The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Keywords
- Cycles
- Change
- Seasons
Reversed Keywords
- Resistance to Change
- Bad Luck
- Inability to Adapt
The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles and change. It suggests that everything has its season, and we move through cycles in life. This card acknowledges that we can’t avoid these cycles; they are part of the natural order. Reversed, it can indicate resistance to change or a turn of bad luck.
The Wheel of Fortune Imagery and Symbolism
The imagery of Wheel of Fortune in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck represents cycles, fate, and the ever-turning forces of change. At the centre of the card is a large, red wheel, marked with the letters TORA, which can be interpreted as a reference to the Torah, meaning law, or as an anagram of ROTA, meaning “wheel” in Latin. Around the wheel, alchemical symbols for mercury, sulphur, water, and salt appear, representing the building blocks of life and the forces that shape reality. This reinforces the card’s connection to the constant movement of existence and the interplay between destiny and free will.
Pamela Colman Smith’s artwork fills the four corners of the card with winged figures representing the four fixed signs of the zodiac—Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus. Each holds an open book, signifying wisdom and stability amid change. Atop the wheel sits a sphinx, symbolising knowledge and strength, while Anubis, the Egyptian god of the underworld, rises on one side and a serpent, often linked to the Egyptian god Typhon, descends on the other. These figures reflect the dual nature of fate, with both constructive and destructive forces at play. The four Hebrew letters spelling the unpronounceable name of God (YHVH) are also present, reinforcing the idea of divine influence over the turning of the wheel.
Throughout different tarot decks, the Wheel of Fortune is depicted in various forms, but the core message remains: change is inevitable. Whether the wheel brings fortune or misfortune depends on perspective and readiness to adapt. This card reminds us that life moves in cycles, and while we cannot control fate itself, we can choose how we respond to its turning.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning Upright
Cycles
The Wheel of Fortune symbolises the natural cycles of life, reminding you that everything is in constant motion. This card highlights the ebb and flow of experiences, emotions, and events. It suggests that you are currently in the midst of a significant cycle or transition. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to embrace these cycles and to recognise that each phase, whether good or bad, is temporary and necessary for growth. Their energy reminds you that life is a series of ups and downs, and understanding this can help you navigate through both the highs and lows with greater ease and acceptance.
Change
Change is at the core of The Wheel of Fortune’s message. This card signifies that change is inevitable and an essential part of life. It suggests that you may be experiencing or about to experience a significant shift in your circumstances. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to be open to change and to adapt to new situations with grace and resilience. Their presence in a reading is a reminder that change can bring new opportunities and perspectives, even if it initially feels challenging. Embrace the change and trust that it is leading you towards your destiny.
Seasons
The Wheel of Fortune represents the seasons of life, symbolising the continuous cycle of growth, decay, and renewal. This card reminds you that just as the seasons change, so do the phases of your life. It’s about understanding that each season has its purpose and contributes to your overall journey. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to flow with these natural rhythms and to appreciate the beauty and lessons of each season. Their energy helps you to see the interconnectedness of all things and to find balance and harmony within the cycles of life.
The Wheel of Fortune Upright in Love and Relationships Readings
In a love and relationships reading, the Wheel of Fortune symbolises change, cycles, and destiny, suggesting that shifts in the relationship may lead to growth or deeper understanding. This card indicates that embracing the natural flow of the relationship can bring you closer. The Wheel of Fortune in love readings encourages adaptability, helping both partners navigate change together. Its energy supports renewal, reminding you that relationships evolve through both highs and lows, and that trust in the journey can strengthen the bond.
The Wheel of Fortune Upright in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
In self-care readings, the Wheel of Fortune represents the importance of adaptability, trust in life’s cycles, and embracing change as a part of growth. This card suggests that accepting change can support well-being. The Wheel of Fortune in self-care encourages flexibility, helping you to approach challenges with an open mind. Its energy supports resilience, guiding you to trust in your ability to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace.
The Wheel of Fortune Upright in Career and Creativity Readings
In career and creativity readings, the Wheel of Fortune symbolises opportunity, change, and the potential for unexpected breakthroughs. This card indicates that staying adaptable and open to shifts may lead to success. The Wheel of Fortune in career readings encourages seizing opportunities, helping you to trust in the natural flow of your path. Its energy supports optimism, guiding you to embrace both luck and hard work as catalysts for growth and success.
The Wheel of Fortune Upright in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
In shadow work, the Wheel of Fortune represents exploring change, acceptance, and the cycles of life, encouraging you to confront areas of resistance. This card suggests that embracing life’s fluctuations can bring healing. The Wheel of Fortune in shadow work encourages acceptance of life’s flow, helping you to release control over outcomes. Its energy supports growth, guiding you to find balance by trusting the process and learning from each experience.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning Reversed
Resistance to Change
When The Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, it can indicate a resistance to change. This card suggests that you may be struggling to accept or adapt to new circumstances. It’s a call to let go of your fears and to embrace the changes that are happening around you. The reversed Wheel of Fortune encourages you to be flexible and to find ways to move forward, even if it feels uncomfortable. Their energy reminds you that resisting change can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. By opening yourself up to change, you can find new paths and possibilities.
Bad Luck
Reversed, The Wheel of Fortune can signify a period of bad luck or unfortunate events. This card suggests that you may be experiencing a challenging time where things are not going as planned. It’s important to remember that bad luck is often temporary and part of life’s natural cycles. The reversed Wheel of Fortune encourages you to stay positive and to look for ways to turn your luck around. Their energy supports you in finding resilience and hope, even in the face of adversity. Trust that this phase will pass, and better times are on the horizon.
Inability to Adapt
The reversed Wheel of Fortune highlights an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. This card suggests that you may be feeling overwhelmed or stuck because of your resistance to change. It’s a reminder to cultivate flexibility and to be open to new approaches and solutions. The reversed Wheel of Fortune urges you to find ways to adapt and to embrace the opportunities that change can bring. Their energy helps you to shift your perspective and to find the strength to move forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
Struggling with the themes of The Wheel of Fortune? A tarot reading with me can offer perspective.
The Wheel of Fortune Reversed in Love and Relationships Readings
In a reversed love reading, the Wheel of Fortune may indicate stagnation, resistance to change, or feeling trapped in a pattern. This card suggests that releasing control may bring fresh perspectives. The reversed Wheel of Fortune in love readings supports openness, helping both partners to break free from limiting cycles. Its energy assists in fostering resilience, guiding the relationship toward growth by embracing flexibility and the possibility of new directions.
The Wheel of Fortune Reversed in Self-Care and Empowerment Readings
Reversed, the Wheel of Fortune in self-care readings may indicate feeling stuck, resistant to change, or uncertain about the future. This card suggests that letting go of control can bring peace. The reversed Wheel of Fortune encourages acceptance, helping you to release attachment to specific outcomes. Its energy assists in finding stability within change, guiding you to embrace life’s cycles as part of your personal journey.
The Wheel of Fortune Reversed in Career and Creativity Readings
Reversed in career readings, the Wheel of Fortune may indicate obstacles, feeling out of sync, or difficulty adjusting to changes at work. This card suggests that patience and acceptance can bring clarity. The reversed Wheel of Fortune in career readings supports resilience, helping you to stay centred amid challenges. Its energy assists in grounding, guiding you to navigate uncertainty with calm and trust in the bigger picture.
The Wheel of Fortune Reversed in Life Changes and Shadow Work Readings
Reversed in shadow work, the Wheel of Fortune may indicate fear of change, difficulty with surrender, or attachment to the past. This card suggests that embracing flexibility can bring freedom. The reversed Wheel of Fortune supports releasing fear of the unknown, helping you to let go of rigid beliefs. Its energy assists in creating a more fluid relationship with life, guiding you to approach self-discovery with curiosity and trust in life’s journey.
The Wheel of Fortune on the Fool’s Journey
The Wheel of Fortune is one of the cards on the Fool’s Journey, a symbolic narrative in tarot that explores the archetypes and experiences shaping our existence. The Major Arcana represents the grand themes and life-altering moments in the tarot. It’s a 22-card journey that begins with the Fool, symbolizing new beginnings and adventure. Each card represents a distinct chapter, exploring the dualities, challenges, and transformations we face throughout our lives.
Understanding the themes in the Major Arcana is crucial for grasping the Fool’s Journey. As you progress through these cards, you will encounter symbols and lessons that resonate with various stages of life, offering insights into personal growth, relationships, and spiritual questions.
The Wheel of Fortune in the Unconscious Realm: Exploring the Depths
The Wheel of Fortune belongs to the Unconscious Realm. In this realm, tarot pushes you to explore deeper layers of your psyche. This section is about confronting hidden fears, desires, and subconscious motivations. It’s a journey into the unknown, where you carry a light to illuminate the corners of your soul and gain insights into what drives you. It’s a path to profound self-awareness and insight.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Element of Fire
The Wheel of Fortune aligns with the element of Fire, symbolising passion, creativity, and transformation. Fire burns with a vibrant energy, sparking the drive to take action, pursue ambitions, and embrace the courage within. This element reminds us of the power of inner flames, fuelling desire, inspiration, and boldness. Fire speaks to our ability to create, transform, and illuminate the path forward, motivating us to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
The Wheel of Fortune Journalling Prompts
How can I embrace change as an opportunity for growth, rather than a source of fear or resistance?
Where in my life am I holding on too tightly, and how can I practise letting go with trust?
What patterns or cycles do I notice in my life, and how can I approach them with openness and resilience?
Frequently Asked Questions about The Wheel of Fortune
What does Wheel of Fortune mean in a tarot reading?
The Wheel of Fortune signifies change, cycles, and the interplay of fate and free will, reminding you that life is full of ups and downs. It often appears when unexpected opportunities or shifts in circumstances are on the horizon, urging you to embrace the ebb and flow of life. This card highlights the importance of adaptability and trusting that even challenging times hold the seeds of growth. In readings, the Wheel of Fortune encourages you to stay open to possibilities and recognise that every turn of the wheel brings new chances.
Is The Wheel of Fortune a yes or no card?
The Wheel of Fortune is typically a yes, representing change, opportunity, and destiny. It’s significant in navigating change or embracing transformation with tarot, helping you adjust to new situations. In decision-making tarot, it suggests trusting the process and recognising cycles. This card is also powerful in life direction tarot or spiritual guidance, offering hope and insight during transitions.
What is the role of The Wheel of Fortune in the tarot deck?
The Wheel of Fortune signifies cycles, change, and destiny, offering clarity for navigating transitions and making decisions with tarot guidance. It’s ideal for empowerment tarot and life path readings, helping you embrace change and uncover your destiny. This card supports transformation with tarot, encouraging trust in the flow of life and alignment with your purpose. The Wheel of Fortune inspires you to adapt, grow, and explore new opportunities with confidence.
What does The Wheel of Fortune symbolise?
The Wheel of Fortune symbolises cycles, destiny, and change. In the imagery on the Rider-Waite-Smith version of the card, the wheel itself represents the ever-turning cycles of life. The alchemical symbols on the wheel signify life's formative elements, while the letters "TORA" reflect divine law. The surrounding figures—representing Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus—symbolise stability amidst change.
What does The Wheel of Fortune suggest about navigating life’s challenges?
The Wheel of Fortune suggests that life’s challenges are part of a larger cycle, and that sometimes you must trust in the flow of events. When facing burnout or navigating career transitions, the Wheel encourages you to remain open to change and trust that things will shift when the time is right. It reminds you that cycles are inevitable, but you can gain clarity with tarot for change or navigating transitions, embracing the ebb and flow of life. It also aligns with life direction tarot, helping you understand that sometimes, challenges lead to growth and transformation.
Is The Wheel of Fortune a positive or negative card?
The Wheel of Fortune is generally a positive card, symbolising cycles, fate, and change. It reminds you that life is full of ups and downs, but these shifts can be opportunities for growth. Whether you’re navigating career transitions or healing from burnout, The Wheel of Fortune offers the reminder that change is inevitable and can lead to positive outcomes. In tarot for change, it encourages embracing the flow of life and remaining open to new opportunities.
How does The Wheel of Fortune align with themes of career?
The Wheel of Fortune signifies cycles of change, fate, and destiny. It’s a powerful card for career readings, particularly when navigating transitions or facing uncertainty in your professional life. The Wheel encourages you to embrace change as part of your growth process. Tarot for career choices or professional development tarot would be beneficial for exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with this card.
What are some other names for The Wheel of Fortune?
Other names for The Wheel of Fortune include La Roue de Fortune in the Tarot de Marseille and The Lord of the Forces of Life in the Golden Dawn Tarot. La Roue de Fortune highlights cycles of fate and change, while The Lord of the Forces of Life reflects cosmic balance and evolution. Some inclusive decks rename it The Wheel or The Turning Point to focus on adaptability and opportunity rather than predetermined fate.
What other tarot cards often appear with The Wheel of Fortune?
The Wheel of Fortune frequently appears with The Fool, emphasising the cycles of change and new beginnings. The Star adds hope and inspiration during periods of uncertainty. The Chariot reinforces the importance of direction amidst change, while Justice explores the consequences of choices within the cycle. The World complements as a culmination of these life shifts.
How can The Wheel of Fortune guide me in navigating life changes?
The Wheel of Fortune guides you in navigating life changes by embracing cycles of growth and opportunity. It reminds you to stay adaptable and trust in the flow of events. This card helps you make sense of transitions and find your path in uncertain times. It supports recognising patterns and taking advantage of turning points. The Wheel’s energy inspires faith in the process of life’s ups and downs.
