The Wheel of Fortune — embodies great life cycles, turns of fate, sudden changes, forward movement, and the beginning of a new stage that does not depend on a person’s will. The Wheel is always turning.
The Major Arcana has the numerical value of 10 — the completion of one cycle and, at the same time, the beginning of another. When the card appears in readings, it clearly means: what has been standing still for a long time begins to move.
Ruling planet: Jupiter.
Element: Fire.
Zodiac signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius.
Alchemical meaning: The variability of fate.
The archetype of the Wheel of Fortune corresponds to a person who believes in the will of the Higher Powers and is filled with optimism and trust in life. In its shadow manifestation, such a person is overwhelmed by pessimism, excessive control, and fear of their own existence.
Symbolism and Imagery of the Card
Before us is one of the most symbolically rich Tarot cards. The central Wheel is a symbol of the cyclical nature and variability of events in the material world.
On the Wheel, we see letters that can form different combinations: TARO, TORA (a sacred book), ROTA (the Latin word meaning “wheel”). On its inner part are alchemical symbols associated with transformations, where one form transitions into another.
At the top of the Wheel sits the Sphinx with a sword, embodying wisdom and the ability to maintain inner balance regardless of how circumstances change. The sword represents clarity and the ability to distinguish truth from lies.
On the left side of the Wheel, a Snake descends downward. It represents the power of transformation, materialization, and the downward movement of energy (falling).
To the right of the Wheel, we see Anubis, who seems to support the Wheel with his back and symbolizes the transition from life to death. On the Arcana, however, he demonstrates ascent, which is the opposite of the falling phase.
In the four corners of the card, on clouds, are four winged figures: a human or an angel (Aquarius), an eagle (Scorpio), a bull (Taurus), and a lion (Leo). Each of these creatures holds a book, reflecting knowledge, observation, and the four fundamental forces that read, observe, and record everything that happens while remaining stable even when the Wheel is in motion.
The events take place among the clouds, in the sky, showing us that the Higher Powers have their own plans for us.
What does the Wheel of Fortune mean in the upright position?
The card is a symbol of a turning point: one page of our life ends and a new one begins. However, it predicts good luck and positive changes. The nature of the changes can be determined and clarified by additional cards in the reading.
The Arcana indicates the constant dynamics of human life. We must be ready for turns of fate and meet them with dignity.
What does the Wheel of Fortune mean in the reversed position?
The reversed Arcana often indicates that the cycle has not yet been completed. A person may try to forcibly hold on to a situation and resist changes that will inevitably come.
The card appears in readings when old scenarios repeat and karmic lessons emerge. It can also mean a missed opportunity, dependence on circumstances, or an unfavorable period.
Interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune in Love
Meaning in the upright position
The Wheel of Fortune speaks of a turning point of Fate! If you are in a relationship, expect it to move to a new level (such as an engagement or marriage). If you are single, an unexpected fateful encounter, sudden closeness, and the beginning of a romance may happen soon.
The card may indicate the return of a person, especially if you have not learned the lesson and drawn the necessary conclusions.
Meaning in the reversed position
The reversed Wheel of Fortune shows a vicious circle: people constantly experience the same story (most often, a painful and unpleasant one). For people in relationships, the Arcana directly says: constant breakups and reconciliations, and an unstable attitude toward each other will lead to nothing good. Try to finally assess the situation soberly.
If a person is single, the card shows that they have this status because they attract the same type of men/women with whom it is impossible to build healthy and happy relationships. Do not blame Fate for failures in love.
Interpretation in the Area of Health
Meaning in the upright position
The card signals positive dynamics and a change in condition. It is especially a good indicator for those who have a prolonged illness. Changing the approach to treatment may become the beginning of a new stage of recovery.
Respect the needs of your body to improve the overall condition of the organism. Do not forget about maintaining inner balance.
Meaning in the reversed position
Unwillingness to honestly assess your condition and neglecting your daily routine harms your health. If nothing changes, you may soon find yourself in the hospital.
The card also says: you may have received conflicting information from a specialist. Try consulting another one to obtain a more objective assessment of the condition of your body.
It is important to note: Tarot cards do not establish medical diagnoses and cannot replace a full consultation with a doctor!
Interpretation in Career and Finances
Meaning in the upright position
This position indicates favorable turns: a new job, unexpected profit, and a fortunate coincidence of circumstances. However, it is important to remember that the card embodies cyclicity, so you should not perceive all of this as a lifelong guarantee of financial stability.
Accept favorable offers that can increase your financial opportunities. Deals will be successful and will bring an increase in income.
Meaning in the reversed position
You may suffer significant financial losses due to unsuccessful investments and repeating mistakes regarding the use of money. There may also be delays at work and unstable income.
The card indicates dependence on external circumstances that we cannot influence. Do not be afraid to change your professional path if the old one has reached a dead end.
Combinations of the Wheel of Fortune with Other Cards
Wheel of Fortune + Eight of Wands. Events begin unfolding much faster than the person expected.
Wheel of Fortune + The Hierophant. An important stage of life lies ahead, bringing a fateful lesson and knowledge.
Wheel of Fortune + The Chariot. Rapid movement forward. A quick breakthrough is possible.
Wheel of Fortune + Temperance. Changes occur gradually and lead to the restoration of balance.
Wheel of Fortune + Judgement. A karmic turning point, the return of the past. It is important to act correctly this time in order to complete the cycle.
Advice if the Card Appears
The Wheel of Fortune is gaining speed: do not interfere with the course of events or make unnecessary moves so that you do not fall! It is time to look at life through the eyes of an outside observer in order to find solutions to recurring situations and problems.
Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Wheel of Fortune
Will I meet love in the near future?
Upright position of the card
Expect a sharp turn in the romantic sphere of life. An unexpected encounter may happen very soon.
Reversed position of the card
A repetition of an old romantic scenario and the return of ex-partners are possible.
What will happen if I accept the offer (specify which one)?
Upright position of the card
A new life cycle will open up for you. This will lead to positive changes.
Reversed position of the card
Check the terms of the offer. Do not make a decision solely out of fear of losing an opportunity.
What do I need to realize for the situation to change?
Upright position of the card
The cycle is gradually changing. Trust the process of life.
Reversed position of the card
The situation will repeat itself until the lesson is learned.
