Tarot Card Meanings
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..
The Wheel of Fortune card depicts a massive wheel with three figures on the rims. The unpronounceable name of God, YHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), is written in four Hebrew letters on the wheel’s face. There are also the letters TORA, which are thought to be an abbreviation of the word Torah, which means ‘law,’ or TAROT, or even ROTA (Latin for ‘wheel.’ The middle wheel contains alchemical symbols for mercury, sulfur, water, and salt – the four elements and the building blocks of life – and represents formative power.
A snake, the Egyptian god Typhon (the god of evil), descends on the left side of the outer circle. The snake also symbolizes the life force as it enters the material world. Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Dead who welcomes souls to the Underworld, rises on the right side. The Sphinx, portraying knowledge and strength, sits atop the wheel.
The four winged creatures in the corners of the Wheel of Fortune card are associated with the four fixed signs of the Zodiac: the angel is Aquarius, the eagle is Scorpio, the lion is Leo, and the bull is Taurus. Their wings represent stability amid movement and change, and each holds the Torah, which represents wisdom.
NOTE: The Tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider Waite cards.
The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that the wheel is always turning and that life is in constant flux. If you’re going through a rough patch, know that things will get better from here. Good fortune and luck will return in due course. Similarly, if things are going well, be aware that this, too, will change and that life may soon return to “normal.” This cycle demonstrates why it is critical to cherish and enjoy the blissful moments in your life while they are still within reach – because they could be gone in an instant.
The Wheel of Fortune, also known as the Wheel of Karma, serves as a reminder that ‘what goes around comes around.’ If you are kind and loving to others, they will be kind and loving to you. Be nasty and mean, and you’ll get nasty and mean in return. So, if you want to be happy and abundant, make sure you’re sending out positive juju in return. What you send out into the Universe will be returned to you.
Be open to the help of others, too, as guidance from both the physical and spiritual realms is supporting you along your journey. They want you to do well, so relish their support right now. Call on them any time you need it. You may also feel compelled to work with the archangels and ascended masters to support and guide you.
If you like to have control and stability in your life, the Wheel of Fortune may come as a surprise. This Tarot card indicates that circumstances beyond your control are influencing your situation. It’s as if the Universe is serving up whatever it wants; it’s unpredictable and unsettling. This is one of the more difficult aspects of the Wheel of Fortune because no matter which way the Wheel spins, it is impossible to change it. Accept and adapt to what is happening. Follow the flow!
The Wheel of Fortune card encourages you to be optimistic and trust that the Universe will take care of your situation as best as it can. Meditation and visualization can help you to strengthen your intention to attract more abundance, good fortune, and prosperity. If you are willing to grow and expand, your life is about to take a more positive turn. Keep an open mind to synchronicities and signs from the Universe. The magic of fate and destiny is at work, and miracles are taking place.
Finally, the Wheel of Fortune can reveal a pivotal moment in your life. Opportunities you could never have imagined becoming available to you, and you now have the opportunity to make a significant change in your life. While it may be unexpected and unfamiliar, consider it an invitation to turn things around and go in a completely different direction in your life. The more you listen to your intuition and let the Universe guide you, the better your results will be.
When the Wheel of Fortune is reversed, your luck and fortune may turn sour. Unexpected changes may occur, or negative forces may be at work, leaving you helpless. You have a choice: do nothing and hope for the best, or take action to improve your situation. Consider this your chance to reclaim control of your destiny and get your life back on track.
Accepting responsibility for your current situation is the first step toward changing your destiny. Consider the impact of your previous actions on your current situation. Even if you believe everything is beyond your control, there is often something you could have done differently that would have changed your current situation. What can you take away from this situation, and how can you apply it to your future life to avoid making the same mistakes?
The Reversed Wheel of Fortune can also represent resistance to change, especially if it feels forced upon you. This card indicates that change has become a significant source of stress for you, and you may be consciously or subconsciously attempting to prevent events from unfolding. Accept that change is unavoidable, and you will have a far more enjoyable experience if you can go with the flow.
On the bright side, the Wheel of Fortune Reversed may indicate that you are finally breaking a negative cycle in your life. Perhaps you’ve realized how your actions have resulted in a recurring situation and are now ready to break free. This may come naturally to some people after a period of introspection and self-discovery. Others may need to hit rock bottom before you can see what is no longer serving them.