The Wheel of Fortune is one of the most powerful and symbolic cards in the tarot deck. As its name suggests, the card represents the ups and downs of life and the ever-turning cycle of change that we all experience. In readings, the Wheel of Fortune indicates periods of change, destiny, unexpected events, and luck. Depending on its position, it can either signal that luck is on your side, or that you need to brace yourself for cycles of change that are out of your control. So what does the Wheel of Fortune card meaning in terms of love, career, finances, health, spirituality, and other life areas? Read on for a complete guide to interpreting this fascinating and multilayered tarot card.
The Benefits Of Understanding The Wheel Of Fortune
Reading this guide will provide deep insights into the symbolism and meanings of the Wheel of Fortune in tarot. You’ll learn how to interpret the card in different positions and contexts to gain clarity about where you stand in the cycles of life. Understanding the Wheel of Fortune will help you:
- Tap into the ups and downs of change and use them to your benefit
- Make sense of unexpected life events or twists of fate
- Align yourself with times of good fortune and luck
- Avoid misfortune by preparing for cycles beyond your control
- Access higher guidance during significant turning points
The Wheel of Fortune is a powerful reminder that although we can’t control everything, we can learn to ride the waves of change. Let’s dive into the card’s symbolism and meaning.
Wheel of Fortune Key Facts
| Upright Meaning | Reversed Meaning | Yes/No | Numerology | Element | Planet | Astrological Sign |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Change, cycles, destiny, luck, fortune | Resisting change, breaking cycles, misfortune | Yes, signifies positive change | 10/1, new beginnings and manifestation | Fire | Jupiter | Sagittarius |
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Description
The Wheel of Fortune depicts a giant wheel with different figures and symbols representing the ups and downs of life. At the center of the wheel is a snake or dragon biting its own tail, which forms an infinity symbol representing eternity or the natural cycles of the universe. Around the wheel are an angel, an eagle, a bull, and a lion representing the four fixed signs of the zodiac. On the wheel itself are the Hebrew letters YHVH (the unpronounceable name of God). The wheel rests on the clouds of heaven, implying that divine forces are at play in the turning of our fates.
The Upright Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
When the Wheel of Fortune appears upright in a tarot reading, it signals a time of significant change, new cycles, and fluctuating luck or fortune. Change is unavoidable, so the wheel encourages us to embrace the ups and downs of life rather than resist the natural flow. Let’s look at the upright wheel of fortune meaning in different areas:
Love Relationships
The upright Wheel of Fortune heralds change and new cycles when it comes to romance, relationships, and connections. You could enter an exciting new relationship, experience a breakthrough or deepening in an existing relationship, or gain closure and move forward from a breakup. The wheel is turning in your favor, but you need to embrace change and go with the flow of events rather than tightly control outcomes. Trust that your love life is aligning with your destiny.
Career
In career readings, the upright Wheel of Fortune indicates professional changes and fluctuations in status or reputation. There could be unexpected promotions, demotions, transfers, or other events that are beyond your control. Rather than resist these ups and downs, view them as part of your destiny unfolding. Luck is on your side if you’re willing to ride the waves of change rather than cling rigidly to the status quo. This is a time for breaking old career patterns and opening up to new possibilities.
Finances
Financially, the upright wheel signals unexpected gains or losses, strokes of good or bad luck, and fluctuations in income, resources, or assets. You may receive surprise windfalls, inheritances, or gifts, or experience sudden losses. Either way, adopt a philosophical view of financial changes as inevitable cycles. Don’t get too attached to gains or losses. Save during times of plenty and reduce expenditures during lean periods. See both as passing phases allowing you to regroup and move forward.
Health
In health readings, the Wheel of Fortune indicates recovery from illnesses and the ability to break negative health patterns or dependencies during this cycle. There could also be unexpected diagnoses, changes in health providers, or fluctuations in energy levels and wellbeing. Focus on aligning your health regimen with the natural rhythms of your body rather than forcing changes. Allow ups and downs, seek help when needed, and trust your inner guidance about when to rest and renew your energy.
Spirituality
Spiritually, the upright Wheel of Fortune reflects times of deepening faith, metaphysical insights, feelings of being blessed, and a sense that you’re aligning with your soul’s purpose during this cycle. Your intuition will be strong, guiding you through ups and downs. This is an excellent time to reflect on life’s meaning, higher forces guiding you, and releasing karma that no longer serves you. Embrace change as part of your spiritual growth.
The Reversed Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
In the reversed position, the Wheel of Fortune signals unwanted change, disruption, bad luck, or feeling stuck going around in circles in unhealthy patterns. The cycles of life have taken an unwelcome turn, leaving you feeling powerless. Let’s explore the reversed Wheel of Fortune meaning:
Love Relationships
When it comes to relationships, the reversed Wheel of Fortune can indicate breakups, separations, unrequited love, or relationship turmoil caused by external events and interference from others. You may feel frustrated by relationship problems that seem beyond your control. It’s best not to cling tightly but instead release what’s not working. With time, the wheel will turn in your favor again.
Career
Professionally, the reversed wheel suggests demotions, job losses, blocked goals, or criticism from superiors that derails your progress. You may feel powerless, like the rug has been pulled out from under you. Rather than resist, use these downturns as a chance to rest and reassess your career path. Reflect on any negative patterns you need to break. With patience, the wheel will spin upward again soon.
Finances
Financially, the reversed Wheel of Fortune can signal unexpected losses, bills, fines, or theft of resources. You may feel like you can’t catch a break or get ahead no matter how hard you try. See this as a time to reduce expenditures, settle debts, and reevaluate your financial plans realistically. Don’t make any big gambles or investments during this downcycle. Conserve resources until your luck improves.
Health
In health readings, the reversed wheel can point to chronic illnesses, diagnoses, or dependencies you’ve struggled to overcome. You may slip back into negative health patterns, experience low energy, or let your health deteriorate due to overwhelm or lack of motivation. Focus on making small, gradual changes to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Don’t force major changes yet. With patience, the wheel will turn bringing renewal.
Spirituality
Regarding spirituality, the reversed Wheel of Fortune indicates a crisis of faith, lack of meaning, or feeling disconnected from purpose. You may be plagued by doubts or unable to discern any higher guidance during this downcycle. Allow your spiritual batteries to recharge. Reflect on meaning with compassion. Don’t worry if divine connection feels out of reach now – soon the wheel will turn upwards again.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card in Yes or No Questions
The Wheel of Fortune can signify both yes or no, depending on the question. Since the card represents cycles and fluctuations, the answer will depend on whether you’re currently in an “up” or “down” phase. If asking about starting something new, the Wheel generally signifies yes, as it is linked to new opportunities and change. For questions about ending something, it may indicate no, suggesting it’s not the right time. Use your intuition to discern whether the Wheel is encouraging you to say yes or warning you to say no or wait.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card and Numerology
In numerology, the Wheel of Fortune card reduces to the number 1 (10 reduces to 1). As number 1, it is linked to new beginnings, fresh starts, and the pioneering spirit. When the Wheel appears, it’s a time to embark on new journeys or adventures. There is a sense of being filled with new energy, vision, and possibilities. Trust your intuition and inner leadership. The Wheel is giving you a green light to start bold new ventures or cycles now.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card and Astrology
The Wheel of Fortune card is associated with the planet Jupiter and the zodiac sign Sagittarius. Jupiter is the planet of luck, expansion, and abundance. Sagittarius is represented by the Archer – optimistic, joyful, and future-oriented. Together, Jupiter and Sagittarius energy amplifies the Wheel’s themes of destiny, new horizons, and beneficial change. When the Wheel of Fortune appears, adopt Sagittarius traits – stay positive, aim your sights high, pursue learning and adventure, and align yourself with your personal truth. Luck expands for those bold enough to say yes.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Combinations
Wheel of Fortune + The World: Successful completion of a major life cycle and preparation for a new phase. A destiny milestone. Wheel of Fortune + The Magician: New opportunities arising from your skills and determination. Luck favors brave action now. Wheel of Fortune + Strength: Courage and resilience to ride out ups and downs of life. Drawing on your inner power during changes. Wheel of Fortune + The Moon: Confusion about unexpected changes. Intuition helps guide your next step forward. Wheel of Fortune + Justice: Karmic justice or divinely timed events force change. Accept this as part of the natural cycle.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Designs
The Wheel of Fortune card has been richly illustrated in tarot decks through the centuries. Classic designs depict the wheel itself, the snake, sphinx, symbols of good and bad fortune, and figures clinging to or falling off the wheel. More modern decks add contemporary illustrations – from the kaleidoscopic Wheel of Change Tarot wheel to the futuristic holographic wheel in the Visionary Tarot. While artistic styles may differ, the core imagery and symbolism of cyclic change remains.
FAQs
What does Wheel of Fortune mean in a love reading? The Wheel of Fortune in love indicates destiny at work in romantic relationships. Embrace change in your love life, even if it initially seems unwelcome. The wheel is turning in your favor, aligning you with your soulmate.
Is the Wheel of Fortune a yes or no card? The Wheel of Fortune can indicate both yes or no, depending on the question. Generally if the reading is about beginnings, the Wheel means yes. If it’s about endings, the answer may be no or “wait.” Use intuition to discern between the two.
Does Wheel of Fortune mean luck? Yes, the Wheel of Fortune primarily symbolizes luck, both good and bad. When the wheel is spinning up, it indicates strokes of good fortune. When it spins down, it signals bad luck. Either way, know both phases are temporary in the cycle of change.
Key Takeaways
- The Wheel of Fortune represents destiny, change, and the fluctuating cycles of luck and fortune. This powerful tarot card encourages us to embrace both ups and downs.
- During times of good fortune, the Wheel reminds us not to become overconfident. In periods of ill fortune, we must persevere knowing the wheel will turn.
- Depending on where you are in the cycle, the Wheel can indicate positive change or unwanted disruption in all aspects of life from relationships to finances.
- When interpreting the Wheel, tune into cyclical cosmic forces beyond your control. Allow yourself to gently rise and fall with the rhythms of change.
Conclusion
The Wheel of Fortune is a complex tarot card reflecting the mysteries of fate and the natural ebb and flow of life. With its imagery of cycles, seasons, and the four elements, this card reminds us that both good times and bad times are temporary. We can learn to gracefully ride the waves of ups and downs by releasing attachment and going with the flow. When the Wheel of Fortune turns up in your reading, you are being asked to adapt to the cycles of change. By trusting in the wisdom of cycles greater than ourselves, we allow room for destiny to unfold.
