Wheel of Fortune background
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
Major ArcanaCard 10 in the deck

Wheel of Fortune

DestinyCyclesTurning pointLuckKarmaChange
A great wheel floats in the sky, inscribed with the letters TARO (or ROTA) and alchemical symbols. Four Hebrew letters spell YHVH, the name of God. A sphinx holding a sword sits atop the wheel, while a serpent descends on one side and Anubis rises on the other. In the four corners of the card, winged creatures—a man, eagle, lion, and bull—read from books, representing the fixed signs of the zodiac. Clouds surround the wheel, emphasizing its celestial nature.

Upright Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune is a powerful symbol of destiny, cycles, and the unpredictable nature of life. It represents the fact that life is in a constant state of flux, with periods of good fortune and bad fortune, ups and downs. The wheel is always turning, and this card signifies a pivotal turning point in your life, often bringing a change in luck for the better. This is a card of karma and destiny. The events it heralds may feel outside of your control, as if guided by a greater cosmic force. It's a reminder that what goes around, comes around, and the seeds you have sown in the past are now coming to harvest. When the Wheel appears upright, it typically signals good luck, positive change, and opportunities falling into your lap. You are being encouraged to go with the flow and to trust in the universe's plan. This is a time to be optimistic and to seize the opportunities that arise, as the wheel is turning in your favor. Remember that this too is a cycle; embrace the good fortune with gratitude, knowing that change is the only constant. It's a powerful moment of alignment with your destiny. The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that the wheel is always turning and life is in a state of constant change. If you're going through a difficult time, rest assured that it will get better from here. Good luck and good fortune will make their return in time. Similarly, if things are going well, know that this, too, will change and life may return to 'normal' soon. This cycle shows why it is so important to cherish the blissful moments in your life and make the most of them while they are within reach – because in a flash they could be gone. The Wheel of Fortune is also known as the wheel of karma and reminds you that 'what goes around comes around.' Be a kind and loving person to others, and they'll be kind and loving to you. Be nasty and mean, and you will get nasty and mean turning back your way. So, if you want happiness and abundance, make sure you're sending out that positive juju in kind.

Reversed Meaning

When the Wheel of Fortune is reversed, its turning brings unwelcome change and a period of bad luck. The cycle is shifting, but not in your favor. This card points to unexpected setbacks, negative events, and a feeling of being powerless against the forces of fate. The plans you made may be disrupted by circumstances beyond your control, leaving you feeling frustrated and stuck. The reversed Wheel can also signify a resistance to change. You may be trying to cling to the past or control a situation that is meant to evolve, and this resistance is only causing more suffering. You are fighting against the natural flow of life, trying to stop the wheel from turning. This card is a reminder that even difficult periods are part of a larger cycle. While you cannot control the turning of the wheel, you can control your reaction to it. This is a time to practice resilience, to let go of what you cannot control, and to learn the lessons this challenging period is here to teach you. Resisting the change will only prolong the struggle. By accepting the downturn, you can prepare yourself for the inevitable upswing that will follow. The reversed Wheel of Fortune suggests that you may be experiencing a run of bad luck or feeling like the universe is working against you. You may be facing setbacks and obstacles that seem to come out of nowhere. It is important to remember that this is just a phase and that the wheel will turn again in your favor. The reversed Wheel of Fortune can also indicate that you are resisting change or trying to control the uncontrollable. You may be clinging to the past or refusing to accept the natural cycles of life. It is time to let go and allow the wheel to turn. The reversed Wheel of Fortune may also suggest that you are not taking responsibility for your own actions and are blaming external circumstances for your problems.

Keywords

DestinyCyclesTurning pointLuckKarmaChange

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