Wheel of Fortune

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Introduction to the Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card

The Wheel of Fortune, designated as card number X (10) in the Major Arcana, occupies a pivotal role within the tarot deck. As a member of the Major Arcana, it signals profound shifts, universal forces, and the dynamic interplay of fate and destiny at work in an individual’s life. The card’s very essence revolves around the cyclical nature of existence—its ups and downs, the inevitability of change, and the interconnectedness of all events.

In the Rider-Waite tradition, the Wheel of Fortune is depicted with a richly symbolic wheel encircled by various mythic creatures and alchemical symbols. Here, the card underscores themes of fortune, destiny, and the workings of cosmic law. The surrounding figures—the sphinx, the snake, and the figures of the four evangelists—emphasize the card’s association with both the mysterious and the divinely ordered.

Conversely, in the Marseille tradition, the Wheel of Fortune’s imagery is simpler yet equally potent. The focus rests on the turning wheel and the creatures that rise and fall upon it, highlighting the card’s emphasis on the unpredictability of fate and the ever-changing nature of luck. While the Rider-Waite deck imbues the card with esoteric symbolism and a sense of karmic justice, the Marseille version leans more towards the raw, impersonal cycles inherent in life.

Essential keywords that encapsulate the Wheel of Fortune’s core themes include: change, cycles, destiny, luck, and turning points. Whether interpreted through the lens of Rider-Waite’s mystical framework or Marseille’s stark realism, the Wheel of Fortune remains a powerful harbinger of transformation and the eternal rhythm of fortune’s dance.

2. Symbolism – Rider-Waite

Certainly. Here is a detailed, professionally-toned analysis of the visual symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune in the Rider-Waite tarot deck:

Wheel of Fortune: Visual Symbolism in the Rider-Waite Deck

The Wheel of Fortune, card X of the Major Arcana, is laden with intricate visual symbols, each layer contributing to its psychological and archetypal resonance. In the Rider-Waite deck, the card is a vortex of ancient wisdom, cosmic cycles, and the tension between fate and agency.

Central Wheel

At the heart of the image is a large, golden wheel inscribed with the letters T-A-R-O, which can be read cyclically as TAROT or ROTA (Latin for “wheel”). Interspersed between these are four Hebrew letters: י (Yod), ה (Heh), ו (Vav), and ה (Heh), spelling the Tetragrammaton—YHVH, the unutterable name of God. The wheel itself thus becomes a mandala of cosmic order, blending the sacred and the mundane, the mystical and the mechanical.

Surrounding the wheel are alchemical symbols for mercury, sulfur, water, and salt, representing the prima materia and the processes of transformation. The golden color of the wheel suggests enlightenment, destiny, and the illumination found through understanding life’s cycles.

The Four Winged Creatures

In each corner, we find the four living creatures—angel (top left), eagle (top right), lion (bottom right), and bull (bottom left)—each with a pair of wings and an open book. These are the Tetramorphs, archetypal guardians of the four cardinal directions and representations of the four Evangelists (Matthew, John, Mark, and Luke) in Christian iconography. They also correspond to the fixed signs of the zodiac: Aquarius (air), Scorpio (water, in its eagle form), Leo (fire), and Taurus (earth).

The books they read signify the Torah, esoteric wisdom, or the Akashic records, suggesting that the workings of fate are inscribed in the fabric of the cosmos, accessible through study and contemplation. Their serene postures, in contrast to the tumult of the wheel, evoke the possibility of equanimity amid change.

Figures on the Wheel

Three mythological figures animate the periphery of the wheel:

  • The Sphinx: Crowned and holding a sword, the Sphinx sits atop the wheel in a posture of composure and mastery. It symbolizes the mysteries of existence, the riddles of fate, and the power of discernment. The sword represents clarity, intellect, and the ability to cut through illusion.
  • Anubis: The Egyptian god of the underworld, depicted rising on the right side, is sometimes interpreted as the guide through cycles of death and rebirth. His upward movement suggests the ascent through the trials of fortune.
  • Typhon: The serpent-like figure on the left, often associated with Set or Typhon, embodies chaos, entropy, and the descent into materiality. Its downward motion is a counterpoint to Anubis’s ascent, illustrating the dual flow of fortune—rising and falling, creation and dissolution.

Color Palette and Psychological Impact

The card’s dominant colors—gold, blue, and red—are psychologically potent. Gold symbolizes the divine and the indestructible core of being. Blue, seen in the sky and the wings, evokes wisdom, calm, and the infinite. Red, used in details such as Anubis’s garments, hints at passion, life force, and the dangers inherent in change.

Archetypal and Psychological Meaning

Archetypally, the Wheel of Fortune is the axis mundi, the world’s pivot, linking the microcosm and macrocosm. Psychologically, it points to the inevitability of change and the interplay of conscious control (Sphinx), unconscious drives (Anubis), and chaotic forces (Typhon). The card invites the querent to contemplate their stance in the face of life’s inevitable fluctuations—whether to resist, surrender, or seek wisdom at the center of the turning wheel.

In sum, the Rider-Waite Wheel of Fortune is a visual synthesis of spiritual law, archetypal guardianship, and the ceaseless revolving of destiny. It compels the advanced reader to integrate the lessons of impermanence, discernment, and transpersonal order into their interpretation and praxis.

3. Symbolism – Marseille

Visual Symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune in the Marseille Tarot

The Wheel of Fortune (La Roue de Fortune) in the Marseille tarot stands as a visually and symbolically distinctive card, markedly different from the more widely familiar Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) interpretation. The Marseille deck, known for its stylistic minimalism and medieval artistic lineage, offers a version of the Wheel of Fortune that is both enigmatic and evocative, inviting advanced readers to probe beneath its apparent simplicity.

Core Imagery and Minimalist Aesthetic

At the center of the Marseille card is a rudimentary, almost mechanical wheel—often depicted with visible spokes and a crank, emphasizing its constructed and mutable nature. Three animal-headed figures occupy the wheel: one ascending (typically with canine or simian features and sometimes human limbs), one perched atop (usually crowned, signifying temporary supremacy), and one descending (often depicted with a tail or animal hindquarters). These figures, rendered in the naïve and flat style characteristic of the deck, are devoid of the ornate detailing or rich symbolism seen in later decks.

This minimalist presentation is significant. It strips the scene of celestial, astrological, and magical embellishments, focusing instead on the raw cycle of fortune and fate. The absence of a human operator (such as Fortuna or a guiding hand) further underscores the card’s message: fortune’s turn is impartial, inexorable, and often beyond human control.

Comparative Symbolism: Marseille vs. Rider-Waite

In contrast, the Rider-Waite-Smith Wheel of Fortune is laden with esoteric symbols. Surrounding the wheel are four winged creatures representing the four evangelists, the elements, and the fixed signs of the zodiac. Hebrew letters, alchemical glyphs, and the figures of Anubis and a sphinx all imbue the card with layers of Kabbalistic, Hermetic, and mythological meaning.

The Marseille card, by comparison, is starkly literal. Its wheel is a tangible object, manipulated by the animal figures—whose ambiguous forms and expressions hint at the instability of fortune and the animalistic drive inherent in the cycle of rise and fall. There is no overt spiritual guidance or cosmic order; instead, the Marseille Wheel presents a more existential, almost fatalistic view of fortune’s wheel.

Esoteric Interpretation and Stylistic Choices

The stylistic minimalism of the Marseille deck does not diminish its esoteric depth. Rather, it invites the reader to meditate on the archetype of the wheel as an emblem of perpetual change. The animal-headed figures suggest the fluidity of identity and status, while the crown atop the central figure is a reminder that all ascendancy is provisional. Some advanced readers interpret the crank as an invitation to consider agency: Are we, at times, able to influence the wheel, or are we merely passengers along its rim?

The lack of overt references to astrology or Kabbalah in the Marseille deck can be seen not as a deficit but as an opportunity for broader philosophical reflection. The card’s anonymity and abstraction allow it to function as a universal symbol of impermanence, unmoored from specific doctrinal interpretations.

Conclusion

In summary, the Wheel of Fortune in the Marseille tarot—through its spare, almost stark visual language—emphasizes the cyclical nature of fate, the transience of fortune, and the often-animalistic striving tied to worldly success and failure. Its stylistic minimalism stands in contrast to the densely coded Rider-Waite version, offering an open canvas for advanced readers to explore the mysteries of change, chance, and the human condition.

4. Upright Meaning

Key Concepts for the Upright Wheel of Fortune

  1. Cycles and Change
  2. Destiny and Fate
  3. Opportunity and Luck
  4. Turning Points
  5. Karma and Evolution

Love

In love readings, the upright Wheel of Fortune signifies pivotal changes and new phases within relationships. It often heralds a period of transformation—be it the chance encounter with a destined partner, a rekindling of passion, or a necessary shift in the relationship dynamic. This card encourages acceptance of the unpredictable nature of love, reminding us that openness to change can lead to growth and deeper connection.

Career

Within the sphere of career, the Wheel of Fortune signals a turning point marked by unexpected opportunities or shifts in circumstance. It may indicate promotion, a new job offer, or a change in project direction brought about by forces beyond one’s control. The card advises embracing adaptability, recognizing that professional success often arises when one rides the tide of fortune rather than resisting it.

Spirituality

Spiritually, the Wheel of Fortune emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the soul’s journey. It speaks to the workings of karma and the interconnectedness of all events, suggesting that spiritual growth comes from observing patterns and learning from life’s changing seasons. The card invites seekers to trust in the universe’s timing, recognizing that every twist and turn serves a higher purpose within the spiritual path.

Money

Financially, the upright Wheel of Fortune often points to a period of fluctuation, where fortune may suddenly improve or unexpected gains present themselves. It suggests that luck is currently on one’s side, yet cautions that these shifts are inherently cyclical. Wise management of resources and a readiness to adapt to changing circumstances are advised, as the tides of fortune can turn as quickly as they arrive.

5. Reversed Meaning

Reversed Wheel of Fortune – Keywords:

  1. Stagnation
  2. Bad luck
  3. Resistance to change
  4. Cycles unlearned
  5. Disempowerment

Insightful Implications:
When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, it signals more than mere misfortune; it reflects a profound emotional and spiritual stasis. Psychologically, this card can indicate a period where one feels trapped by circumstances, unable to harness the momentum needed for growth. There may be a strong sense of being at the mercy of fate, which can induce feelings of frustration, helplessness, or resignation.

Spiritually, the reversed Wheel suggests a failure to learn from recurring patterns, highlighting resistance to the lessons life is presenting. This blockage often arises from clinging to perceived control or an unwillingness to adapt, which perpetuates cycles of difficulty. On a deeper level, it invites a confrontation with one’s relationship to change, destiny, and personal agency—urging the seeker to reflect on how surrender, flexibility, and acceptance can restore movement and meaning to their journey.

6. Interpretations in Context

Certainly. Here is a detailed guide to the Wheel of Fortune in various spread positions and in combination with other cards:

The Wheel of Fortune in Different Spread Positions

1. Past Position

When the Wheel of Fortune appears in the past position, it often indicates a pivotal moment or turning point that has already occurred, setting the stage for the current situation. This card suggests that circumstances were shaped by forces beyond one’s control—synchronicity, chance, or fate. The querent may have experienced a dramatic shift, such as an unexpected opportunity, a reversal of fortune, or a series of seemingly random events that redirected their path. In this context, the card invites reflection on how previous cycles and changes have led to the present.

2. Advice Position

In the advice position, the Wheel of Fortune encourages adaptability and openness to change. It counsels the querent to embrace uncertainty, trust in the cycles of life, and recognize when it is time to let go of control. The card may suggest that the best course of action is to ride the waves of change rather than resist them, and to be alert for opportunities that arise from unexpected developments. It also reminds the seeker that every phase, whether perceived as positive or negative, is temporary and part of a greater pattern.

3. Outcome Position

When the Wheel of Fortune appears as the outcome, it promises a significant shift in circumstances. The querent is likely approaching a turning point where luck, timing, or destiny will play a decisive role. Outcomes may be unpredictable, and the results may exceed the querent’s expectations—either positively or negatively. This card here signals that external forces are at play and that the outcome will largely depend on timing and the alignment of factors beyond one’s direct influence. It may also herald a sense of karmic reward or the closing of one cycle and the beginning of another.

The Wheel of Fortune in Combination with Other Cards

The nuanced meaning of the Wheel of Fortune is further shaped by its interaction with surrounding cards:

  • With The Tower: A dramatic and possibly disruptive change; the end of an old structure and the beginning of a new cycle. The combination intensifies the sense of upheaval but points towards necessary transformation.
  • With The Magician: Manifestation of opportunities; the querent has the skill to harness the changes presented by fate. Suggests the power to take advantage of a lucky break or to direct one’s will within the larger flow of events.
  • With The Hanged Man: A change in perspective or a period of suspension leading to a turning point. This pairing may indicate that surrender and patience are required before the next phase can unfold.
  • With Ten of Swords: The close of a difficult cycle; after a period of hardship, the Wheel signals that circumstances are due to improve, or that fate is intervening to end a painful chapter.
  • With Ace of Pentacles: A fortunate new beginning, often in the material realm. The querent may encounter unexpected opportunities for prosperity or stability as a result of recent changes.

Conclusion

The Wheel of Fortune’s significance in a reading is highly context-dependent. In all positions, it reminds the reader of the cyclical nature of life and the interplay between fate and free will. Its meaning is always amplified or refined by its placement and its interaction with other cards, inviting advanced readers to consider both the broader destiny at work and the unique crossroads at which the querent stands.

7. Meditation and Inner Work

Wheel of Fortune Meditation & Journaling Exercise

Find a quiet space and close your eyes, centering your breath. Imagine the Wheel of Fortune turning before you—a great, cosmic wheel in perpetual motion. As it revolves, notice the symbols: rising and falling, change and continuity, fate and choice. With each turn, consider the interplay between what is within your control and what is not.

Allow yourself to dwell in this liminal space. Feel into the cyclical nature of your own life: the ebb and flow of fortune, the unexpected shifts, the recurring patterns. Let the Wheel remind you that change is both inevitable and necessary for growth.

Afterwards, open your journal and reflect on the following questions:

  1. In what areas of my life am I currently experiencing a turning of the Wheel—unexpected changes or patterns repeating themselves?
  2. How do I respond when events are beyond my control? What inner resources can I draw upon to remain centered amid uncertainty?
  3. Reflecting on past cycles, what wisdom have I gained from previous ups and downs that I can now apply to my current situation?

Take your time with each question, allowing the Wheel’s wisdom to guide your insights and intentions.

8. Curiosities and Deep Dives

The Wheel of Fortune: Advanced and Esoteric Interpretations

The Wheel of Fortune, as the tenth Major Arcana, stands at the crossroads of fate, destiny, and the ever-turning cycles that govern existence. For the advanced practitioner, this card is a nexus of rich esoteric symbolism, drawing upon mythology, astrology, numerology, Kabbalah, and alchemical philosophy.

Mythological Dimensions

In myth, the Wheel evokes the Moirai (Fates) of Greek lore, whose spinning, measuring, and cutting of the thread of life reflects the inexorable turning of cosmic cycles. The Roman goddess Fortuna likewise presides over the Wheel, blindfolded and impartial, emphasizing the card’s connection to luck and the impersonal shifting of fortunes. The Sphinx atop the Rider-Waite-Smith Wheel holds a sword, signifying the riddle of existence and the wisdom required to transcend mere circumstance. The four creatures in the corners—man, eagle, lion, and bull—echo the fixed signs of the zodiac but also correspond to the four evangelists and the guardians of the threshold, indicating the protective and revelatory aspects of the Wheel’s turning.

Astrological Correspondences

Astrologically, the Wheel of Fortune is associated with Jupiter, the planet of expansion, fortune, and higher wisdom. Jupiter’s influence here is not merely one of luck, but of the cycles of growth and contraction, opportunity and challenge, that allow for spiritual and material evolution. The fixed signs—Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus—suggest a stability within change, the underlying cosmic order that persists even as the Wheel turns.

Numerological Resonances

As Arcanum X, the Wheel vibrates with the energy of the number 10, which in Pythagorean numerology is the number of completion and new beginnings. Ten reduces to one (1+0=1), linking the Wheel to the Magician (I) and symbolizing the return to unity after the journey through multiplicity. This speaks to the Wheel’s deeper lesson: that apparent randomness is, in fact, the unfolding of a greater, hidden order.

Kabbalistic Pathways

On the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the Wheel of Fortune is commonly attributed to the path between Chesed (Mercy, Jupiter) and Netzach (Victory, Venus), or alternately between Chesed and Geburah (Severity, Mars), depending on the tradition. Here, it mediates between expansion and contraction, mercy and severity—the polarities that generate motion within the Tree. The Hebrew letter Kaph, associated with this card, means “palm of the hand,” suggesting both receptivity and the act of grasping or letting go, embodying the Wheel’s message of surrender to the cycles of fate.

Alchemical Mysteries

Alchemically, the Wheel represents the process of circulation (circulatio), wherein the elements are subjected to repeated cycles of separation and union, ascent and descent. The descending snake (Typhon) and ascending Anubis in the Rider-Waite-Smith imagery reflect the alchemical operations of dissolution and coagulation, decomposition and recombination. The Wheel thus signifies the endless process of transmutation, the rotation of the elements, and the philosopher’s pursuit of the gold within the ever-changing conditions of existence.

Synthesis for the Advanced Practitioner

To contemplate the Wheel of Fortune is to meditate upon the mystery of change and the underlying intelligence that guides it. The advanced reader recognizes in this card not mere chance, but the operation of universal law: the interplay of fate and free will, necessity and choice. The Wheel teaches surrender not as passive resignation, but as active participation in the dance of the cosmos—a willingness to align with the tides of destiny while holding fast to the center, the unchanging point amidst the ceaseless revolution.

In advanced spreads, the Wheel’s appearance invites the querent to discern the deeper patterns at work, to seek the wisdom encoded in cycles, and to recognize when to act and when to yield. It is both a reminder of impermanence and a gateway to the eternal.

9. Conclusion

The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that life’s cycles are ever-turning, inviting us to embrace change with wisdom and humility. Its core lesson lies in surrendering to the mysterious rhythms of fate, trusting that every rise and fall ultimately weaves us closer to our soul’s truth. May you stand at the center of the wheel, both grounded and open, affirming: “I welcome the dance of destiny, knowing each turn guides me toward my highest path.”