Wheel of Fortune in brief
In the Rider-Waite tradition, the Wheel of Fortune stands for cycles, change and turning points, the sense that life is always in motion. Modern readers often take it as a reminder that neither good times nor hard times stay fixed, while the reversed card points to unwelcome change, resistance to change or a run of bad luck.
The card represents “the perpetual motion of a fluidic universe” and “the flux of human life.” Behind the symbol lies “the denial of chance,” the idea that providence works through the turning.
The card’s picture
Waite wrote that he followed the reconstruction of the French occultist Eliphas Levi for this card. The four Living Creatures of Ezekiel’s vision sit in the corners, and the wheel itself carries the letters of TARO read as ROTA, the Latin word for wheel, alternating with the letters of the Divine Name. The sphinx on the wheel represents “the equilibrium” within all that movement, and Waite showed the Egyptian figure Typhon in serpent form.
In older packs, the same reconstruction shows Hermanubis rising with the wheel, a sphinx at the top and Typhon on the descending side. A sphinx placed on a pedestal above the wheel spoils the idea of “stability amidst movement.”
Modern guides read the details closely. The four winged creatures represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac, the angel as Aquarius, the eagle as Scorpio, the lion as Leo and the bull as Taurus, and their wings represent stability amid change. The descending snake represents the cycle of change and the shedding of the old, and the sphinx on top represents knowledge and strength. The rising and falling figures represent a cycle in which, as one comes up, the other goes down.
Upright meaning
The divinatory meanings of the upright Wheel are destiny, fortune, success, elevation, luck and felicity. The findings of “common fortune-telling” are better for this card than many occult explanations of it.
The upright Wheel represents the turning of good and bad times, a cycle that no one can fully control. The upright Wheel also represents greater forces at work, like the changing seasons, and serves as a reminder that wherever the wheel lands, the position may not last long.
The Wheel is a reminder that life is in constant change, and an encouragement to cherish the good moments while they are here. The Wheel also represents the wheel of karma, “what goes around comes around,” and a critical turning point where unexpected openings appear. For anyone who likes control and stability, the card can come as a shock, since it shows factors outside one’s control at work.
Reversed meaning
The reversed Wheel represents increase, abundance and superfluity.
The reversed card represents a time when luck has not been on one’s side, due to outside influences beyond control. The reversed card also represents a lesson in letting go of the illusion of control, with acceptance and self-forgiveness as the way forward.
The reversed Wheel represents unexpected change and a choice between waiting passively and acting to improve the situation. The reversed Wheel also represents resistance to change, and on the positive side, breaking a negative cycle that has repeated in one’s life.
Wheel of Fortune in love
In love, the upright Wheel represents great changes in a relationship, perhaps unexpected, that call for adjustments. The card also represents a test of commitment, in which learning to ride life’s ups and downs together can bring a couple closer.
Reversed, the card represents an outside factor affecting a relationship, to be met with patience rather than control. The reversed card also represents a pause in romantic life while other demands take over, and a call for couples to communicate openly as a team.
Wheel of Fortune in career
For work, the upright Wheel represents big career changes and a good moment for a switch, with attention to openings as they arise. Difficult changes under this card are also chances to grow skills, and adaptability is the key.
Reversed, the card represents fast change that is hard to keep up with, and clinging to a past solution instead of adapting. The reversed card is a prompt to stay flexible and find one’s center.
Wheel of Fortune and money
The upright Wheel in money questions represents change in one’s material situation, with flexibility as the theme.
Reversed, the card represents unexpected and unwelcome changes, and is linked to a wish to feel prepared for what comes next.
Wheel of Fortune as feelings
As feelings, the upright Wheel represents emotions that are shifting and evolving, with a sense that fate has brought two paths together. The upright Wheel also represents one’s own mix of hope and nerves about change.
Reversed, the Wheel represents uncertainty and instability, with someone frustrated by circumstances that seem beyond their control. The reversed card also represents one’s own sense of being stuck in a cycle, as part of life’s ebb and flow.
Questions to reflect on
- Which part of life feels as if it is in a season of change?
- What is within control here, and what is not?
- Is there a repeating pattern that is ready to be broken?
- What good moment deserves to be enjoyed while it lasts?