Wheel of Fortune
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:Jupiter
- Arcana:Major Arcana
- Suit:Trump
- Archetype:The Fates/Destiny
- Numerology:10 (finality, completion) and 10 = 1 + 0 = 1 (seed, opportunity)
- Hebrew Alphabet:Koph/Palm/20
Keywords
Description
In this symbol I have again followed the reconstruction of Eliphas Levi, who has furnished several variants. It is legitimate--as I have intimated--to use Egyptian symbolism when this serves our purpose, provided that no theory of origin is implied therein. I have, however, presented Typhon in his serpent form. The symbolism is, of course, not exclusively Egyptian, as the four Living Creatures of Ezekiel occupy the angles of the card, and the wheel itself follows other indications of Levi in respect of Ezekiel's vision, as illustrative of the particular Tarot Key. With the French occultist, and in the design itself, the symbolic picture stands for the perpetual motion of a fluidic universe and for the flux of human life. The Sphinx is the equilibrium therein. The transliteration of Taro as Rota is inscribed on the wheel, counterchanged with the letters of the Divine Name--to shew that Providence is imphed through all. But this is the Divine intention within, and the similar intention without is exemplified by the four Living Creatures. Sometimes the sphinx is represented couchant on a pedestal above, which defrauds the symbolism by stultifying the essential idea of stability amidst movement. Behind the general notion expressed in the symbol there lies the denial of chance and the fatality which is implied therein. It may be added that, from the days of Levi onward, the occult explanations of this card are--even for occultism itself--of a singularly fatuous kind. It has been said to mean principle, fecundity, virile honour, ruling authority, etc. The findings of common fortune-telling are better than this on their own plane.
Light Meaning
- Allowing events to unfold
- Seeing the larger pattern in everyday events
- Trusting your luck
- Watching for cycles
- Believing that what goes around, comes around
Shadow Meaning
- Losing money gambling
- Refusing to do your part to bring a plan to fruition
- Taking a fatalistic approach to life
- Fighting the natural course of events
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How does this challenge fit into a larger pattern?
- •What role does luck play in my circumstances?
- •What can I control? How should I know when to relinquish control?
Personal Meaning
A vision or understanding will have great impact on you, and may lead you to the answer to a situation or problem you have been struggling with. Alternatively, you may feel as if you are riding a carousel that is turning faster and faster and is out of control. Take a step back and view your situation with some perspective. Take the time to get a clear view of the bigger picture.
A vision or understanding has had great impact on you, and may have led you to the answer you were looking for. Alternatively, you may have felt as if you were riding a carousel that is turning faster and faster and was out of control.
A vision or understanding has great impact on you, and may lead you to the answer to a situation or problem you have been struggling with. Alternatively, you may feel as if you are riding a carousel that is turning faster and faster and is out of control. Take a step back and view your situation with some perspective. Take the time to get a clear view of the bigger picture.
Personal Reversed Meaning
Do not resist change. Change is inevitable and you must find a way to come to terms with those that you are currently experiencing. Change can be an unparalleled catalyst for personal growth. Instead of fighting it, embrace it and learn from it.
You have spent much effort trying to resist change. Change is inevitable and you must find a way to come to terms with those that you have experienced.
You are trying too hard to resist change. Change is inevitable and you must find a way to come to terms with those that you are currently experiencing. Change can be an unparalleled catalyst for personal growth. Instead of fighting it, embrace it and learn from it.
Fortune Telling
- •Some events are in the hands of heaven
- •You've lived through this before
- •What happened then?
Mythical / Spiritual Context
The God in the Machine. Deus ex Machina. Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Fortuna.
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.