The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card of the Major Arcana in occult Tarot decks. It symbolizes the perpetual cycle of life. It is energy in continuous evolution. It represents the beginning of a new cycle. Everything passes, everything repeats. Discover the meaning of The Wheel of Fortune, the indications it gives when it is drawn upright, reversed or combined with other cards and its possible application to the various facets of life and everyday issues.
The Major Arcana number tells you what stage you are in for a particular situation or problem. Ask the Tarot your question and interpret the Arcana according to its number and its position in the deck. These cards follow a storyline that tells of the spiritual travels taken from the innocent wonder of The Fool to the oneness and fulfillment of The World. In other words, these cards tell the story of humanity's spiritual evolution into enlightenment and individuation - when his life experiences are complete, he returns to zero, The Fool. Despite the divinatory meaning of the cards, think of the Tarot as a journey. If you look at the cards that come out in this way, with each question you ask, it becomes easier to intuitively interpret the cards and see their messages as a life story.
Index
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Description
- Major Arcana X
- Zodiacal Affinity - Jupiter
- Keywords - Luck, inevitability, timing, turning point, destiny, surprise, opportunity, prudence.
- Key Expressions - The only certainty that exists in life is uncertainty; each moment corresponds to a new beginning; the only thing that prevails is change; synchronism and coincidence; knowing how to recognize that life is made up of cycles which imply change and adaptation; let yourself be carried away by life without contradicting it, knowing how to take advantage of the opportunities that arise; unforeseen events; not being afraid of change and knowing how to take advantage of it for your own benefit.
- Advice - Accept whatever fate brings you.
- Reversed Meaning - A difficult phase is almost over; an improvement is approaching.
The Illustration
In the Tarot, the illustration of The Wheel of Fortune card shows a wheel on an axle, with a crank to turn it and on which three animals are seen. On the left is a monkey clinging to the wheel, head down. On the right is a dog looking up, appearing to be climbing. Lastly, at the top of the wheel, on a narrow plinth, is a sphinx with a golden crown and two red wings, holding a sword in one hand.
This card plunges a person into a worldly turmoil. It symbolizes change, renewal and transformation over time. It is the ever-changing energy of life. Nothing stays the same forever. Everything passes, everything repeats. It represents the beginning of a new cycle. It is the Zodiac and the passage of each of the 12 Zodiac Signs and twelve Astrological Houses.
In Numerology, the number 10 corresponds to the number 1, since the numerological cycles are nine years. It is, therefore, a new beginning, the beginning of a new stage. In Kabbalah, it corresponds to path number 21 on the Tree of Life: the mercy of victory.
The Symbology
In the Tarot, The Wheel of Fortune card heralds a stroke of luck. Something amazing can happen and life changes for the better. When this card appears in a reading, it means that fate will bring luck, usually in a sudden and unexpected way. Problems, difficulties, or disputes can be solved diligently, without involving a great deal of personal investment.
This card also reminds us that destiny is in each one's hands. It's up to each one of us to make the most of what life gives us. Each one is responsible for the path he walks and for the choices he makes which, inevitably, lead him to a certain destination.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
Upright Wheel of Fortune Meaning
- Upright Love Meaning - Relationship changes; navigating change with a partner; making adjustments.
- Upright Career Meaning - Luck in career; opportunities present themselves; adapting to changes at work.
- Upright Finances Meaning - Changes in material situation; being flexible with finances.
The Wheel of Fortune is among the most positive cards in the Tarot deck. It announces a fortunate situation whether on a personal, professional or financial level. An unexpected gain may occur. However, the wheel also reminds us that life is in constant motion and luck can run out, being followed by a less positive phase, and so on.
In this way, this card recalls the need to enjoy the calm, when everything goes well, spending the time happily and without worries. But, also, the need to prepare on land for an eventual storm at sea.
Reversed Wheel of Fortune Meaning
- Reversed Love Meaning - External events affecting relationships; love life out of control.
- Reversed Career Meaning - Failure to adapt at work; forcing past solutions.
- Reversed Finances Meaning - Unexpected financial changes; preparation.
In a Tarot reading, the reversed Wheel of Fortune card may indicate a less fortunate period. Changes can happen quickly (the wheel of life keeps turning and its pace is uncontrollable), and constant ups and downs can leave a person confused. It is necessary to be aware of this reality of change. On the other hand, this card in this position also indicates that unpleasant surprises may arise but that everything will eventually be sorted out.
The Wheel of Fortune Combinations with Other Tarot Cards
When The Wheel of Fortune is combined with The Chariot, urgent measures are needed to act and seize the opportunity in good time. With The Hermit, the reading suggests the opposite as they impose caution and prudence. All actions must be carefully considered in order to make the best use of the moment. With The Magician, the combination highlights the unexpected nature of luck, while with The Justice, it promises extraordinary events and an eventual renewal in the person’s life.
The Major Arcana Tarot
The Major Arcana, or Great Mysteries, are seen as symbols of great issues, moments or people. Each card represents a human archetype, evoking the most varied feelings, moral positions and behaviors.
- 0 - The Fool Tarot Card Meaning
- I - The Magician Tarot Card Meaning
- II - The High Priestess Tarot Card Meaning
- III - The Empress Tarot Card Meaning
- IV - The Emperor Tarot Card Meaning
- V - The Pope/The Hierophant Tarot Card Meaning
- VI - The Lovers Tarot Card Meaning
- VII - The Chariot Tarot Card Meaning
- VIII - The Justice Tarot Card Meaning
- IX - The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning
- X - The Wheel of Fortune Meaning
- XI - The Strength Tarot Card Meaning
- XII - The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning
- XIII - The Death Tarot Card Meaning
- XIV - The Temperance Tarot Card Meaning
- XV - The Devil Tarot Card Meaning
- XVI - The Tower Tarot Card Meaning
- XVII - The Star Tarot Card Meaning
- XVIII - The Moon Tarot Card Meaning
- XIX - The Sun Tarot Card Meaning
- XX - The Judgement Tarot Card Meaning
- XXI - The World Tarot Card Meaning
Reading, Meanings and Interpretation of the Tarot Major Arcana
Tarot is used as a tool for self-discovery and self-knowledge. In this sense, more than guessing the future, it serves to read and interpret all the elements of our life: it describes the current moment, clarifies the motives, desires and intentions, pointing out the path and the energies present in our life.
The possible readings for each Tarot card are practically infinite. There is no unique interpretation for each card, for each layout of cards or for each reading method. Tarot is based on intuition. Each person who reads the message of a card, or a set of cards, intuitively unravels the meaning of the card's message and how it connects with their own reality and circumstances of life.
The word "arcana" comes from Latin and means "secret" and, in the Tarot, the Major Arcana are considered universal, symbolic and figurative: they are considered symbolic of great issues, moments or people. They are archetypes, that is, they represent the most diverse feelings, moral positions and human behaviors. When they appear in a reading, it indicates an important event or decision, whether practical, spiritual, or emotional. They also establish correspondence with the astrological signs and planets.
