The Wheel of Fortune represents the cycles of life, the seasons of the year.  It is the 10th Major Arcana card.  When it appears in a reading it often indicates a major change in circumstances brought about by outside influences.  This card suggests that an understanding of life's cycles and a willing to accept changes may be beneficial.  The Wheel of Fortune reinforces the idea that sometimes things happen as part of the natural cycle of life.  This card represents major changes in one's life, a life altering shift.  

"Positive:  Everything possible has been done, by you or by others, to set things in motion, so you need not push yourself any harder.  Simply relax and wait to see what the Universe sends in response.
Upright:  You've set events in motion in a concrete, observable way.  You have actually sent a letter, called someone, or made travel reservations.  You've done something in the real world, to get things started." - Gail Fairfield

This is the second time this month I've drawn this card.  Obviously I need to hear and heed its message.  And I think in response to this question it's telling me to trust the proces and trust the natural cycle of things.  Right now things are tough and the job market is difficult.  However this will eventually turn and improve.  I just have to create a strategy for riding out the changes and know that things will get better over time.  Of course it's ironic that someone who has traditionally been so resistant to change is now waiting for it.

I found the Victorian Romantic Wheel of Fortune to be an interesting take on this card.  A very noble looking personage is offering a crown to a young man who appears to be of a low rank.  It reminds me a bit of legends of the boy of a royal house who is raised in obscurity, unaware of his destiny.  Then one day someone appears and tells him his true heritage and offers him the symbols that confirm his right to rule.  I would imagine that being offered a kingdom would be something life changing.  It would be a dramatic shift from being a poor, obscure peasant to becoming the ruler of a kingdom.  The shifts one would have to make in one's life and one's mindset are almost mind-boggling.

I've always enjoyed looking at historical parallels with what we are currently experiencing.  This might not be as bad as the Great Depression of the 30s but much of that is due to the fact that the government has been more aggressive in ensuring that some of the failings of the 30s don't happen again.  However it is frightening to realize that we haven't really learned the lessons of that time in a way that will allow us to prevent such situations.  This country's laissez faire approach to business has caused a lot of pain and devastation in the past.  Unless we learn how to fix it, it's likely it will happen again.

Of course the reality is that I obviously need to trust that change will eventually work in my favor, even if I don't initially see the benefits.  That doesn't mean I will ever embrace all the changes in my life.  No matter how much people try to convince me that gentrification is better, I miss the unique, quirkiness that used to dominate my neighbhorhood.  Now it has a uniformly hip and trendy vibe that makes it no different from many other places in Manhattan.  However there are changes I immensely enjoy and appreciate such as some technological advances.  Otherwise how could I beam these wonderfully insightful and inspired words out there for any and all to enjoy?