There’s something irresistible about Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck. She’s unpredictable, playful, and occasionally cruel—just like life itself. If you’ve ever had a stroke of good luck that seemed to come out of nowhere, you might owe a nod to Fortuna. Likewise, if you’ve ever felt like the universe just threw a wrench in your plans for no reason, well, that’s her doing too. But what if she’s more than just an ancient myth? What if Fortuna is still subtly influencing our lives today?
Who Was Fortuna?
The Romans had a complicated relationship with Fortuna. She was adored, feared, and constantly invoked. Unlike other deities with clearly defined domains, Fortuna was a force of nature. She was depicted holding a cornucopia (symbolizing abundance) and a rudder (steering the course of fate). Sometimes she stood on a ball, a reminder that luck is always shifting. She could bring prosperity, but just as easily, she could snatch it away.
Her worshippers knew one thing: luck wasn’t random. It was fickle, but it followed patterns, cycles, and maybe even favoured those who understood her nature. If you feel tempted to try your own luck, you can indulge yourself at Bruce Bet right now.
Fortuna in a Modern World
In our rational, data-driven age, talking about a goddess of luck might seem like superstition. We have algorithms, statistics, and probability models to explain randomness. And yet, we still knock on wood, cross our fingers, and speak of “good luck” as if it were a tangible force.
The truth is, Fortuna’s presence hasn’t faded. She just wears a different mask. Every time someone buys a lottery ticket, takes a risk in business, or embraces an opportunity that seems to appear out of thin air, Fortuna is in the background. She doesn’t promise success, but she does reward those who are willing to act.
Luck: Passive or Active?
The Romans understood that Fortuna didn’t work in isolation. Yes, she could randomly gift someone a fortune, but she often favoured those who put themselves in a position to receive it. “Fortuna audaces iuvat,” the famous phrase goes—”Fortune favours the bold.” It’s not about waiting for luck to find you; it’s about putting yourself in places where it’s more likely to strike.
In practical terms, this means saying yes to opportunities, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and recognising the doors that are opening in front of you. Modern psychology even backs this up: studies show that people who believe themselves lucky actually experience more good fortune. Why? Because they’re more open to new experiences and take more chances. They create their own luck.
Cultivating Fortuna’s Favour
If you want Fortuna on your side, you need to play her game. Here’s how:
- Take more chances. You miss every opportunity you don’t take. Fortuna doesn’t reward those who sit on the sidelines.
- Stay adaptable. Luck changes fast. If you’re too rigid, you won’t be able to catch a lucky break when it comes your way.
- Trust the cycle. Sometimes, luck isn’t in your favour. That’s fine. Fortuna’s wheel turns, and tomorrow could be different.
- Stay grateful. The Romans often made offerings to Fortuna. In modern terms, this might mean appreciating what you already have. Gratitude has a way of attracting more good things.
So, Is Fortuna Real?
That depends on how you define “real.” As a goddess sitting on a cloud, tossing coins down to mortals? Maybe not. But as a representation of the chaotic, unpredictable nature of life? Absolutely. Fortuna is every unexpected break, every unforeseen setback, and every stroke of serendipity. She’s there when a chance meeting leads to a job offer, when an idea sparks into a successful project, and when the universe seems to give you exactly what you need at the perfect moment.
Whether we acknowledge her or not, Fortuna is still at work. And if we play our cards right, maybe—just maybe—she’ll give us a little push in the right direction.
