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The Wheel of Fortune Meaning - Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

By Tina Gong

Published

Wheel of Fortune Keywords

Upright Keywords Reversed Keywords
change, cycles, fate, decisive moments, luck, fortune, unexpected events bad luck, lack of control, clinging to control, unwelcome changes, delays
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Wheel of Fortune Meaning - Original Rider Waite Tarot Depiction

The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Description

The Wheel of Fortune is one of the most highly symbolic cards in the deck, filled with signs that each have its own meaning. At the center of the card, lies a giant wheel, covered in esoteric symbols. There are different creatures that surround the wheel; the angel, the eagle, the bull and the lion. They are related to four fixed signs in the zodiac - leo, taurus, scorpio and aquarius. These four animals are also representatives for the four evangelists in Christian traditions, which is perhaps the reason that they are all adorned with wings.

The books that each of the creatures hold represents the Torah which communicates wisdom and self-understanding. The snake indicates the act of descending into material world. On the wheel itself, rides a sphinx that sits at the top, and what appears to be either a devil, or Anubis himself arising at the bottom. These two Egyptian figures are representative of both the wisdom of the gods and kings (in the case of the sphinx) and the underworld (Anubis). They are rotating forever, in a cycle, and suggests that as one comes up, the other goes down.

Upright Wheel of Fortune Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune turns evermore, seemingly to communicate that life is made up of both good and bad times, and that the cycle is one that we cannot control. It is something that is subjected to both kings and workers, and that nobody on earth can avoid what is fated. When you have good moments in your life, make sure that you enjoy to the fullest, for what comes up must always go down. The same is true in reverse - when you are in a bad situation, things will eventually become better again. 

The same forces that govern the changing of the seasons, or the rising and setting of the sun is also the master of luck and the fate of individuals.

Greater forces that are outside of human control are at work here. The same forces that govern the changing of the seasons, or the rising and setting of the sun is also the master of luck and the fate of individuals. Where it lands is as random as chance - you may find yourself at either the top or bottom, but remember that no matter what the outcome it may not last for very long, for the wheel always turns.

Upright Love Meaning Upright Career Meaning Upright Finances Meaning
relationship changes, navigating change with partner, making adjustments luck in career, opportunities present, adapting to changes at work changes in material situation, being flexible with finances

Upright Wheel of Fortune Tarot Love Meaning

Life is full of unexpected changes, and love is no different. The Wheel of Fortune tarot love meaning can signal great changes in your relationship, perhaps one that you didn’t see coming. These aren’t necessarily bad things, but adjustments may have to be made. The commitment you have with your partner may be tested now, and both of you may have to put in some effort or sacrifice in order to remain together. Should you choose to make the choice, your partnership may become closer than ever as the two of you learn to navigate the ups and downs of life together as a team. It is important to understand that whether the changes are positive or negative, they are not forever, for the wheel is always turning.

Career Meaning - Upright Wheel of Fortune

Big changes may be coming when it comes to your career. Should you be considering making a switch in your career path or your position, now may be a good time to make those moves. Try and be more aware of the opportunities that are in your environment for you now, and say yes when they arise. Sometimes, the changes that are coming your way may be difficult and challenging, but these can actually be blessings for you to develop your skills and get you ready for future growth. Embrace these changes, and make yourself adaptable. Going alongside the flow of these changes is likely to bring you success.  

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Finances Meaning - Upright Wheel of Fortune

When it comes to your finances, the Wheel of Fortune also suggests change, so be ready to adapt to whatever comes your way. If you’ve been financially comfortable, make sure you keep putting a certain amount away to get you through hard times. Should you be dealing with material hardship, be assured that this not meant to last forever. Keep your eyes open to any opportunities that open up to you.

Reversed Wheel of Fortune Meaning

When the wheel is reversed, it means that luck has not been on your side and misfortunes have been following you. When it's associated with this card, you must understand that these are due to external influences that you cannot control. Like the wheel, our luck and our fate is always in motion, and sometimes we are on the bottom. Be assured that the wheel will turn again, and you will be okay again soon. 

What you shouldn't do however, is cling to the illusion of control. Perhaps in this turn of the wheel, the lesson is to learn to let go and release. There are things that cannot be moved by human will and action alone. When we do not let go, it can bring only more suffering, for you may blame yourself for actions that could not have altered the situation. When we learn to accept, we also learn to forgive ourselves. We learn to move on, and move forward - and eventually, we learn that this feeling of acceptance can push the wheel again forward, and move it towards a new cycle.

Reversed Love Meaning Reversed Career Meaning Reversed Finances Meaning
external events affecting relationship, love life out of control failure to adapt at work, forcing past solutions unexpected financial changes, preparation

Reversed Wheel of Fortune Tarot Love Meaning

There are times, that no matter how much we try, the world will not bend to one’s will. Life may have thrown an unexpected wrench into your plans, and there is not much that you can do other than remember that this too will pass. It is likely that some external factor may be affecting your relationships right now, and you may have to adapt to it, and accept it with patience rather than attempting to control this situation. Other aspects of your life may be demanding right now, as your romantic life may have to take a pause. If you are in a partnership, try and tackle these problems as a team and communicate openly.

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Career Meaning - Reversed Wheel of Fortune

Are things in your work life changing quickly? You may find it difficult to keep up at the moment. All these surprises are things that may feel disruptive to your plans. You may keep trying to make a past solution work, instead of flowing alongside the events that are unfolding right now. It is important to not cling to the past or your expectations, but instead remain flexible and ready to change your plans. Are your responsibilities changing at work? Does your project’s requirements keep updating? This can be very frustrating, but instead of fighting it, try and figure out your own process to deal with it. It’s important to make sure you find your center. 

Finances Meaning - Reversed Wheel of Fortune

Be wary of taking risks when it comes to your finances, as this card can suggest unexpected and unwelcome events. It may be wise right now to build a small emergency fund; even if nothing does happen, having something stowed away can help relieve anxiety about what comes next. The world is constantly changing, make sure you’re ready for it.

Wheel of Fortune Meaning Tarot Cheat Sheet

Wheel of Fortune Meaning - Tarot Card Meanings Cheat Sheet



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