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When the Wheel of Fortune card comes out in a reading, it represents the cycle of experiences that bring one to joyous heights and depressing lows. Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down. So enjoy the good times. There are challenges to follow.
Conversely, when you experience hard times, the Wheel of Fortune card says you are destined for better days. You can look forward to having all your needs and desires met.
Fortune and fate govern the cycle of Earth’s seasons, whether we will have rain for our crops or a hard freeze in winter. The matter is out of our hands. It is a bigger, more complex force than we can understand or control.
Whether you’re a billionaire or a subsistence farmer, this power affects us all. Every spin of the Wheel of Fortune generates a random set of options that, by your choices and attitude, may lead to good fortune.
Whether the path to realizing your goals and aspirations is easy or challenging, the Wheel represents a turning point.
The Wheel of Fortune Card Keywords and Facts
Before you understand the specific meaning, take a look at the keywords and phrases associated with our 11th Major Arcana Card.
| Upright Keywords | Cycles, destiny, good fortune, turning point |
| Reversed Keywords | Bad luck, hard times, trying too hard |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology Number | 10 |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Element | Fire |
| Ruling Planet | Jupiter |
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Symbolism and Appearance
A golden wheel covered in arcane symbols turns at the heart of the image, framed by a blue sky and fluffy, white clouds. This suggests an order to things that are beyond human reckoning. It can be recognized in your positive or negative experiences, and there is wisdom to be gained from observing this cycle.
A Sphinx, symbolizing the Sun as life, light, and divine love, sits atop the wheel, while Anubis, the representation of death, shadow, and separation appears to rise from beneath it. Sunrise and sunset. One predicts a time of brightness, clarity and abundant opportunity. The other predicts a time of shadow, secrecy, and loss.
A golden snake slithers down the left side of the image. There is an element to this symbol of “as above, so below.” One arises and descends between spiritual searching and reckoning with the material concerns of life.
In the clouds, a golden angel, a golden goose, a golden cow, and a golden lion, all with wings, read the open pages of a book. These four represent the four fixed zodiac signs, the four guardian angels, and the four cardinal directions.
The book they read is the Torah, an ancient book of wisdom. The message is to seek the guidance and protection of established forces.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Upright Meaning
When it appears upright, the Wheel of Fortune card promises a lucky turn of events. The idea is that one is approaching an unexpected and fateful moment of decision. Change is in the air, and good fortune is on your side.
The Wheel of Fortune card is associated with the planet Jupiter. This is our planet for growth, expansion, generosity, and good luck.
This card indicates you may be ready to get some higher education, travel more, or generally have a chance to have some new experiences that help to expand your idea of what you can be, do, or have.
The guidance is to approach great opportunities with optimism. The Wheel is turning in your favor. Chances are, your outcome will be positive.
Love (Upright)
In a love reading, the Wheel of Fortune card points to positive changes in your romantic life. The message is to be alert to the transition and willing to make adjustments. If you’re looking for love, this card says a chance meeting may lead to the love of a lifetime.
In an existing relationship, the Wheel of Fortune card indicates that your bond is strong, with a sense that your connection was destined by fate.
People grow and change. In love, as in life, having an optimistic attitude about navigating those changes is essential. Failure to do so will cause stagnation and have a negative effect on your good fortune.
Health and Spirituality (Upright)
In reading about health, the Wheel of Fortune card signals that one is coming to the end of a cycle. The point is to remember that the body fluctuates between wellness and weakness. If you’ve been struggling the Wheel of Fortune is here to say, “this too shall pass.”
Expect an inevitable renewal of your optimism, strength, and energy levels. Things do improve whether the concern is for your physical or mental health. Be ready to take advantage of favorable opportunities to feel better.
The same guidance goes for one’s spiritual well-being. Sometimes you feel spiritually engaged, supported, and uplifted by your faith. There is a sense of wonder that comes from your participation in the mysteries of life.
Sometimes, that supportive connection is hard to feel, and everything seems dreary and mundane. Accept that spirituality ebbs and flows like the tides of the ocean.
You may not feel inspired today, but the Wheel of Fortune predicts you will find that uplift soon.
Money and Career (Upright)
When the Wheel of Fortune card shows up in a spread about career, you can look forward to a lucky turn in your work life. The message is that a good opportunity is about to present itself. Whatever adjustments you must make to your schedule or commitments, embrace the optimism of the moment and go for it.
The Wheel of Fortune card can also indicate a change in one’s financial status. Greater flexibility and purchasing power are coming your way. Again, don’t hesitate to take an excellent opportunity when presented.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Reversed Meaning
When the Wheel of Fortune card shows up in reverse, it warns of bad luck or a time of obstacles and challenges. The idea is to recall that fortune and fate are beyond one’s control. It’s tempting to push harder or to try to grasp command of a difficult situation, but this will only increase the challenge.
Expect delays. Do your best. The challenges ahead will inevitably be followed by a time of ease and optimism, so hang in there!
Love (Reversed)
When the Wheel of Fortune card reversed comes out in a love reading, it points to some external force affecting one’s love life. It can feel like you’re out of control regarding romance. Regardless of your partnership status, the guidance is to stop trying so hard.
Health and Spirituality (Reversed)
In health spread, the Wheel of Fortune card shows up in reverse when mental or physical well-being challenges are coming up. The point is that a low time of stagnation and illness may be approaching. Rather than pushing to get better, one sometimes needs rest and recovery.
Spiritually speaking, it shows the potential for a long, dark night of the soul. You may feel bereft of connection to your spiritual path, as though your faith is being tested and your prayers go unanswered.
You may wish to keep practicing, even when you have doubts. Your faith will eventually be inspired to rekindle.
Money and Career (Reversed)
If you see the Wheel of Fortune card reversed in a career reading, it signals a struggle to adapt to your work environment. It’s possible you’ve been pushing through, thinking that if you just keep doing what you’re doing, eventually, something will click. In this situation, fitting in doesn’t mean relying on strategies that have worked in the past.
You are now guided to step back and get a broader view of the situation. You can help yourself by being less assertive. Listen to the cues of your cohort, and allow the cycle of work to show you where your efforts can be put to their best use.
Regarding money, the Wheel of Fortune card indicates unexpected costs. It’s essential to be prepared for a downturn in your finances. Whether or not you are ready, this will be a time when you have to pause spending on some extras so that you can meet your basic needs.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Yes or No Meaning
In a “yes or no” tarot spread, the Wheel of Fortune is a very lucky “yes!” Especially when it comes to doing your best work or achieving your highest goal, you are encouraged to go for it.
Important Card Combinations for the Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
The Wheel of Fortune and the Six of Cups
The Six of Cups represents the memory of good times in childhood. If it comes up in a spread with the Wheel of Fortune card, it means there is a dream you’ve had since childhood that has the potential to come true.
This is an optimistic sign! Be prepared to accept your prize when it becomes available!
The Wheel of Fortune and the Six of Wands
Celebrate the victory of popularity, fame, and adoration when you see the Wheel of Fortune card turn up with the Six of Wands. Your life will now revolve around your public persona and your unlocked achievements.
You will be in demand, soaking up admiration and approval wherever you go! Try not to let your ego swell with the favor of the people.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Two of Cups
When the Wheel of Fortune card comes out with the Two of Cups in a love reading, your true love will be found in a friendship. You may fall in love with your best friend or find that level of companionship with someone you love.
In either case, you are blessed twice to have an intimate bond with someone you trust above all others.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Four of Swords
In a love reading, the Four of Swords will turn up with the Wheel of Fortune to say it’s time to settle down. Whether you have found a partner you want to stay with for the long term or are still looking for that person, the opportunity to put down roots with a sweetheart is coming in.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Lovers
The Lovers has to do with that soul-mate connection one seeks. Choosing the one you love most and committing to the long term is very lucky. When the Wheel of Fortune card appears with the Lovers, you may soon meet your true love.
If you’re involved with someone, expect the bond to be strengthened. You may realize something about your existing relationship that makes you feel closer and more committed to your companion.
There is an energy of destiny with the Lovers and the Wheel of Fortune card. Powers beyond your control are putting you in the right place at the right time… to meet the right person.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Knight of Wands
If you enjoy games of chance, you may be happy to see the Wheel of Fortune with the Knight of Wands. These two together indicate a person has good luck and success in competition. You may be an athlete or a thrill seeker of some kind.
Whatever trouble you may get into, it will be easy to extricate yourself when it’s time. In the meantime, enjoy the excitement of a risk taken for fun.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Nine of Pentacles
The Nine of Pentacles is about enjoying the fruits of your labor. In a career reading, it can show up with the Wheel of Fortune card, meaning victory is right around the corner.
You may experience overnight success in a new business venture. If you’ve been working on something for a while, the win may happen abruptly.
The Wheel of Fortune and Death
The Death card portends changes. In a money spread, it may show up with the Wheel of Fortune card, indicating a positive and unexpected change to your financial status. You may receive an inheritance or win money by playing the lottery.
In any case, these cards together represent the end of a chapter and a lucky new beginning.
The Wheel of Fortune Card in Numerology
Though it is the 11th card in the Major Arcana, the Wheel of Fortune’s number is 10. 10 symbolizes the end of a cycle. You may know where you’ve been, but the future is mysterious. Put the finishing touches on your completed journey and spin the Wheel! Good fortune is on your side!
Next Card: Tarot Card Number 11: Justice Meanings
Rider-Waite images used with permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT c. 1971 by U.S. Games Systems.