Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune

The Basic Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune (Rider-Waite)

The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot and symbolizes cycles, fate and change. The card’s image shows a large wheel surrounded by various symbols and figures, representing the different aspects of life and its constant changes.

Wheel of Fortune – Upright Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card in the Major Arcana and represents the cycles of life, fate, and destiny. It symbolizes good luck, unexpected opportunities, and the natural flow of events in our lives. The Wheel of Fortune suggests that changes are coming and encourages you to embrace these changes with a positive attitude. Key aspects of the upright Wheel of Fortune include:

  1. Cycles: Recognizing the cyclical nature of life, with its ups and downs, and learning to adapt and embrace change.
  2. Fate: Understanding that certain events are beyond your control, but trusting that things will work out as they are meant to.
  3. Destiny: Embracing the idea that you have a unique path in life, and working to fulfill your purpose or destiny.
  4. Good Luck: Experiencing good fortune, unexpected opportunities, or positive turns of events that help you progress in your journey.
  5. Change: Welcoming the natural flow of events in your life, remaining adaptable, and accepting the inevitability of change.

Wheel of Fortune – Reversed Meaning

When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, it can signify bad luck, resistance to change, or a feeling of being stuck. This card often represents a situation where someone is struggling to adapt to the natural cycles of life or is experiencing setbacks due to a lack of acceptance or adaptability. The reversed Wheel of Fortune can also indicate a need to take responsibility for your actions and choices. Key aspects of the reversed Wheel of Fortune include:

  1. Bad Luck: Facing misfortune, setbacks, or obstacles that may hinder your progress or make it difficult to move forward.
  2. Resistance to Change: Struggling to adapt to the natural flow of events, or clinging to the status quo due to fear or uncertainty.
  3. Feeling Stuck: Feeling trapped or stagnant in your current situation, and struggling to see a way forward.
  4. Lack of Control: Feeling powerless or overwhelmed by the events in your life, and finding it difficult to assert control over your circumstances.
  5. Personal Responsibility: Recognizing the role that your choices and actions play in shaping your destiny, and accepting responsibility for the outcomes of your decisions.

The Wheel of Fortune, whether upright or reversed, emphasizes the importance of embracing the cycles of life, adapting to change, and trusting in the natural flow of events. It serves as a reminder to remain positive, adaptable, and resilient in the face of challenges, and to take responsibility for your actions and choices in order to create your own destiny.

Example Interpretation

If the Wheel of Fortune appears in a reading alongside Strength and The Sun, it can be interpreted as a new cycle of change (Wheel of Fortune) will require you to show inner strength and patience (Strength) to overcome challenges. In the end, this will lead to success, joy and personal growth (The Sun).

Psychological Interpretation

Archetypal Meanings

The Wheel of Fortune is a powerful archetypal symbol that has been present in various cultures and belief systems throughout history. It represents the cyclical nature of life and the constant changes and transitions that we experience. The wheel itself is often depicted with various animals or figures, representing the different forces and energies that influence our lives. In its upright position, the card signifies good fortune, luck, and positive changes. However, in its reversed position, it can indicate unexpected challenges and a need for adaptation and resilience.

Behavioral Patterns

The Wheel of Fortune can indicate a variety of behavioral patterns and psychological states. In its upright position, it may suggest a sense of optimism, opportunity, and a willingness to take risks. This card can also represent a state of flow, where everything seems to fall into place effortlessly. On the other hand, in its reversed position, the Wheel of Fortune may point to a lack of control, unpredictability, and a fear of change. It can also indicate a tendency to blame external factors for one’s circumstances rather than taking responsibility.

Integration and Shadow Work

Working with the energies of the Wheel of Fortune can help individuals to integrate the concept of impermanence and embrace the cyclical nature of life. It encourages individuals to trust in the universe and to have faith that things will eventually work out for the best. Shadow work with this card may involve examining one’s relationship with control and surrender, as well as addressing any fears or resistance towards change. It can also help individuals to understand the role of luck and chance in their lives and to find ways to adapt and thrive in any situation.


More Tarot Cards In "Major Arcana"

Strength

Strength is a tarot card that symbolizes self-control, strength and courage. It also represents the ability to overcome obstacles and to handle adversity. It is a sign that the person has the necessary strength and power to achieve their goals.

Strength

Temperance

The Tarot card Temperance symbolizes balance and harmony. It depicts an angel holding two vessels, one vessel of water and one vessel of wine, and mixing the two to create a perfect balance between the two. The card also symbolizes that one must find a good balance between different aspects of their life in order to achieve happiness and satisfaction.

Temperance

The Chariot

The Chariot tarot card symbolizes a journey or a quest that is facing a person. It stands for power, victory and success that can be achieved by balancing opposing forces and finding a way to unite them to create unity. It also represents the will to take control of one's own life and to realize one's dreams.

The Chariot

The Devil

The Devil tarot card symbolizes feelings of being trapped in a destructive pattern or situation. The card also symbolizes a call to take responsibility for one's actions and overcome limiting behaviors. It can also indicate that one should avoid allowing oneself to get caught in traps created by others.

The Devil

The Emperor

The Emperor is a tarot card that symbolizes authority and leadership. It stands for control, structure, and regulation. It also represents a fatherly figure who has the necessary experience and knowledge to lead others. It can also mean that one should be responsible, enterprising, and have a will to take control of their actions.

The Emperor

The Empress

The Tarot card The Empress symbolizes creation, possibilities, and refinement. It also represents female strength and courage, parenting and creativity. It stands for an abundance of energy, kindness and goodwill. It also strengthens the ability to create new situations and to fulfill dreams.

The Empress

The Fool

The Fool is a tarot card that symbolizes a new beginning, an adventure and unknown potential. It also represents a person who is willing to take risks and trust their intuition. It is a card that advocates for change, growth and new opportunities.

The Fool

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man tarot card symbolizes a moment of stillness and surrender. It depicts a person hanging upside down from a tree branch, indicating that one must let go of control and allow things to happen. It can also mean that one must take a step back and look at the situation from a different perspective.

The Hanged Man

The Hermit

The Hermit tarot card symbolizes a person seeking self-reflection, after going within and searching for the answers that lie within. It stands for solitude and inner journey, and represents a person who is about to step out of their comfort zone and bravely take a step into unknown territory.

The Hermit

The Hierophant

The Hierophant tarot card symbolizes traditional teaching and religious instruction. It also represents a mentor who helps guide us to a better life. It can also represent a role model that we can look up to and learn from. The card stands for the transfer of knowledge, guidance, power, and authority.

The Hierophant

The High Priestess

The High Priestess tarot card symbolizes intuition, mystery and spirituality. It also represents the ability to seek out deeper meaning and knowledge. It symbolizes knowledge, secrets and the possibility of finding answers within oneself. It is a sign to trust one's intuition and follow it to find the right path.

The High Priestess

The Lovers

The Tarot card The Lovers symbolizes love, determination, and choice. It represents a powerful moment of infatuation and emotional closeness between two people who are facing an important decision. It reminds us that we all have the power to choose our own happiness.

The Lovers

The Magician

The Magician tarot card symbolizes the ability to transform and create something new. It stands for creativity, intuition and power. It also represents a person who has the ability to handle different elements to create something new. The card stands for the rebirth of ideas, solutions and changes.

The Magician

The Moon

The Moon tarot card symbolizes mystery, intuition, and dreams. It depicts a moon illuminating a forest-like landscape, with two dogs standing along the path and a turtle shell floating in the water. It represents uncertainty and that we may not always be able to see the whole picture. It can also warn of dangers that may be lurking in the darkness. It can mean it is time to listen to your intuition and follow your dreams.

The Moon

The Star

The Tarot card The Star symbolizes hope, optimism and renewal. It represents comfort and support after a difficult period, and encourages us to follow our dreams and never give up. It is a sign that we are protected on our journey and that we can trust that the way forward is bright.

The Star

The Sun

The Tarot card The Sun symbolizes the light, joy, and hope. It represents love, harmony, and success. It stands for enlightenment and positive energy and means that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It can also mean that you have reached a stage of personal growth where you are ready to take new steps.

The Sun

The Tower

The Tarot card The Tower often symbolizes a feeling of chaos and change which can be very frightening. It is a sign that there are big changes coming that will shake up our lives and make us look at things from a different perspective. It can also be a sign that we must leave behind what is familiar and comfortable to make room for new possibilities.

The Tower

The World

The Tarot card The World symbolizes the end of a cycle and is a sign of perfection, balance and realization. It represents feelings of joy, fulfillment and an emotional goal that has been achieved. It also symbolizes a new beginning and is a sign that one has overcome all obstacles and is ready to start anew.

The World

Death

The Tarot card Death symbolizes a change or a new beginning. It stands for transformation and renewal, and is a sign that it is time to let go of the old and welcome the new. It can also mean that it is time to leave old habits and patterns behind and create new ones.

Death

Judgment

The Tarot card of Judgment symbolizes a moment of awakening and renewal. It represents a moment of insight and understanding that leads to new levels of liberation and transformation. It is a sign that it is time to let go of the past and take the steps needed to move forward towards a new beginning.

Judgment

Justice

The Tarot card Justice symbolizes justice, balance and order. It represents the distribution of justice and the consequences of our actions. It can also symbolize that one must take responsibility for one's own life and stand by their actions and face the consequences.

Justice