WHEEL OF FORTUNE – Tarot Card Meaning

General Overview

Wheel of Fortune is the tenth Major Arcana card in the tarot deck. It depicts a large wheel surrounded by mystical creatures or symbols, representing the cycles of life, fate, and destiny. The card signifies change, the ebb and flow of fortune, karmic patterns, and the role of destiny in our lives.

This card often appears when changes, turning points, or new cycles are occurring. It emphasizes the inevitability of change, the importance of adaptability, and understanding that life is a series of highs and lows.

Upright Meaning

When Wheel of Fortune appears upright, it signifies:

1. Change and Cycles

The card represents change, transitions, and the cyclical nature of life. It suggests that new opportunities or challenges are on the horizon.

2. Good Fortune and Luck

Upright, the Wheel of Fortune often signals positive outcomes, unexpected opportunities, and favorable circumstances influenced by destiny or luck.

3. Karma and Life Lessons

The card highlights karmic patterns, indicating that past actions may influence present circumstances. It encourages awareness of consequences and personal responsibility.

4. Turning Points

The Wheel signifies pivotal moments or turning points that can change the course of events, urging readiness to embrace new developments.

5. Adaptability and Flow

It encourages embracing change with flexibility, understanding that life has cycles of ups and downs, and trusting the natural flow of events.

Reversed Meaning

When Wheel of Fortune is reversed, it indicates resistance to change, bad luck, or delays:

1. Setbacks and Misfortune

The reversed card may indicate unexpected challenges, obstacles, or unfavorable events that disrupt plans or expectations.

2. Resistance to Change

It suggests reluctance to adapt, fear of new circumstances, or clinging to outdated habits, preventing growth or progress.

3. Repeating Patterns

The reversed Wheel may reflect recurring negative patterns or lessons that haven’t been fully learned, emphasizing the need for reflection.

4. Missed Opportunities

It can indicate missed chances or the inability to capitalize on favorable circumstances due to hesitation or lack of awareness.

5. Need for Patience

The card advises patience and acceptance that life has cycles, and setbacks are temporary. Adjusting expectations and attitude is key to navigating difficult periods.

Key Symbols

• The Wheel: Represents life cycles, change, and the flow of fortune.
• Four Creatures: Often a lion, ox, eagle, and angel, symbolizing the four fixed signs of the zodiac and the stability within change.
• Letters and Symbols: Sometimes "T-A-R-O" or alchemical symbols, representing divine wisdom, cycles, and cosmic order.
• Spirals and Snakes: Represent evolution, transformation, and the ups and downs of life.
• Clouds: Symbolize divine intervention, fate, and the spiritual forces guiding change.

Summary

Wheel of Fortune emphasizes change, cycles, and the role of fate in life. Upright, it encourages embracing opportunities, understanding karmic patterns, and trusting the flow of events. Reversed, it warns of setbacks, resistance to change, or recurring challenges, urging patience, adaptability, and awareness. Ultimately, the card teaches that life is ever-changing, and success comes from understanding, flexibility, and alignment with the natural cycles of existence.