What comes to mind when you think of a wheel of fortune? Maybe it’s the image of a 90’s TV host spinning a colorful wheel to see if some hopeful viewer will change their luck.
In tarot, the Wheel of Fortune is a symbol of destiny, change, and the cyclical nature of life. As the tenth card in the journey of the Fool, it represents a pivotal moment where fate takes a turn, leading to unexpected circumstances and opportunities.
When the Wheel of Fortune appears in my readings, I know it represents movement and transformation. This card embodies the principle that nothing is permanent except change. I like to think of it as a reminder that life is full of ups and downs and that we are all part of a greater cycle of events.
Wheel of Fortune Keywords and General Associations
With the word “Fortune” in its name, the symbolism of this card quickly leads us to associate it with positive change, opportunity, and luck. However, when reversed, it can indicate resistance to change, bad luck, or unexpected setbacks.
- Upright Keywords: Change, Destiny, Luck, Cycles, Karma
- Reversed Keywords: Resistance, Unexpected Setbacks, Bad Luck
The Wheel of Fortune is associated with the element of Fire, which represents transformation and changes. Its planetary association is Jupiter, the planet of expansion and good fortune. In terms of zodiac associations, it is linked with Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, each adding a unique flavor to the card’s interpretation.
Detailed Description of the Wheel of Fortune Card
I love the image of the Wheel of Fortune card in the Rider-Waite-Colman tarot deck. At the center of the card is a large wheel, representing the cycles of life and destiny. On the wheel are various alchemical symbols, representing the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water. Take a moment to appreciate each detail filled with symbolism.
Surrounding the wheel are four creatures, each representing a fixed sign of the zodiac: Taurus the bull, Leo the lion, Scorpio the eagle, and Aquarius the man. I am passionate about astrology, so I know these figures symbolize the four corners of the universe and the divine influence over the wheel of life.
A snake, symbolizing knowledge and life force, descends on one side of the wheel, while on the other side, a sphinx, symbolizing life’s riddles, sits atop the wheel. What comes to your mind when seeing these images? What feelings arise within you?
Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is a card of destiny and change. It signifies the cyclical nature of life, where ups and downs are inevitable and part of the human experience. The wheel turns and life changes, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges.
In a reading, the Wheel of Fortune can represent a turning point or a pivotal moment that brings about significant change. It can also signify the workings of fate or destiny in a person’s life, where certain events and situations are beyond one’s control.
The interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune can vary greatly depending on the context of the reading. In some cases, it may represent a stroke of good luck or a fortunate turn of events. In others, it may indicate a period of upheaval or unexpected change.
Interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune, like all tarot cards, has different interpretations depending on whether it appears upright or reversed in a reading. These interpretations can be applied to various areas of life, including love, career, personal growth, and more.
Upright Wheel of Fortune
When the Wheel of Fortune appears upright in a reading, it signifies positive change and good fortune. It’s a sign that the wheel is turning in your favor, bringing with it new opportunities and beneficial circumstances.
I always remind my clients that luck doesn’t happen without their will and action. This card heralds an opportunity to improve their lives, but if they don’t make the effort to step out of their comfort zone, they may miss it!
In the context of love and relationships, the upright Wheel of Fortune can indicate a positive turn of events. Perhaps a new relationship is on the horizon, or an existing relationship is entering a new and exciting phase. When this card comes out, I encourage my readers to take more risks in pursuit of a more expansive dynamic.
In terms of career and work, the Wheel of Fortune can signify a job promotion, a new job opportunity, or a successful business venture. It’s a sign that your professional life is moving in a positive direction. Think about it as Jupiter, the benefactor of the galaxy, walking right beside you, making sure all your work decisions are successful.
In terms of personal growth, the Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace change and the natural cycles of life. Life is full of ups and downs, fortunately! If not, our existence would be so dull! These changes are necessary for your growth and development, so embrace them with open arms.
Reversed Wheel of Fortune
When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed in a reading, it can indicate resistance to change or a period of bad luck. As I always say, bad luck is not random. It reflects a rigid way of approaching life.If things don’t go as planned, try adapting to the circumstances instead of resisting change.
In the context of love and relationships, the reversed Wheel of Fortune can indicate a turbulent time. But don’t get discouraged! This “rough patch” my actually be a blessing in disguise, triggering a necessary change in your dynamic.
In terms of career and work, the reversed Wheel of Fortune can signify setbacks or delays. Perhaps a job promotion is put on hold, or a business venture encounters unexpected challenges. Don’t fret about it. Again, this may be exactly what you need at this moment of your career journey.
In terms of personal growth, the reversed Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace the challenges that come with change. Remember my words! Even in times of difficulty, there is always an opportunity for growth and learning.
Comparing and Contrasting The Wheel of Fortune with The Magician and The High Priestess
To fully grasp the essence of the Wheel of Fortune, it’s beneficial to juxtapose it with other Major Arcana cards. In this case, we’ll delve into the similarities and differences between The Magician and The High Priestess.
Combined with The Magician: A Dance of Destiny and Will
The Magician, the first card of the Major Arcana, symbolizes willpower, resourcefulness, and the ability to manifest one’s desires into reality. It’s about taking control of your destiny and shaping your path through conscious action. The Magician is a master of the four elements, using them to create his reality.
On the other hand, the Wheel of Fortune, the tenth card of the Major Arcana, represents the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change. It’s about accepting that there are forces beyond our control that can influence our path. The Wheel of Fortune is governed by the element of Fire and the planet Jupiter, symbolizing transformation, expansion, and good fortune.
While The Magician is about creating change through personal will and action, the Wheel of Fortune is about change that is often beyond our control, governed by fate or destiny. Both cards signify movement and change, but their approach is different. The Magician encourages us to take control and act, while the Wheel of Fortune reminds us to be adaptable and accept the changes that life brings.
Combined with The High Priestess: The Interplay of External Change and Internal Wisdom
The High Priestess, the second card of the Major Arcana, is a symbol of intuition, mystery, and inner knowledge. Don’t you feel an profound yet calm aura when you see this image? She sits between the pillars of mercy and severity, representing balance and duality. She encourages us to look inward, trust our intuition, and uncover the mysteries that lie within us.
The Wheel of Fortune, on the other hand, represents the external world and the changes that occur within it. It’s about the cycles of life, the ups and downs, and the wheel of fate that we all are part of.
While the High Priestess represents the inner world and encourages introspection, the Wheel of Fortune represents the external world and the changes that occur within it. The High Priestess asks us to trust our intuition and inner wisdom, while the Wheel of Fortune reminds us to be adaptable and open to the changes that life brings.
Wheel of Fortune in Specific Readings
The interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune can vary greatly depending on the type of reading and the question being asked. Plus, your unique circumstances and energy can alter the meaning too. Some clients are more reluctant to change while others are craving a new lease on life!
Let’s delve deeper into how this card might be interpreted in different types of readings.
Yes-no readings
In a yes-no reading, the Wheel of Fortune generally indicates a “yes” answer. However, it also suggests that the outcome may be influenced by factors beyond your control. In short: the more you want to control things, the more you’ll have to deal with “unexpected” changes. If you get this card in a yes-no reading, I highly advice you to be adaptable and open to change, as the wheel of fate is always turning. The Wheel of Fortune in a yes-no reading can also indicate that the situation is still evolving and the final outcome has not yet been determined. Take a deep breath, let go of control, and trust in the Universe’s wisdom.
Love readings
In a love reading, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a turning point in a relationship. Before you go running to your partner to complain, this could be a positive change! Such as a new level of commitment, or a challenging change, such as a period of instability or uncertainty. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that all relationships go through cycles, and that change is a natural part of this process. It encourages us to be adaptable and to embrace the changes that come our way, whether they are positive or challenging.
Work readings
In a work reading, the Wheel of Fortune can signify a change in your career or job situation. This could be a positive change, such as a promotion or new job opportunity, or it could be a challenging change, such as a job loss or career transition. Whatever it is, it will lead to a more expansive and fulfilling work life in the future.
The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace these changes and see them as opportunities for growth and development. As in the other readings, I always remind my clients that just as the wheel turns, so do our professional lives. Don’t get stuck in your circumstances and remember that what may seem like a setback now could lead to better opportunities in the future.
Key Card Combinations with the Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune can interact with other cards, providing additional layers of meaning to the reading. Let’s explore some key card combinations and how they might alter the interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune.
Wheel of Fortune and The Fool: Embracing the Unknown
When the Wheel of Fortune is paired with The Fool, something is certain: Expect the unexpected!. This combination suggests that a significant change or turning point is coming, and it’s time to embrace the unknown and take a leap of faith.
The Fool, representing the beginning of a journey and the spirit of adventure, combined with the Wheel of Fortune, symbolizing change and cycles, can indicate a major shift or new phase in one’s life that requires courage and openness to new experiences.
Wheel of Fortune and Death: Transformation and Renewal
The Wheel of Fortune and Death together can signify a major transformation or transition. But don’t worry. This combination only suggests thar one phase of life is ending and a new one is beginning. In short, you are evolving! You are not a cartoon character, hurray! Change is a natural part of life and that endings often lead to new beginnings.
Death, a card of endings and beginnings, transformation, and renewal, combined with the Wheel of Fortune, a card of cycles and change, can indicate a profound transformation that may initially seem challenging but ultimately leads to growth and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wheel of Fortune represents change, cycles, destiny, and luck. It signifies the ups and downs of life and the cyclical nature of events.
In a love reading, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a turning point in a relationship. This could be a positive change, such as a new level of commitment, or a challenging change, such as a period of instability or uncertainty.
In a career reading, the Wheel of Fortune can signify a change in your career or job situation. This could be a positive change, such as a promotion or new job opportunity, or it could be a challenging change, such as a job loss or career transition.
When reversed, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate resistance to change or a period of bad luck. It’s a sign that things may not be going as planned, and that unexpected challenges or setbacks may be on the horizon.
Last thoughts on the Wheel of Fortune
I love the Wheel of Fortune, but not because of its obvious association with luck, fortune, abundance, etc. I like to think of it as a reminder to take a leap of faith, to embrace change, to allow myself to step out of my comfort zone.
For me, luck is not a random thing. I truly believe in the phrase “luck is a combination of preparation and opportunity. If you’ve worked hard for your dreams, overcome your obstacles, and taken risks in pursuit of your passions, then the wheel of fortune seems to herald the final push from the universe that will propel you to success.
But don’t get too attached to your luck! Whether up or down, the Wheel of Fortune encourages us to remain adaptable and open to the ever-changing wheel of life.
Learn the Tarot with Online Flash Cards
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In the post, Ersa focuses on the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, known for its rich imagery and profound symbolism. The captivating illustrations in this deck draw from various sources such as mythology, astrology, alchemy, and the Kabbalah, creating a visual language that resonates deeply with the human psyche. So, if you’re ready to start learning, don’t miss out on this fantastic resource. We hope you find it useful and remember to have fun with it!
