The Wheel of Fortune, card number X in the Major Arcana, stands as one of the most recognizable and profound symbols in tarot. This powerful card represents the ever-turning cycle of fate, destiny, and the inevitable changes that shape our lives. As the wheel spins, it reminds us that life is in constant motion—fortunes rise and fall, circumstances change, and nothing remains static. The Wheel of Fortune serves as a pivotal card in the Journey of the Fool, marking a significant transition point where external forces beyond our control begin to play a more prominent role in shaping our path.
Positioned halfway through the first half of the Major Arcana, The Wheel of Fortune represents a cosmic turning point. After the introspection of The Hermit (IX), the querent now faces the unpredictable currents of fate and fortune. This card acknowledges that despite our best planning and intentions, life contains an element of chance and synchronicity that we must learn to navigate. It embodies the Buddhist concept of impermanence and the ancient Greek understanding of Fortuna, the goddess who could elevate or diminish one's status with a mere turn of her wheel.
Upright Meaning: Cycles, Good Fortune, and Divine Timing
In its upright position, The Wheel of Fortune heralds a significant turning point, often indicating positive changes and good fortune on the horizon. This card suggests that the natural cycles of life are moving in your favor, bringing new opportunities, unexpected luck, and favorable outcomes. When the Wheel appears upright, it signals that destiny is at work, creating circumstances that align with your higher path, even if you cannot yet see the full picture.
The upright Wheel of Fortune encourages embracing change rather than resisting it. It reminds us that life's cycles bring both challenges and rewards, and that what appears as an ending often creates space for new beginnings. This card often appears when something significant is about to shift, urging you to remain open and adaptable. It suggests that the universe is orchestrating events in your favor, even when the immediate circumstances seem unclear.
Additionally, the upright Wheel speaks to divine timing and synchronicity. It suggests that events unfolding now are happening at precisely the right moment, even if you had hoped for different timing. This aspect of the card invites trust in the natural unfolding of events and recognition that there's often a larger design at work beyond your personal planning. The appearance of the upright Wheel may indicate that now is the time to take a chance, follow an unexpected opportunity, or simply remain receptive to the changing tides of fortune.
Reversed Meaning: Resistance to Change, Bad Luck, and Challenging Cycles
When The Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, it often points to resistance against life's natural cycles or a period of challenging circumstances and setbacks. This orientation suggests that you may be fighting against inevitable changes rather than adapting to them, potentially causing unnecessary struggle. The reversed Wheel can indicate a period where luck seems absent, plans fall through, and obstacles appear at every turn.
This reversed position may reflect feelings of being victimized by fate or circumstances beyond your control. It can suggest a period where you feel "stuck" as though the wheel has stopped turning in your life, leaving you in a persistent difficult situation. Often, this card appears reversed when someone is clinging to the past or refusing to accept that a cycle has naturally concluded.
The reversed Wheel of Fortune also carries warnings about attempting to control outcomes too rigidly. It reminds us that excessive control can actually block the natural flow of opportunity and positive change. In some cases, this card reversed suggests karmic lessons returning—indicating that current challenges may stem from past choices or actions that now require resolution. Rather than seeing this as punishment, the reversed Wheel invites reflection on how to learn from these experiences and make different choices moving forward.
Tarot de Marseille Symbolism
In the Tarot de Marseille tradition, The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune) is depicted more simply than in later decks, yet with profound symbolic elements. The traditional image shows a wheel with three figures: one rising on the right side, one seated in triumph at the top, and one falling on the left side. These figures represent the cyclical nature of fortune—rising, reaching the peak, and inevitably falling.
The wheel itself is often shown with the letters T-A-R-O or R-O-T-A arranged in a circular pattern, creating a palindrome that can be read in either direction, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence. This arrangement connects to the Latin phrase "Rota Taro Orat Tora Ator," which roughly translates to "The Wheel of Tarot speaks the law of Ator (or Nature)."
In the Marseille tradition, the wheel is typically turned by a crank or handle, suggesting that while fate plays a role, there is also an unseen operator—whether divine providence or cosmic law—that influences the turning of fortune's wheel. The Tarot de Marseille version emphasizes the impersonal nature of fate and fortune, presenting the wheel as a mechanism of cosmic justice and natural law rather than random chance.
The creatures depicted in this version are often simplified, sometimes appearing as monkeys or human-animal hybrids, representing the evolutionary process of consciousness as it moves through different states of fortune. The Marseille version focuses more on the mechanical aspects of fate's operations, presenting a somewhat fatalistic view where one must simply endure the turning of the wheel.
Rider-Waite Symbolism
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, The Wheel of Fortune is rich with alchemical, biblical, and occult symbolism. At the center of the card is a wheel with the letters T-A-R-O (or sometimes T-O-R-A) inscribed along with alchemical symbols for mercury, sulfur, water, and salt—representing the building blocks of material creation and transformation.
Surrounding the wheel are four winged creatures corresponding to the fixed signs of the zodiac: the eagle (Scorpio), the lion (Leo), the bull (Taurus), and the angel (Aquarius). These figures, derived from the vision of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, represent stability amidst change and the witnessing of cosmic cycles. They hold books, symbolizing wisdom and divine knowledge.
On the wheel itself are three figures: the sphinx at the top holding a sword, representing wisdom and judgment; Anubis or a jackal-headed figure on the right side rising, symbolizing instinct and the unconscious mind ascending; and Typhon or a serpent descending on the left, representing destruction and primal chaos. Together, these figures embody the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction found in many spiritual traditions.
The background of the Rider-Waite version often shows clouds with a blue sky, suggesting that while earthly fortunes may change, the heavens remain constant. This creates a visual metaphor that while circumstances shift, higher principles remain stable. The entire composition emphasizes that while the wheel turns, bringing both fortune and misfortune, there exists a higher order and purpose to these cycles.
Contextual Interpretations: Love, Career, and Finance Readings
In love readings, the upright Wheel of Fortune often signals significant changes in relationship status. For singles, it may indicate meeting someone unexpectedly who has karmic significance. For those in relationships, it can suggest a pivotal moment—either elevating the connection to a new level or bringing a natural conclusion to a cycle that has run its course. The card reminds us that relationships have natural ebbs and flows, and sometimes what seems like bad luck (such as a breakup) may actually create space for more suitable partnerships.
When reversed in love readings, the Wheel often points to relationship stagnation or resistance to necessary changes. It may indicate partners clinging to a relationship that has run its natural course or refusing to address recurring issues. In some cases, it suggests relationship patterns repeating in unhealthy ways until lessons are learned.
In career contexts, the upright Wheel of Fortune can represent unexpected professional opportunities, promotions, or changes in career path that ultimately prove beneficial. It may signal a time when networking and chance meetings create significant openings. This card often appears when someone is about to experience a professional breakthrough after a period of preparation.
Reversed in career readings, the Wheel suggests workplace challenges, projects stalling, or resistance to necessary professional changes. It may indicate feeling stuck in a job or missing opportunities due to fear of change. Sometimes it warns against making impulsive career moves without proper consideration.
Regarding finances, the upright Wheel often heralds improvements in financial circumstances—perhaps through unexpected windfalls, successful investments, or new income opportunities. It suggests that financial cycles are turning favorably, though reminds the querent that such fortune requires wise management as the wheel will eventually turn again.
When reversed in financial readings, the Wheel can indicate economic downturns, unexpected expenses, or poor financial timing. It often suggests that the querent should be cautious with investments and major purchases, as conditions may be less favorable than they appear.
Astrological and Numerological Associations
Astrologically, The Wheel of Fortune is strongly associated with Jupiter, the planet of expansion, abundance, luck, and higher learning. Jupiter's influence explains why this card often brings fortunate circumstances and unexpected opportunities. The connection to Jupiter also emphasizes the philosophical aspect of the Wheel—understanding life's greater patterns and finding meaning in both successes and setbacks.
The card also connects to the fixed signs of the zodiac (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) represented by the four creatures in the corners of the Rider-Waite-Smith version. These fixed signs embody stability amidst change, suggesting that within life's fluctuations, certain core principles remain constant.
Numerologically, The Wheel of Fortune carries the vibration of number 10, which represents completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new level. When reduced (1+0=1), it connects to the number 1, symbolizing new beginnings and initiative. This numerical symbolism reinforces the card's message about cyclical patterns and the continuous nature of endings becoming new beginnings.
The number 10 also suggests divine order and cosmic law, as it combines the completion energy of 10 with the creative potential of 1. This numerical association reminds us that what appears as chance or luck often follows deeper patterns and principles that govern existence.
Practical Guidance: Application in Readings and Advice for Querents
When The Wheel of Fortune appears in a reading, it's important to help the querent understand that significant changes are approaching—changes that often fall outside their direct control. For upright appearances, encourage embracing these shifts with openness and adaptability, as they likely serve a higher purpose even if immediately challenging.
Advise querents to look for synchronicities and "coincidences" when this card appears, as these often contain important guidance. The Wheel suggests paying attention to timing—sometimes success depends not just on what you do, but when you do it. This card often indicates periods where being receptive and observant serves better than forcing outcomes.
For reversed appearances, guide querents to examine where they might be resisting necessary changes or clinging to situations that have naturally concluded. Help them identify repeating patterns in their lives that may represent unlearned lessons. The reversed Wheel often calls for surrender and acceptance rather than struggle against inevitable changes.
Practical advice when the Wheel appears includes:
- Remain flexible and adaptable as circumstances change
- Recognize windows of opportunity when they appear, as they may close just as quickly
- Understand that both good and challenging fortune are temporary states
- Look for the higher purpose or lesson in significant life changes
- Accept that some events fall outside your control, but your response remains your choice
As a reader, emphasize that The Wheel of Fortune doesn't negate free will but rather suggests that personal choices interact with larger cyclical patterns. The wise querent learns to flow with these cycles rather than fighting against them, understanding that life's wheel continues to turn regardless of our resistance.
When the Wheel of Fortune appears prominently in a spread, it often indicates that the querent is at a pivotal moment where alignment with natural cycles can create significant positive momentum. Help them see how accepting the current change—however unexpected—may actually be the key to accessing new possibilities that would otherwise remain hidden.
Check out highly detailed Tarot de Marseille Interpretation Guide
A note about Selfgazer
Selfgazer is a collection of experiences and resources thoughtfully designed to enable self-discovery. Inspired by Jungian psychology, it offers interactive tools and learning materials to explore esoteric systems and mystical traditions known to aid in the introspective exploration of personal consciousness.
Our assisted experiences include:
- Birth Chart Analysis: Examine the celestial patterns present at your birth, revealing potential psychological correspondences and inner truths.
- Weekly Horoscope: Get personalized astrological readings based on the interactions of your birth chart with the planetary positions of the week ahead.
- Guided Tarot: Explore the enigmatic symbolism of Tarot to uncover deeply rooted insights about your psyche and the circumstances shaping your reality.
- Guided I Ching: Engage with this ancient Chinese philosophical and divination system to gain fresh perspectives on life's challenges and changes.
To learn more, visit selfgazer.com