of the wheel of fortune to control of the body.
The exchange between air and blood occurs in the sack like shaped Alveoil. The entry of Spirit through breath is responsible for the seven emotions observed. They are called 1 joy, 2 anger, 3 sadness, 4 grief, 5 fright, 6 apprehension, 7 satisfaction. We may at first think these are all due to the automatic behaviors of the body. Occultly this is controlled through the occupant of the vehicle not the vehicle itself. The expressions not trained by an actor are manipulated by this very same passenger. The seven expressions are classed as 1 laughter, 2 crying, 3 sighing, 4 facial muscle manipulations, 5 movements of the body arms and legs, 6 hand gestures, 7 sighing. By the use of the emotions a language of communication is possible. Poems, plays, dance. music and art is a why to move and control these emotions.
The system of blood vessels and veins carry blood and food nutrients, and waste. This serves the entire body, from head to heart, stomach, fingers, and toes. Even the skin and nails are supported. The process should not be taken for granted. Those who gain insight into these paintings begin to consciously sense that this work goes on with in themselves. This highway brings all the treasures enriched by the digestive process from food and removes the products manufactured. Those are released. The body is known as the word Babylon. It is a mystery and the parts that serve the miracle resemble a plant like a tree. The veins and vessels are just as branches.
The picture above has a figure at the top holding a ball (orb) with a cross. This is a symbol for Antimony. This work, by Hans Weiditz (1495-1537), shows the four winds as clouds and not as the four creatures. As human faces the hieroglyph gives forth the concept of force. A careful search will satisfy that not all winds blow with the same impulse. This is illustrated by the lines of breath emitted. In Sanskrit the wind is called Vayu ( वायु ). The wind of East is allied with Sun. This wind where the sun arises is called Prana ( पाना ). It is the life force. The pair of Mercury and Gemini coordinates its efforts. The center of its activity is the Heart. The wind where the sun sets is in the west. The wind of the west is called Apana ( अपान ). This wind is friends with Fire. Aries and Mars assist control of this wind. The center of activity is the anus. The wind of the north is called Udana ( उदान ). The associate of this wind is the Moon. The operation is maintained by Venus and Taurus. The center of its activity is the Throat. Our final wind in the diagram must be south. The wind of the south is called Vyana ( व्यान ). This wind works with Water. The regulation is achieved by Saturn and Aquarius. A few of the centers of activity include veins, joints, limbs, and stomach. This information shows that the wheel has a role in the whole organism. Everything is regarded as involving mental activity not just nerve tissue. This goes against interpretations ruled by dogma and not the heart.
The figure represents the un-manifested and the manifested. The souls entry by a river called Aethiopia ( Αἰθιοπία ). The land of the black. In the Egyptian tradition this region is called the land of Cush. Efforts to find the archaeological location of this place have proven futile. Despite this there will always be wonder as to where such a place exists. The king of this region is called Cepheus ( Κηφεύς ). This is the stone that is pursued by many. If this is the stone than what is the relation to the king’s daughter? The daughter is Andromeda. ( Ἀνδρομέδη ). This figure is chained to a rock and threaten by the creature Ketos ( κῆτος ). The hero appears after one of the cycles of the wheel is about to end. This is when Peresus ( Περσεύς ) arrives to release Andromeda from her bonds and crystallizes Ketos. Now it can behave as a jewel. If the figure of Ketos is altered the threat disappears. What is this myth talking about? If you seek changes the soul world must achieve control of the chariot. With the arrival of each hero and heroine the wheel completes a turn and the next task in construction continues. The gradual birth and raising of the hero and the meeting with the heroine is presented in the form of the production of wine from the birth of the grape and season for its conversion into wine and the drunkenness that occurs with the consumption of the alcohol. The spirit enters. The fruit growing on the vine itself has received a substance. A spirit! This is represented by the sun in spring. Hence the spring position of the wheel. You are composed of less coarser material yet your higher forms depend on coarse and heavy material given to you from nature. The substances in nature are needed by the higher selves to manifest. This struggle that spirit undergoes with nature to achieve greater forms is represented by the cross pattern on the wheel. One vertical arm represents a downward direction of involution where spirit enters matter. The horizontal arm represents a upward direction of evolution where matter rises towards spirit. Matter than enters spirit. This can be achieved which requires thought. If one can go below then one can go above.
It is Not by chance but this design does have more to offer. It is important to be made aware that the wheel of fortune is the first hour for the initiate. The same hour can be found in the Amudat (Text of the hidden chamber) of Egypt. This hour involves the beginning of study and the application of tests. At this auspicious commencement there must be collection of earth. By mixing together just as flour and water a mass is formed and by will this shall be animated. Such effort of the artist requires the skills of a physician and noble judge. All unpleasant conclusions must be eliminated. That which is not you must be gone and a unified singing of a chorus must be achieved. By the dross mixed with light great can be achieved. This involves a refrain from blowing out the candle. Very often a masterpiece is discarded because the image is not what we perceive it to be. We look with false eye. Dignity of ourselves begins with out thinking process. This means having to endure a walk through snowstorms and desert rains before the message is realized. Misunderstandings between truth and lies will occur when scandals are thrown out. The victory of the first hour needs the urge to reattach the long missing head. This head is described in geometry as an equilateral triangle. The four parts of this triangle are will, feelings, thinking, and Love. With this the dignity we crave manifests.
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