Card Basics
10. Wheel of Fortune
Number: 10 English Name: Wheel of Fortune Element: Fire Astrology: Jupiter Hebrew Letter: Kaph Keywords: Destiny, Change, Turning Point, Cycle, Good Fortune, Fate
Symbolism and Imagery
Key Symbolic Elements
Large Wheel
- Meaning: Cycle of life, eternal law.
- Interpretation: The power of inevitable change.
- Rotation: Continuous movement and change.
Letters in the Center of the Wheel
- TARO: Letters of Tarot, symbol of knowledge.
- ROTA: Latin for “wheel.”
- Interpretation: Hidden knowledge and cosmic law.
Four Creatures (Four Evangelists)
- Human (Angel): Aquarius, knowledge.
- Eagle: Scorpio, transformation.
- Lion: Leo, strength.
- Ox: Taurus, material.
- Meaning: Harmony of the four elements and the universe.
Sphinx
- Position: Top of the wheel.
- Meaning: Mystery and wisdom, guardian of destiny.
- Interpretation: Unchanging truth amidst change.
Snake (Set)
- Position: Left side of the wheel, descending.
- Meaning: Destructive power, descending energy.
- Interpretation: Period of decline and difficulty.
Anubis
- Position: Right side of the wheel, ascending.
- Meaning: Power of regeneration and resurrection.
- Interpretation: Period of growth and development.
Clouds and Sky
- Meaning: Divine realm, higher perspective.
- Interpretation: Cosmic power governing destiny.
Letters and Symbols
- Hebrew Letters: Sacred knowledge.
- Alchemical Symbols: Principle of transformation.
- Interpretation: Hidden laws of the universe.
Upright Meaning
Basic Meaning
- Arrival of Good Fortune: The coming of positive change and opportunities.
- Turning Point: A significant turning point in life.
- Fate: Inevitable fated events.
- Cycle: Natural flow and change.
- Growth: Development through experience.
- Timing: Perfect timing.
In Love and Relationships
- Fated Encounter: The beginning of a destined romance.
- Relationship Turning Point: A period of significant change.
- Reconciliation: Revival of a past relationship.
- Marriage: A major life decision.
- Relationship Improvement: Change for the better.
In Work and Career
- Promotion/Advancement: Improvement in position at work.
- Successful Job Change: Success in a new environment.
- Fortuitous Opportunity: Unexpected good chances.
- Business Success: Major development in business.
- Recognition in Field: Improved reputation in your specialized field.
In Money and Material Matters
- Financial Good Fortune: Unexpected income or profit.
- Investment Success: Good results in asset management.
- Lottery: Accidental financial gain.
- Business Expansion: Development of economic activities.
- Asset Increase: Natural growth of assets.
In Spirituality
- Spiritual Growth: Spiritual development and realization.
- Understanding Destiny: Realization of life’s purpose.
- Synchronicity: Experiencing meaningful coincidences.
- Karma Cleansing: Settlement of past actions.
- Harmony with the Universe: A sense of unity with the greater flow.
Reversed Meaning
Basic Meaning
- Misfortune: Difficult situations or negative changes.
- Stagnation: A situation without progress.
- Resistance to Fate: An attitude of not accepting change.
- Bad Timing: Premature or missed opportunities.
- Inner Change: Internal transformation rather than external change.
In Love and Relationships
- Relationship Deterioration: Difficulties or breakup in romance.
- Poor Timing: A period when things don’t go well.
- Resistance to Fate: Going against the natural flow.
- One-Sided Love: An unbalanced relationship.
- Clinging to the Past: Inability to let go of old relationships.
In Work and Career
- Demotion/Transfer: Decline in position at work.
- Failed Job Change: Difficulties in a new environment.
- Missed Opportunities: Inability to seize chances.
- Business Difficulties: Setbacks in business.
- Declining Reputation: Deterioration of reputation in your specialized field.
In Money and Material Matters
- Financial Difficulties: Unexpected losses or expenses.
- Investment Failure: Poor results in asset management.
- Gambling Losses: Failures due to relying on chance.
- Business Contraction: Difficulties in economic activities.
- Asset Decrease: Loss of assets.
Deeper Meaning and Philosophy
Philosophical Interpretation
The Wheel of Fortune expresses the “law of change.” This is deeply related to the philosophy of the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “Everything flows.”
- Determinism: Discussion of predestination and free will.
- Reincarnation: The concept of rebirth in Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Dialectic: Hegel’s development through conflict and integration.
Psychological Interpretation
Jungian Psychology Interpretation:
- Synchronicity: Meaningful coincidences.
- Collective Unconscious: Universal patterns of destiny.
- Individuation: Turning points in the growth process.
Cognitive Psychology Interpretation:
- Cognitive Bias: Subjective judgment of good or bad luck.
- Learning Theory: Behavioral change through experience.
- Adaptation: Psychological adaptation to environmental changes.
Spiritual Meaning
- Samsara: The wheel of rebirth in Buddhism.
- Dharma: Cosmic law in Hinduism.
- Providence: God’s divine plan in Christianity.
- Destiny: The natural flow in Taoism.
Practical Reading
Interpretation Examples by Question
“Will this situation improve?”
- Upright: Good changes will surely come. Believe in that time and wait.
- Reversed: This is a difficult period, but view it as an opportunity for inner growth.
“When is the right time for a job change?”
- Upright: Now is the perfect time. Fate is on your side.
- Reversed: It is not yet time. Prepare yourself and wait for the appropriate moment.
“Will this investment succeed?”
- Upright: Good fortune will be on your side. However, do not forget caution.
- Reversed: The risk is too high. It would be better to wait and see a little longer.
Combinations with Other Cards
Wheel of Fortune + The Fool
- The beginning of a new cycle. A fated new start.
Wheel of Fortune + Death
- Fundamental change and rebirth. A major turning point in life.
Wheel of Fortune + The Sun
- The best fortune. Everything is moving in a good direction.
Wheel of Fortune + The Tower
- Unexpected change. A violent cycle of destruction and rebirth.
Meditation and Work
Wheel of Fortune Meditation
- Preparation: Place the Wheel of Fortune card in a quiet place.
- Breathing: Deep breathing in rhythm with the universe.
- Visualization: Imagine yourself at the center of a large wheel.
- Acceptance: Cultivate a mindset of accepting change.
- Cycle: Experience the ups and downs of life.
- Wisdom: Feel the unchanging truth amidst change.
- Integration: Apply harmony with destiny to daily life.
Journaling Questions
- What was the biggest turning point in my life?
- How do I accept change?
- What is my destiny trying to teach me?
- What life lessons should I learn?
- How can I harmonize with the flow of the universe?
Utilizing the Energy of the Wheel of Fortune in Daily Life
Daily Practice:
- Do not fear change; surrender to the flow.
- View difficult times as opportunities for growth.
- Pay attention to synchronicity.
- Receive good fortune with gratitude.
- Understand the cycle of life and wait patiently.
Wheel of Fortune Affirmations:
- “I accept the changes in my life.”
- “I am in harmony with the flow of the universe.”
- “I trust my destiny and do my best.”
- “I continue to grow through change.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If the Wheel of Fortune appears, should I do nothing? A: Surrendering to fate is different from neglecting effort. It is important to do your best while aligning with the flow.
Q: Does a reversed Wheel of Fortune mean bad luck will continue? A: Not necessarily. It indicates a time when inner transformation is needed more than external change.
Q: What is the difference between the Wheel of Fortune and Judgment? A: The Wheel of Fortune represents natural change, while Judgment represents change through conscious decision. The Wheel of Fortune is the principle of “accepting,” and Judgment is the principle of “choosing.”
Summary
The Wheel of Fortune teaches us that life is in constant change and the importance of accepting that change. This card indicates that neither good nor bad fortune is permanent, and everything is part of the greater flow of the universe.
The energy of the Wheel of Fortune gives us adaptability to change and the strength not to lose hope even in difficult times. Through life’s ups and downs, we can gain deeper wisdom and understanding.
Next Steps
To learn more about the Wheel of Fortune:
- 9. The Hermit - The stage before the Wheel of Fortune.
- 11. Justice - The stage after the Wheel of Fortune.
- Major Arcana List - Overview of the 22 Major Arcana cards.
- Practical Reading Guide - Practical guide to reading, including the Wheel of Fortune.