The Wheel of Fortune tarot card means big changes. It shows how life goes up and down, like a spinning wheel. This article will help you learn what it means for love, work, and growing as a person. Find out how this card can help you handle life’s ups and downs.
Key Points
The Wheel of Fortune tarot card means life goes in circles, and many things can change your future. It uses ideas from old stories and magic.
Long ago, people used the Wheel of Fortune to show how life changes and how everything is connected. It shows how what you do affects what happens next.
In tarot readings, the upright Wheel of Fortune means good changes and growth. The upside-down card means you need to change during tough times and stay strong.
Symbols on the Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card is full of symbols. At the center, there’s a big wheel showing life’s ups and downs. It’s like the old Rota Fortunae, which means life can change quickly, just like a spinning wheel.
Around the wheel are four winged creatures. They stand for the four Evangelists and the four fixed signs of the zodiac: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These signs help keep the wheel steady when life gets crazy. The letters on the wheel spell “T-A-R-O” or “R-O-T-A,” which means ‘wheel’ in Latin, showing life goes in circles.
On top of the wheel is a Sphinx. It guards knowledge and keeps things balanced. In the middle of the wheel, symbols for Mercury, Sulphur, Fire, and Salt show the universe’s powers. There are also four Hebrew letters that stand for God’s name, linking magic to the real world.
Each part of the Wheel of Fortune card makes you think about what shapes your future. The pictures remind you that even if you can’t control the wheel, you can learn from it and handle its turns.
History and Meaning Over Time
The Wheel of Fortune has a long history, starting with Babylonian astrologers who first thought of this cosmic symbol. Greek and Roman thinkers, like Cicero, also talked about what fate and fortune mean. This shows how the wheel is still important today.
In the Middle Ages, the Wheel of Fortune was more than just an idea; it was a way to show how society worked. It had God in the middle and different social classes around it, showing how life can change and how God affects our fate. This use of the wheel shows its importance through time.
The Wheel of Fortune also means cosmic law and destiny. It says what you do has effects, like karma. This idea reminds you that even when life goes up and down, your choices shape your journey. So, the Wheel of Fortune is not just about fate but about how life is connected.
Upright Wheel of Fortune: Embracing Change and Good Fortune
When you see the Wheel of Fortune card upright in a tarot reading, it means big changes and good luck are coming your way. This giant wheel of destiny tells you to enjoy the moment, trust the universe, and stay open to life’s events. Even when things get tough, remember the wheel keeps turning, and better days will come.
The upright Wheel of Fortune also means you can grow and learn spiritually. When you understand life’s cycles, you learn from both good times and tough times, gaining wisdom and strength. This card encourages you to welcome change, seeing it as a chance to grow and move forward.
When you experience the Wheel of Fortune upright, live fully in the present. Enjoy the good times and stay open to what the universe shows you. Remember, after every bad time, a good time will come. Keep faith in your journey and life’s cycles.
Reversed Wheel of Fortune: Navigating Unwelcome Changes

A reversed Wheel of Fortune in a tarot reading means bad luck and changes you don’t want. It shows a time when luck isn’t on your side and outside things will disrupt your stability. This fortune reversed wheel often means you resist change which makes it hard to deal with new situations.
The Light Seer’s Tarot version of the reversed Wheel of Fortune tells you to let go and accept change will happen. When things go bad work hard to make them better. Fighting against the wheel’s spin makes things worse but being flexible can lead to better results.
Letting go is the main lesson from the reversed Wheel of Fortune. Knowing some things are out of your control helps you focus on what you can control, build strength and growth during tough times. This card shows the need for flexibility and wisdom to deal with life’s twists and turns.
Love and Relationships with the Wheel of Fortune Tarot
The Wheel of Fortune tarot card plays a big role in love and relationships, it shows how love changes all the time. Whether it’s upright or reversed this card in a tarot reading means big changes, tell you to stay open to surprises in your love life.
Looking at how the Wheel of Fortune affects love when upright versus reversed shows its impact.
Upright Wheel of Fortune in Love
In love an upright Wheel of Fortune means surprises that test your relationship. These changes even if hard don’t last forever; the wheel keeps spinning meaning change and growth is part of the journey. Going through these changes together can make your bond stronger.
For singles the upright fortune wheel means new chances for love. It tells you to be open to good changes in your love life like meeting someone new or rekindling the spark with a current partner. When you go with the wheel’s spin love often comes when you least expect it and brings joy and happiness.
Reversed Wheel of Fortune in Love
And on the other hand a reversed Wheel of Fortune in love means things are stuck and unexpected problems that strain relationships. These problems can make you feel helpless as outside things disrupt harmony between partners. Instead of ending a relationship these problems show areas that need attention and fixing. During these times open communication and working together are key to getting through problems. The reversed Wheel of Fortune reminds you that while you can’t control everything in your relationship you can choose how to deal with challenges, grow and understand through tough times.
By facing issues head on couples can become stronger and more connected.
Career and Finances through the Lens of the Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune affects not just personal relationships but also your career and money. This card means big often surprising changes can shape your job path and financial stability.
Looking at the Wheel of Fortune’s impact on career and money shows both opportunities and challenges depending on its direction.
Career Implications of an Upright Wheel of Fortune
An upright Wheel of Fortune means new job opportunities and possible career growth. This card tells you to be aware and grab opportunities even if they mean stepping out of your comfort zone. Accepting these changes can lead to learning new skills and moving up in your career.
Being flexible is key when the Wheel of Fortune appears upright in a career reading. While big changes may seem scary this card often brings good changes and opens new doors. Being open to new experiences can lead to big professional growth and success.
Financial Outlook with an Upright Wheel of Fortune
With money the upright Wheel of Fortune shows the need for change and being flexible. It says money problems are often temporary and staying alert for new opportunities can lead to improvement. It reminds you to be proactive and resourceful during tough times.
If you’re doing well with money right now the Wheel of Fortune advises saving some of your money. This foresight will help you be prepared for future challenges and keep stability even when money situations change. The upright Wheel of Fortune encourages smart financial planning and flexibility.
Career Challenges with a Reversed Wheel of Fortune
A reversed Wheel of Fortune means your career is stuck or facing disruptions. It says resisting needed changes may stop progress and lead to struggle and no advancement. Seeing the need for flexibility and adapting to changing situations is key to overcoming these challenges.
Career stagnation often comes from resisting change. The reversed Wheel of Fortune tells you to rethink your approach and be open to new strategies and opportunities. Doing so can help you get through tough times and find your way back to professional growth.
Financial Risks with a Reversed Wheel of Fortune
The reversed Wheel of Fortune says money problems and loss are possible. During these times rethink your spending and be prepared for the unexpected. This card tells you to plan carefully for the unknown.
Don’t make reckless money decisions and have an emergency fund to soften the blow. The reversed Wheel of Fortune is a warning to be careful and ready for money challenges so your stability lasts long term.
Spiritual and Personal Growth with the Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card means you can grow spiritually and personally. It teaches you about karma and how things happen for a reason. When you understand these ideas, you learn more about your spiritual journey and how you can grow as a person.
Karmic Lessons and Divine Intervention
The Wheel of Fortune shows how karma works. What you do comes back to you. When you understand this, you can connect better with spiritual truths and find your purpose. Embracing these lessons helps you see how divine forces guide you through good and bad times.
The Light Seer’s Tarot helps you trust your inner wisdom and see how divine guidance works in your life. This is different from old ways that focus more on fate and destiny.
Books like Boethius’s ‘Consolation of Philosophy’ mix old and new ideas, showing how fate works and why wisdom is important.
Synchronicity and Life Cycles
The Wheel of Fortune shows how life connects in cycles. Good and bad times are part of a bigger rhythm. When you accept these changes, you can grow. The Wheel of Fortune also teaches you about meaningful coincidences that guide your choices and paths.
Some tarot decks, like Fortuna’s Wheel Tarot, focus on how life goes up and down. They remind you to stay open to what happens. When you see these patterns, you can navigate life’s cycles and find wisdom in both good and bad times, learning from both the major arcana and minor arcana.
Numerology and Astrology of the Wheel of Fortune
In numerology, the number 10 on the Wheel of Fortune means endings and new beginnings. It marks the end of one cycle and the start of another. This change helps you grow and encourages you to embrace new opportunities.
In astrology, the Wheel of Fortune links to Jupiter, the planet of good luck and growth. Sagittarius and Pisces, ruled by Jupiter, mean inspiration and a deeper understanding of the universe. This link helps guide you through life’s cycles with wisdom and openness.
The Wheel of Fortune in Different Tarot Decks
The Wheel of Fortune looks different in various tarot decks, with each showing its own unique art. The Rider Waite Tarot shows a traditional view, with symbols like the four winged creatures that mean the elements. These symbols add to the card’s meaning, showing how life goes in cycles.
The Light Seer’s Tarot shows the Wheel of Fortune as something that balances freedom and fate. It highlights how you can shape your future while acknowledging destiny.
These differences not only add to the artistic variety of tarot decks but also broaden the ways you can understand the Wheel of Fortune, making it a deep and meaningful card across different traditions.
Summary
Understanding the Wheel of Fortune tarot card helps you see how fate, destiny, and personal growth work together. From its rich symbols and history to its impact on love, work, and money, the Wheel of Fortune teaches you to embrace life’s cycles with openness and wisdom. Whether upright or reversed, this card invites you to handle changes with grace, learning from both your successes and challenges.
By using the lessons from the Wheel of Fortune in your life, you can better understand what shapes your path and make more informed, empowered choices. Embrace the lessons of the Wheel of Fortune, and let its wisdom guide you through life’s ever-turning cycles, helping you grow, stay strong, and connect more deeply with the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wheel of Fortune also known as?
The Wheel of Fortune is also known as Rota Fortunae and Lady Fortune.
What ancient cultures are associated with the origins of the Wheel of Fortune?
The Wheel of Fortune comes from ancient Babylonian astrology and was later adopted by Greek and Roman cultures. This shows its importance across these civilizations.
How was the Wheel of Fortune used during the Middle Ages?
During the Middle Ages, people used the Wheel of Fortune as a symbol to show social classes, with God at the center and different classes around the wheel. This showed how fate and social status could change.
What does the Sphinx symbolize in the context of the Wheel of Fortune?
The Sphinx means the keeper of knowledge and balance in the Wheel of Fortune.