Tarot Card Meanings:
Wheel of Fortune
What is "Wheel of Fortune" in Tarot?
Wheel of Fortune is card number ten in the Major Arcana. It represents cycles, change, and the forces of destiny at play. This card signifies that life’s ups and downs are inevitable, reminding you that shifts in fortune can bring unexpected opportunities or challenges.
What are the key symbols in the "Wheel of Fortune" tarot card?
- Rotating wheel: Symbolizes the cycles of life, fate, and constant change.
- Figures around the wheel (Sphinx, Anubis, serpent): Represent different phases of fate, knowledge, and the forces of life and death.
- Four winged creatures in the corners: Represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), symbolizing stability amidst change.
- Letters “T-A-R-O” and alchemical symbols: Suggest deeper knowledge, mystery, and the interconnectedness of all things.
- Clouds surrounding the wheel: Indicate divine influence and the unseen forces shaping destiny.
These symbols are based on the Rider-Waite Smith tarot. Symbols may differ in other decks!
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
Wheel of Fortune Keywords: Change, cycles, fate, destiny, opportunity, turning points, karma, unpredictability.
The Wheel of Fortune in the tarot signifies the cyclical nature of life and the powerful forces of fate and destiny that guide it. This card represents turning points, where circumstances shift, sometimes bringing unexpected opportunities or challenges. It highlights the ebb and flow of fortune, reminding you that change is inevitable and often beyond your control. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace these shifts, trust the process, and remain adaptable, knowing that what goes up may come down, but the cycle always continues.
Wheel of Fortune Reversed Tarot Card Meaning
Wheel of Fortune Reversed Keywords: Bad luck, resistance to change, setbacks, stagnation, missed opportunities, cycles of misfortune, lack of control.
When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies a period of setbacks or bad luck, where you may feel trapped in a cycle of misfortune or stagnation. This card suggests that despite your efforts, external forces beyond your control may be blocking your progress or disrupting your plans. It reflects a resistance to change, where clinging to the past or fearing the unknown is preventing forward movement. The reversed Wheel of Fortune urges you to accept that not everything is within your power and to release control, trusting that this challenging phase will eventually shift as the wheel turns once again.
El Tarocchi Insight
Wheel of Fortune is a reminder that timing is part of the equation.
In my 20+ years of tarot reading, I’ve noticed that the Wheel of Fortune often means one of two things: sometimes it’s a form of relief wherein things are finally shifting. Other times, it can be something unsettling because it signifies that the wheel is continuing to turn, whether the tarot client is ready for what comes or not. The practical takeaway I usually offer clients is this: there really are things that are beyond your control. The sooner you accept this and simply focus on what you can control, the sooner you’ll find relief and inner peace.
Gallery: Wheel of Fortune in Various Tarot Decks
by Xia Hunt