The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

1. The Basic Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card

Have you ever experienced a sudden, unexpected turn of events that shifted your life in a new direction, making you feel like a larger, unseen force was at play? That sense of life’s continuous movement, its ups and downs, and the hand of destiny is the first whisper of the Wheel of Fortune tarot card. This card isn’t just about random luck; it’s about cycles, change, and the understanding that life is always in motion.

The Wheel of Fortune stands as a powerful symbol of destiny, karma, and the cyclical nature of existence. When this card appears, it often signals a turning point, the arrival of change, or the consequences of past actions coming to fruition. It suggests that while we have free will, we are also part of larger patterns and rhythms. It’s an invitation to embrace change, to understand the lessons within life’s cycles, and to find your place within the ever-turning wheel of fate.

2. Picture This: Unveiling the Symbols Within The Wheel of Fortune

In many traditional tarot images, The Wheel of Fortune is a complex and highly symbolic card. At its center is a large wheel, often inscribed with letters or symbols, suspended in the sky or held by an unseen force. This wheel itself is the primary symbol, representing the cycles of life, fate, and the constant ebb and flow of fortune.

Around the wheel, various figures are often depicted. Sometimes, a sphinx sits atop the wheel, calm and enigmatic, perhaps symbolizing wisdom, balance, or the riddles of destiny that one must understand to navigate the wheel’s turns. Other figures may be shown rising on one side of the wheel, signifying good fortune or an upswing in life, while others may be descending on the other side, indicating a downturn or the end of a fortunate phase. These figures can be human or animalistic, such as a snake (often representing Set or Typhon, symbolizing the destructive or downward cycle) or a jackal-headed figure (perhaps Anubis, the guide of souls, representing the rising cycle or divine intervention).

In the four corners of the card, figures representing the four fixed signs of the zodiac (or the four evangelists in Christian iconography, or the four elements) are often shown: a Man or Angel (Aquarius – Air), an Eagle (Scorpio – Water), a Lion (Leo – Fire), and a Bull (Taurus – Earth). These figures are often depicted reading books, symbolizing wisdom, the unchanging laws of the universe, or the stability of the elements amidst the turning wheel. The presence of these four figures suggests that the wheel operates within a larger cosmic order. The letters on the wheel itself might be T-A-R-O (or R-O-T-A, meaning wheel in Latin), or the Hebrew letters for YHVH (Yahweh), indicating divine name and influence over fate.

3. The Heart of the Matter: What The Wheel of Fortune Means When Upright

When The Wheel of Fortune card appears upright in a reading, it is a powerful signal of impending change, a significant turning point, or the workings of destiny in your life. It brings a message about cycles, opportunities, and the interconnectedness of events.

Core Upright Meanings:

The central message of The Wheel of Fortune is that life is in a constant state of flux, with cycles of ups and downs, beginnings and endings. This card often indicates that a new cycle is beginning or that an old one is coming to a close. It can signify a stroke of good luck, an unexpected opportunity, or a favorable turn of events. Key themes for The Wheel of Fortune include destiny, fate, karma (the results of past actions), cycles, change, and turning points. It encourages you to go with the flow, to adapt to changes, and to understand that even challenging times are part of a larger pattern that can lead to growth and new possibilities.

The Wheel of Fortune can suggest that events are moving forward, often in a way that feels guided by a force beyond your complete control. It’s a reminder that while you have free will to make choices, larger cosmic or life cycles also influence your path. This card can bring a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come, or it can be a comforting reminder that if things have been difficult, the wheel will eventually turn in your favor. It often speaks to a significant shift in your circumstances or perspective.

The Number’s Voice (Numerology Connection for 10):

The Wheel of Fortune is Card number 10. In numerology, the number 10 is highly significant as it represents the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new one at a higher level. It combines the energies of the number 1 (new beginnings, individuality, initiative) and the number 0 (unlimited potential, the void, spirit). Your numerology resources highlight that the number 10 is about wholeness, attainment, and the feeling of “coming full circle.” It signifies that a particular phase of learning or experience has been completed, and you are now ready to move on to the next stage, carrying the wisdom gained. It is a number of both endings and fresh starts.

Connecting this to The Wheel of Fortune, Card 10 perfectly embodies this cyclical nature of completion and renewal. The Wheel itself is the cycle, and the number 10 reinforces that it represents a turning point where one phase ends and another begins. It underscores the idea that the changes brought by The Wheel are not random but are part of an ordered progression. The 1 signifies the new opportunity or direction, while the 0 signifies the underlying potential and the spiritual context of these changes. The energy of the number 10 gives The Wheel of Fortune its sense of destiny unfolding and the promise that even as one part of life concludes, a new, potentially elevated, chapter is about to start. It’s the number that says, “I complete, I begin anew, I am part of the cycle.”

Bringing Meanings to Life:

Imagine you’ve been feeling stuck in a situation for a while, and then suddenly, out of the blue, an unexpected job offer, a new person, or a surprising piece of news arrives that changes everything. That feeling of life taking a sudden, decisive turn is the energy of The Wheel of Fortune. Or perhaps you’ve been working hard on a project, and it finally comes to a successful conclusion, opening doors to new opportunities you hadn’t anticipated. This completion leading to a new beginning is also The Wheel.

It might also appear when you notice synchronicities or a series of events that seem meaningfully connected, making you feel that there’s a larger plan unfolding. It’s about recognizing the patterns in your life and understanding that change is a constant and often positive force. When I feel that life is truly in motion, bringing unexpected shifts and turns, and I choose to adapt and see the opportunities within those changes – that feels like aligning with the dynamic spin of The Wheel of Fortune. It reminds us that fortune, in its many forms, is always in motion.

4. The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card When Reversed

When The Wheel of Fortune card appears reversed, its dynamic energy of positive change and cyclical flow can become disrupted, feel negative, or indicate resistance to inevitable changes. It suggests a period where luck may not seem to be on your side, or where you feel out of control.

One common interpretation of The Wheel of Fortune reversed is that it can point to a period of bad luck, unexpected setbacks, or negative changes in circumstances. It might feel like things are going against you, or that you are on the downward arc of the wheel. However, it’s important to remember that the wheel always turns, so even negative phases are temporary.

Another perspective is that The Wheel of Fortune reversed can indicate a resistance to change or an inability to adapt to new circumstances. You might be trying to cling to the past or fight against the natural flow of events, which can lead to frustration and a feeling of being stuck. It could also suggest that you are not learning from past cycles or are repeating negative patterns.

Sometimes, The Wheel of Fortune reversed can also suggest a feeling of being powerless or a victim of fate. You might feel like external forces are controlling your life, and you have no say in what happens. It could also point to negative consequences arising from past actions (karma) that are now coming to fruition. There might be a lack of foresight or an unwillingness to take responsibility for your part in the unfolding events.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune is an invitation to look at how you are responding to life’s changes. Are you resisting what needs to shift? Are you learning the lessons from difficult cycles? Are you taking responsibility for your choices, even when faced with unexpected outcomes? It’s a call to find acceptance, to adapt, and to remember that even downturns are part of a larger cycle that ultimately leads to new opportunities for growth.

5. Seeing It in Your World: The Wheel of Fortune in Your Daily Life

The cyclical and often surprising energy of The Wheel of Fortune, whether bringing welcome changes upright or challenging your adaptability when reversed, can show up in many ways.

When The Wheel of Fortune’s upright energy is active, you might experience a sudden windfall, get an unexpected promotion, or meet someone who changes the course of your life. Plans might come together more easily than expected, or you might find yourself in the right place at the right time for a wonderful opportunity. It’s a time when you feel life is flowing in a positive direction, bringing good fortune and exciting new developments.

If the lessons of the reversed Wheel of Fortune are more prominent, you might experience a series of minor setbacks – a project gets delayed, your car breaks down, or plans fall through unexpectedly. You might feel frustrated that things aren’t going your way, or you might find yourself resisting a necessary change in your routine or circumstances. It could also manifest as feeling stuck in a rut, with the same old problems recurring because you haven’t yet changed your approach or learned the underlying lesson.

A couple of questions to reflect on when The Wheel of Fortune’s energy is present:

“What cycle in my life is currently ending, and what new cycle might be beginning?”
“How can I best adapt to the changes happening around me and find the opportunities within them, even if they are unexpected?”

6. Echoes and Connections: The Wheel of Fortune Among Other Cards

The Wheel of Fortune, as Card 10, marks a significant turning point in the Major Arcana, representing the completion of the first decade of cards and the transition into new phases of The Fool’s journey. It signifies a shift from more personal development (cards 1-9) to engagement with broader life patterns and karmic influences.

It naturally follows The Hermit (Card 9), who seeks inner wisdom in solitude. The Wheel can represent the re-entry into the world after that period of introspection, where the Hermit’s insights are now tested by the currents of fate and external events. The changes brought by The Wheel can often be the catalysts that propel The Fool into the lessons of the next set of cards, such as Justice (Card 11) or Strength (Card 8), which deal with cause and effect, and inner fortitude in the face of life’s challenges.

The cyclical nature of The Wheel echoes themes of endings and beginnings found in cards like Death (Card 13) and Judgement (Card 20), though The Wheel often implies less of a definitive, transformative ending and more of an ongoing, rhythmic turning. The concept of karma or destiny in The Wheel also connects to Justice, which deals with fairness, accountability, and the balancing of scales.

7. The Wisdom of The Wheel of Fortune: Your Gentle Takeaway Message

The deepest wisdom of The Wheel of Fortune lies in its profound reminder that life is an ever-changing dance of cycles, and that change itself is the only constant. This card teaches you to embrace the ebb and flow of fortune with grace and adaptability, understanding that both good times and challenging times are temporary and part of a larger, meaningful pattern. It encourages you to see the hand of destiny not as a rigid, predetermined fate, but as a dynamic interplay between your choices and the larger rhythms of the universe.

The Wheel of Fortune invites you to cultivate resilience, to learn from every turn of events, and to trust that even when you are on the downward arc, the wheel will eventually turn upwards again. It emphasizes that every experience, whether perceived as “good” or “bad,” brings with it valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. By understanding the cyclical nature of life, you can navigate its uncertainties with greater wisdom and less resistance.

Think of The Wheel of Fortune as a cosmic reminder to stay centered amidst life’s inevitable changes. This card invites you to find your own still point within the turning world, to accept what you cannot control, and to make the most of the opportunities that each new cycle brings. It’s a call to flow with life, to learn from its mysteries, and to trust in the unfolding of your unique destiny.

8. Quick Questions About The Wheel of Fortune

Here are a couple of common questions people have about The Wheel of Fortune:

Q1: Does The Wheel of Fortune mean everything is fated and I have no free will?A: The Wheel of Fortune suggests that larger cycles and destiny play a role, but it doesn’t negate free will. You still make choices that influence how you experience the turns of the wheel and what you learn from them. It’s often seen as an interplay between fate and free will – some things are set in motion, but how you navigate them is up to you.
Q2: If I get The Wheel of Fortune upright, does it always mean good luck is coming?A: Upright, The Wheel of Fortune very often signals positive changes, new opportunities, or a favorable turn of events – essentially, “good luck.” However, its primary message is about change and cycles. So, even if the change is ultimately for the better, it might still require adjustment. The emphasis is on a significant turning point.
Q3: Is there anything I can do to stop the wheel if it’s bringing bad luck (when reversed, for example)?A: The nature of the Wheel is that it always keeps turning. If you are experiencing a downturn (often suggested by the reversed card), the best approach is not to try and stop the wheel (which is usually impossible), but to learn from the experience, adapt to the circumstances, and trust that the cycle will eventually shift. Resisting often creates more difficulty. Acceptance and resilience are key.

The Fool • The Magician • The High Priestess • The Empress • The Emperor • The Hierophant • The Lovers • The Chariot • Strength • The Hermit • Wheel of Fortune • Justice • The Hanged Man • Death • Temperance • The Devil • The Tower • The Star • The Moon • The Sun • Judgement • The World

Wheel of Fortune – Card 10: Your In-Depth Guide to Cycles and Destiny

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