The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card in the Major Arcana, and the first that doesn’t focus specifically on a human character.
The Wheel of Fortune indicates change, and can deal with all matters of luck in our lives. Whether we like it or not, change is a part of life that we have to deal with, and can many times be beneficial to us no matter how long we resist it for.
The illustration for the Wheel of Fortune contains many elements of esoteric symbology. The Sphinx, Astrological symbols, YHWH within the circle. Each of these adds to the thought that life is mysterious, potentially fatalistic, and often outside of our control.
The Wheel of Fortune symbolises change, luck, and the ebb and flow of life.
At a glance
The Wheel of Fortune is a tarot card that is associated with cycles of change, good fortune, and the ebb and flow of life. It typically depicts a wheel, with various symbols and figures attached to it. The wheel represents the cyclical nature of life, and the ever-changing fortunes of those who are on the wheel.
The Wheel of Fortune card suggests that you are experiencing, or about to experience, a major change or shift in your life. It indicates that you are moving through a cycle of change, and that your fortunes are about to take a turn for the better. The Wheel of Fortune card can also represent good luck and good fortune, indicating that you are about to experience a period of abundance and prosperity.
In some readings, the Wheel of Fortune card can indicate that you are being supported and guided by a higher power or spiritual guide who is helping you to navigate the changes and challenges in your life. This guide may be a teacher, mentor, or trusted friend who can offer wisdom and guidance as you move through this period of change. The Wheel of Fortune card can also suggest that you are being called to use your good fortune and abundance to help others, and to make a positive impact in the world.
Overall, the Wheel of Fortune card is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the ever-changing fortunes of those who are on the wheel. It suggests that you are about to experience a major change or shift in your life, and that your fortunes are about to take a turn for the better. It indicates that you are being supported and guided on your journey, and that you have the potential to make a positive impact in the world.
Card meanings
Past
In the past position, the Wheel of Fortune can represent an abrupt change in your life which is affecting you now. This could represent anything from a death of someone close to a surprise job offer, or some sort of competition win. The change will likely be positive.
How did you act during this change? Would you change your behaviour now? As humans, we can find it hard to cope when pushed to our limits. It’s easy to look back and think we should have done something differently.
The Wheel of Fortune can also represent a period of good luck in the past. Perhaps you were saved by good timing, or some other sort of miraculous coincidence.
Present
The Wheel of Fortune in the present position is a good sign, and represents an ongoing change. If you’ve been feeling lost and lonely recently, then consider this period of life is going to come to an end.
Life may also take some unexpected twists and turn in the near future. Sometimes we just have to go with the flow. The Wheel of Fortune is just that, a wheel based on chance and luck.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t plan for your future, but don’t expect everything you wish to happen to come true straight away.
The Wheel of Fortune can also suggest that the present is going to change for the better, but abruptly. You might hear some unexpected good news which will change the path of your life.
Future
In the future position, the Wheel of Fortune is a good card to see if you’re unhappy with your current life. It means that your future will be different from your present situation.
The Wheel of Fortune is generally positive, so if you’re currently happy in life you should look to see things improve. What are your achievable realities?
Given your current circumstances, what are you able to achieve, and what do you wish to achieve? It may be that you simply chance upon opportunities which lead you to your goals. Be open to every opportunity.
Work, careers and education
The Wheel of Fortune can ask you to expect a radical change in your working or schooling life. You may not understand at first, but you will see this as a welcome change.
Sometimes we are given what we need by life, not what we want. Oftentimes, what we actually want is the complete opposite of what we need right now.
Go with the flow of life; explore your options. If you’re going down a path that you feel will lead you nowhere, then look elsewhere. Only you can decide what you want to do.
The Wheel of Fortune can show that your current position in probably better than it should be. Perhaps you were lucky the get your current job. Continue looking to improve in your career, there should be no desire to settle for what you have. A little effort can go a long way.
Love and Relationships
The Wheel of Fortune can be a bad sign if you are in a relationship, though not all the time. Generally the card is positive, but something unexpected might happen, which you just won’t have time to prepare for. It may not be something that kills your relationship completely, but it’s safe to expect a bumpy road ahead.
If you’re single and looking, then take your chances. Go out of your way to open new paths to finding a partner. Dating apps seem to be all the rage nowadays, so give them a shot if you haven’t yet.
If you feel you have especially good luck, then you may find someone you are interested in by going some place new.
Wealth
The Wheel of Fortune when representing money is a good sign. Fortune is the key word here. While there may be an opportunity for loss, you should expect your wealth to increase.
Look to enter competitions and take chances. Don’t risk anything major, but if a competition only requires a few minutes of your time to enter, then what do you really have to lose?
The Wheel of Fortune suggest that your wealth will be increasing soon, though likely due to means outside of your control.
Health and well-being
Expect change when the Wheel of Fortune comes up in reference to our health, especially if you haven’t been doing too well recently. Life can take us down difficult paths but there are a few things we can do to make sure we are suited for any eventuality.
Take care of your body by treating it well, and take care of your mind by allowing yourself to relax; understand what you need to focus on and what you can ignore. The Wheel of Fortune can also refer to time. Time is cyclical in some terms, and linear in others.
We can see patterns in our lives repeating as we grow older and can draw relations between objects. Thinking about cyclical time can help us if we are suffering emotionally. We know we will grow and be able to deal with our issues. Eventually we will forget about them.
Other associations
Element: Fire
Astrology: Jupiter
As a Yes or No question: Yes
Crystal: Lapis Lazuli
Keywords
Luck, rewards, karma, lottery, chance, fortunes, flow