UPRIGHT: Destiny, Good Luck, Life Phases, Transition
REVERSED: Bad luck, Short Term Success, Unyielding, Reckless
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Description
(Description based on the original Smith-Waite tarot card)
The Wheel of Fortune card features a prominent wheel with four Latin characters inscribed on it: T–O–R–A. These characters hold significant interpretations. Some believe they represent the Hebrew law, Torah, echoing the scroll in The High Priestess card. They could also stand for the Latin word Rota, meaning wheel. If read clockwise, starting and ending with the T, they form the word Tarot. These multiple interpretations reflect the diverse perspectives on Tarot. The wheel's face bears four Hebrew letters, YHVH (Yod Heh Vau Heh), the unpronounceable name of God. The inner wheel displays alchemical symbols for mercury, sulfur, water, and salt – the fundamental elements of life.
The sphinx, jackal, and snake on the Wheel of Fortune card each represent different forces. On top of the wheel sits a sphinx carrying a sword. Like the sphinxes in The Chariot card, the sphinx here illustrates the unity in division, part human and part animal. Brandishing a sword, the symbol of power and leadership, the sphinx establishes itself as the ruler of the card. On the right of the wheel, the jackal is ascending. This jackal, the Egyptian God Anubis, accompanies dead souls back to life through reincarnation and represents the positive life force we experience. On the left side of the wheel, we see a snake descending. This snake is the Egyptian God Seth or Typhon, the God of evil, representing the negative life force we experience. Seth and Anubis work together to create balance, as shown by the sphinx representing equilibrium.
The Wheel of Fortune card's corners feature four winged creatures, each associated with one of the four fixed signs of the Zodiac: the angel represents Aquarius, the eagle symbolizes Scorpio, the lion embodies Leo, and the bull signifies Taurus. Some liken these creatures to the four evangelists (Luke, Mark, John, and Matthew). Their wings symbolize stability amidst movement and change, and each holds the Torah, a representation of wisdom.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Upright
The Wheel of Fortune is a reminder that life is always changing and returning to balance. If you find yourself in a difficult period, take assurance that things will get better. If things have been going extremely well, balance will return soon, and life will settle back into a more sedate pace. The Wheel of Fortune is known as the Wheel of Karma and reminds you that 'what goes around comes around.' The universe will reward goodness with goodness, and evil will be equally met with evil. As mentioned above, the wheel always finds balance, so be conscious of the energy you put into the world.
The Wheel of Fortune can also signify a positive turning point in your life. You can significantly change your life by allowing the universe to take control. Don't become stubborn and unyielding; instead, keep your mind open to all the possibilities that may come your way. Guidance from both the physical and spiritual realms will support you along your journey, so don't shy away from a helping hand. You could even reach out to a mentor figure in your life. The universe wants you to do well, so lean into their support.
The Wheel of Fortune may be difficult if you prefer to control your life. Unfortunately, no matter how much you try to change your fate, the Wheel of Fate will continue to turn. This tarot card suggests that factors outside your control are influencing your situation. You need to release your tight control and adapt. Instead of fighting the tide, go with the flow. You may be washed upon bigger and brighter shores than you ever dreamed of.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Reversed
If the Wheel of Fortune card is reversed, your luck may change negatively. This card is about going with the flow in its regular polarity. In its negative polarity, you have to take action to improve your situation. This fork in the road is an opportunity to take control of your destiny and get back on track. If you want to change your future, take responsibility for where you are today. Think about how your past choices have influenced your current situation. Hindsight is the greatest teacher.
The Wheel of Fortune Reversed can also reflect stubbornness and the inability to adapt. This card indicates that change is causing a lot of stress, and you might be unconsciously trying to prevent things from unfolding naturally. Remember: the wheel keeps turning. Stop fighting against the currents and allow the universe to guide you where you need to be. Since the Wheel of Fortune represents life cycles repeating itself, a reversed card can represent breaking a negative cycle. For some, this can be a gentle flow, drifting into better pastures. But if the Devil or Tower cards are in your reading, you may have to hit rock bottom before you accept the necessary changes.
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