Wheel of fortune tarot card meaning: big changes ahead

Key points

Here are 3 key points about “Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning” using your requested style:

The wheel of fortune card means that big change is on the way, so get ready to roll with it.

This tarot card teaches us that ups and downs are normal in life. What goes around comes around.

When the wheel card turns up, luck and randomness play a role. So take risks and seize opportunities that come your way.

Introduction to the Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune card in the tarot deck is perhaps one of the most memorable cards. Wheel of fortune is a fortune turner card and the name suggest it represents the ever turning wheel of fate. The wheel of the Universe is never at a standstill. Change is the only permanent thing. At times, when one looks to be having a good time, the Wheel will turn. Hey, things can go all of a sudden when you come across a lucky charm or something to that effect. The wheel of fortune teaches us that we should accept the ups and downs of life.

Overview of the Wheel of Fortune Card

In tarot, the wheel of fortune is a Major Arcana card. Major Arcana cards deal with big happenings in our lives. The card features a large wheel mostly decorated with good luck, bad luck, life and death symbols. Some versions show that god Fortuna turn the wheel, for this shows the role of chance and randomness. Some show an Egyptian sphinx at the top of the wheel that is representative of wisdom. The images of people dropping from the wheel show us how helpless we feel when fate deals a card we don’t expect.


The appearance of the Wheel of Fortune in a reading means a change is coming. Sometimes you do good and win and sometimes suffer badly. The wheel is a reminder that things come in waves. It simply says that whatever goes up must come down. Holding too tightly to one state prevents the Wheel from turning. We gotta let go and let the Wheel spin as it should.

Symbolism and Imagery on the Card

The Wheel of Fortune card is full of symbols that mean the highs and lows of fate. the wheel indicates the change of fortune and motion of life is constant. The signs circling the wheel refer to changing times of good and ill fortune.

  • The Sphinx on Top Symbolizes Knowledge and Spiritual Awakening.
  • A snake coming down on the left side foretells bad luck or challenges in the future.
  • The horse standing on the right signifies a positive turn of events or personal growth.
  • The human shapes falling from the wheel show our inability to cope with twists of fate.
  • Astrological signs, like the zodiac or planets, other common symbols suggest cosmic forces and predestination.

In order to cope with these changes wisely and gracefully, you must accept them.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card comes from medieval Europe. The wheel was represented in tarot as a symbol that represents the changing course of life and fate. In the Middle Ages, it came to be associated with Rota Fortunae, or the Wheel of Fortune, representing the capricious nature of destiny.

The Wheel of Fortune card typically shows a wheel being turned by a figure, such as the Roman goddess Fortuna, suggesting that luck and random chance play a part in human affairs. Some versions have figures going up and down on the wheel. This represents ups and downs of life. Moral of the story is that we should remain humble at the peak of our success and never forget the lows. The Wheel of Fortune symbol represents cyclical occurrences of things on earth.

Origins and evolution of the Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card comes from the medieval idea of Rota Fortunae, the turning wheel of chance. The idea of fate being a wheel- that people are tied to- is not new and can be seen in the Vedic texts and Greek mythology. The wheel was used as a symbol of Christian’s chance in the mid-medieval time period.

The Wheel of Fortune card was born in a tarot deck from Italy or France in the 15th century. Original versions looked at lucks changing moods and whims as well as random chance. As time went by, esoteric schools made the card symbolize karma, divine providence and cycles of life. Today’s decks focus on breaking the cycles and gaining control.

Cultural and mythological associations

The Wheel of Fortune card in tarot is linked with many cultural or mythic archetypes who embody the whims of fortune or fate.

In Greek mythology, it is connected to the goddesses Tyche and Titaness Rhea. Tyche ruled luck and fortune, while Rhea was the symbol of the changing cycles of time and nature. In Roman lore, Fortuna, the goddess of fortune gave good and bad luck always at random and her wheel is symbolic of it.

Norse myth says that Yggdrasil or wheel of fortune swings like a pendulum. In Buddhism, it is linked to sambara, the endless cycle of death and rebirth. The wheel appears in the Vedic tradition and Jewish teachings – it more or less symbolizes the unsteadiness of human affairs.

Interpreting the Wheel of Fortune in Readings

The Wheel of Fortune means big changes or turnarounds are just around the corner. This card reminds you of that the wheel is always turning and life is in motion. When the Wheel comes up, it is a warning about the ups and downs on your path. The Wheel signifies that change happens all the time, but it usually ends up being a good thing.

General meanings in upright position

When the Wheel of Fortune card appears upright during a tarot reading, it signifies good luck, change and the final outcome of things. Even if the environment is favourable, it simply means we are going to have fluctuations. Always remember to flow with the way of life

Reversed position interpretations

When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, it could mean that you’re resisting or not allowing something to change. It can mean bad luck or repeating badness. You might have the feeling you are stuck. When the Wheel is reversed, it suggests you release it to be more adaptable.

Influence on different aspects of life

In work, Wheel of Fortune upright brings new opportunities and a turn of luck. If you turn it backward, it means don’t rush a setback. In relationships, in an upright position, it signifies positive change, fresh beginnings, and new chapters ahead. Reversed indicates problems repeating. I think spirituality means go with the flow. Don’t be frightened of change. For money matters, this suggests better luck. Opposite signals could mean surprise costs or betting hazards.

Wheel of Fortune in Various Tarot Spreads

The Wheel of Fortune card shows life’s ups and downs. What destiny or fate once held, changed with the past event or position. It shows that in the present good fortune or a turn of fate is happening now. The wheel claims there’s going to be a change, for good or ill. This card basically says that change is inevitable, so you must embrace the cycles of life.

Role in past, present, and future spreads

The past shows in the Wheel of Fortune that a huge turn of events took place that you weren’t in control of. At the present moment, it means good luck is on your side. Get ready for some massive changes coming your way, courtesy of outside forces. It’s your heads-up for the future.

Significance in relationship readings

The Wheel in a relationship reading reminds us that all relationships have their ups and downs. This card indicates fate, destiny and development. When something appears in the past, it means fate took you guys in. Right now, it says there is more depth to your relationship.

Impact in career and financial spreads

The Wheel of Fortune indicates a setback that will show your courage and creativity in the face of adversity. It predicts a change in fortune for any area of your life even for finances. It shows that we can’t control every thing so we should make the most of good times and stick there during bad times.

Psychic and Intuitive Insights

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card is a representative of the contrasting forces of fate and free will. When it shows up in a reading, it indicates that one should rather embrace the chaos and the unknown. This card tells us to stay in touch with our inner wisdom and intuition during changes.

Developing intuition with the Wheel of Fortune

The wheel brings uncertainty, so we must depend on our discretion when it comes to one another. If you find yourself having any weird feelings or vibes, keep an eye on them! They could lead you to an exciting new opportunity. Meditation help in increasing your intuition power and listen to your inner voice more clearly.

Connecting personal experiences with card meanings

The wheel reminds us life always follows a certain order and nothing is constant. Recollect your own life stages – childhood, school, jobs, relationships, think back. What impact did each stage have on you?

The Wheel is here to teach us that change is always for the best anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


How does the Wheel of Fortune card represent unexpected life changes and new beginnings?

The Wheel of Fortune card signifies cycles, changes, and new beginnings in life. As the wheel turns, it represents the ups and downs we all experience. When it appears upright, it is a reminder that change is inevitable and to embrace the unexpected twists and turns.

What is the meaning and significance of the number five in the Five of Wands card?

In tarot, the number five represents conflict, competition, struggles, and challenges. The Five of Wands depicts five men brandishing wands and clashing with each other, symbolizing disagreements, fights, and rivalries. The conflicts indicated by this card are usually related to ego, pride, and a lack of cooperation with others.

How does The Sun tarot card represent happiness, success, and vitality?

The Sun shows a young child riding a white horse and holding a red banner, symbolizing innocence, joy, and triumph. The large shining sun represents energy, warmth, happiness, and enlightenment. In readings, this Major Arcana card indicates positive new beginnings, success, and vitality.

What does Judgement mean in terms of self-reflection, absolution, and rebirth?

Judgement shows the archangel Gabriel blowing a horn to awaken the dead from their graves, representing rebirth, renewal, and the dawning of a new era. This Major Arcana card calls for self-reflection, atonement, and absolution as part of a spiritual awakening or epiphany that sparks powerful personal growth.

How does the Ace of Wands represent inspiration, creativity, and willpower?

The Ace of Wands shows a hand holding a sprouting wand, symbolizing creation, force, and the power of potential. As a suit connected to the element of fire, Wands represent energy, creativity, ambition, and initiation. When the Ace appears, it signals a spark of inspiration, new opportunities, and the willpower to manifest your desires.

What does The Empress mean in terms of femininity, beauty, and abundance?

The Empress depicts a pregnant woman seated on a throne surrounded by nature. She embodies the aspects of womanhood, femininity, beauty, and nurturing. Her scepter and starry crown represent power and authority. In tarot readings, this Major Arcana card indicates creativity, fertility, sensuality, and material abundance.

How can the Emperor tarot card represent authority, structure, and reason?

The Emperor sits upon a stone throne adorned with rams’ heads, symbolizing leadership, ambition, and achievement. He holds an ankh scepter representing life and dominion over the land. The Emperor’s armor protects him while establishing boundaries and order. Upright, this card signifies authority, structure, reason, and the benefits of consolidation.

What does the Five of Wands reversed position indicate in terms of conflict and competition?

When the Five of Wands is reversed, it suggests an end to conflict, less competition, and more harmony. Struggles have settled and former rivals may now be working together toward a common goal. There is less ego-driven drama and more cooperation. However, lack of competition could also lead to complacency and stagnation.

How can the Wheel of Fortune reversed indicate bad luck and unfortunate events?

The reversed Wheel of Fortune can signify bad luck, unpleasant surprises, and unforeseen misfortunes. Instead of change bringing opportunity, it may feel threatening or destructive when the wheel turns against you. Plans could be disrupted, and you may feel like external forces are working against you during this downturn of the wheel.

What does Judgement reversed mean in terms of self-doubt, poor self-image, and resistance to change?

When Judgement appears reversed, it suggests self-doubt, excessive self-criticism, and a negative self-image preventing growth. There may also be resistance to a needed change, introspection, or desire to make amends. The spiritual awakening indicated upright is now blocked by the querent’s reluctance to evaluate themselves honestly or heed the call to rise up.