Fors Fortuna

Our lives are mostly governed by large forces and distant events we have very little control over. This I’m sure of, even when I’m sure of little else. Whether they’re literal beings on a higher plane or archetypes in our own minds, deities and spirits personify these forces. When I make offerings to one deity or another, a large part of what I’m doing is facing these uncontrollable forces and reminding myself of my own limited role in the unfolding of events.

I’ve studied and considered and tried to connect with a number of deities and archetypes over the years, mostly with little success. There are deities I admire, like Seshat and Athena, who seem totally uninterested in my adoration. There are deities I have a fuzzy connection with, like Hekate and Selene. And then there’s Fortuna.

A few years ago, at a low point in my life, (I don’t have the best mental health so I’ve had a lot of low points, if I’m being totally honest.) it hit me hard that for all the absolutely legitimate complaints I have agains the universe, I’ve always had enough money.

Fortuna, I realize, has blessed me time and again. I’m not talking about riches and luxury, just a lot of smaller lucky moments. Tax refunds coming through at just the right time, people repaying loans when I really needed them to, things I need going on sale just when money is tight. After feeling ignored by the God of my youth, disconnected from most of the benevolent forces in the universe, it felt nice to think Fortuna looked fondly on me.

My faith in Fortuna’s favor has grown a bit dim as the job search continues without success and our savings slowly drains. Today, on one of her well-known festival days, I can’t afford to kick any more towards charity than I already do. But I can certainly remember that fortune is fickle and sometimes the stroke of luck doesn’t come until things are looking much grimmer than they are like now. Fortuna likes to test and tease and I probably shouldn’t give up hope just yet. Good fortune may find us any day now.

Until then, I wish all of us a little extra luck on Fors Fortuna’s day.