This phrase evokes a sense of vulnerability, unpredictability, and being at the mercy of external forces, particularly during a time often associated with change and the supernatural. The imagery conjures a fragile object tossed about by the elements, lacking control over its direction or destination. One might think of a precarious situation during a festival linked to autumn and the departed.
The significance lies in its power to symbolize the human condition amidst circumstances beyond one’s control. It captures the ephemerality of life and the potential for being swayed by events, especially during periods of heightened awareness or transition. Historically, the time mentioned is related to reflection, remembrance, and a recognition of forces unseen, adding layers of meaning to the overall concept of being adrift.