The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card: Understanding the Rhythms of Fate and Fortune

Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card depicting a dynamic wheel, representing change.

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The Wheel of Fortune is a pivotal tarot card, embodying the ever-turning cycles of life, destiny, and the inevitable ebb and flow of life’s myriad events.

This card, steeped in symbolism and mystery, captures the essence of life’s unpredictability and the constant motion of the universe. It serves as a vivid reminder of the life cycles we all navigate, the decisive moments that shape our paths, and the significant role of external forces in our journey.

The Wheel of Fortune is not just a card; it’s a profound metaphor for the human experience, encapsulating the perpetual motion of our existence and the intricate dance of fate and free will.

Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card

Key Facts

  • Upright Position: Represents life’s cyclic nature, destiny, and adapting to the current situation; a card of destiny guiding through life’s ups and downs.
  • Reversed Position: Indicates resistance to life’s changes, bad luck, or a challenging phase in the wheel of life.
  • Love Reading: Suggests fluctuations in romantic life, highlighting destiny’s role in relationships and the need for adaptability.
  • Career and Finances: Reflects on the cyclical nature of career goals and financial situations, emphasizing adaptability and seizing opportunities.
  • Spirituality: Encourages understanding the cyclic journey of spiritual growth and embracing life’s natural rhythms.
  • Yes or No Readings: Generally a “Yes” for embracing change and life’s cycles, “No” for resisting life’s natural flow

Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

At the heart of the Wheel of Fortune card lies the Giant Wheel, encircled by alchemical symbols and often flanked by various creatures or figures from myth and legend.

This central image of the wheel, often depicted with a middle wheel, is a powerful symbol of the cycles of life, constantly in motion, bringing with it changes both good and bad.

The alchemical symbols represent the transformative nature of life and the continuous process of evolution and change.

The Wheel of Fortune is a card of opportunity for growth, reminding us that every turn of the wheel brings a new phase, a fresh perspective. It teaches us about the nature of life’s ups and downs, the inevitable rise and fall that each of us experiences.

This card encourages acceptance of the cyclical nature of life, urging us to embrace change as a constant and inevitable force. It’s a reminder that in every ending, there is the seed of a new beginning, and in every downfall, there is a lesson to be learned and an opportunity for growth.

Wheel of Fortune Reversed

When the Wheel of Fortune appears in its reversed position, it often signifies a period of bad luck or challenging times.

This inversion can indicate a feeling of being stuck in a cycle of misfortune or a sense of helplessness against the whims of fate. The reversed Wheel of Fortune suggests a lack of control over life’s events, where external forces seem to dominate, leaving one feeling at the mercy of destiny.

This position can reflect a particularly tough time in one’s life, where the cyclic nature of existence feels more like a curse than a blessing.

It may symbolize resistance to the natural flow of life, a reluctance to accept the changes and transitions that are an inherent part of the human experience.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune calls for introspection and resilience, urging us to find our center and regain our footing amidst the chaos. It reminds us that while we may not always have control over the external events of our lives, we do have control over how we respond to them.

Wheel of Fortune Love

In the realm of love, the Wheel of Fortune is a potent symbol of destiny and the natural equilibrium that governs romantic relationships.

When it appears in a love reading, this card speaks to the inherent ups and downs that characterize all romantic partnerships. It serves as a reminder that relationships, much like life itself, are subject to cycles of change and evolution.

The Wheel of Fortune in love readings encourages maintaining a positive outlook, even when faced with challenges. It suggests that just as the wheel turns bringing periods of difficulty, it also turns back, bringing joy and harmony.

This card is a call to embrace the dynamic nature of love, understanding that periods of difficulty are often followed by times of happiness and deeper connection.

It reminds us that in love, as in life, change is the only constant, and a balanced, positive approach can turn the tides in one’s favor, leading to a more fulfilling and harmonious relationship.

Reversed

When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed in a love reading, it often indicates a phase of instability or challenging times in a relationship.

This position can point to a period where things seem out of balance, perhaps marked by misunderstandings or misfortunes that test the strength of the partnership.

However, even in its reversed position, the Wheel of Fortune offers valuable lessons. It invites individuals to learn from the cyclic nature of romantic experiences, understanding that bad times are as much a part of love as the good ones.

This card in its reversed state encourages resilience and adaptability in love, urging one to navigate through rough waters with patience and understanding.

It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, the wheel will turn again, bringing with it the opportunity for renewal and a deeper appreciation of the relationship.

Quick Major Arcana Tarot Guide

The Fool – Beginnings

The Magician – Manifestation

The High Priestess – Mystery

The Empress – Fertility

The Emperor – Authority

The Hierophant – Tradition

The Lovers – Union

The Chariot – Control

Strength – Courage

The Hermit – Introspection

Wheel of Fortune – Fate

Justice – Fairness

The Hanged Man – Sacrifice

Death – Transformation

Temperance – Balance

The Devil – Temptation

The Tower – Upheaval

The Star – Hope

The Moon – Illusion

The Sun – Vitality

Judgement – Rebirth

The World – Completion

Wands – Energy

Cups – Emotions

Swords – Intellect

Pentacles – Material

Wheel of Fortune Money and Career Meaning

In career and financial readings, the Wheel of Fortune symbolizes the inevitable fluctuations that mark one’s professional journey and financial situation.

This card reflects the ups and downs in a career path, reminding us that success and setbacks are both integral parts of the journey. It speaks to the transient nature of professional life, where periods of growth and opportunity can swiftly change to times of challenge and uncertainty.


The Wheel of Fortune in this context serves as a guide through the fluctuating cycles of career and finance. It encourages seizing opportunities for growth and learning during prosperous times and developing resilience and adaptability during more challenging periods.

This card is a reminder that in the professional realm, as in all aspects of life, change is constant, and a flexible, open-minded approach can lead to significant growth and advancement.

Reversed

The reversed Wheel of Fortune in the context of career and finances often signals a period of unexpected challenges or a phase of bad luck in professional pursuits. This position may indicate setbacks, such as missed opportunities, financial losses, or career stagnation, which can be disheartening and difficult to navigate.

However, the reversed Wheel of Fortune also presents an opportunity to reassess and realign one’s career and financial goals. It encourages a deeper examination of one’s professional path and financial strategies, prompting a reevaluation of priorities and methods.

This card, in its reversed state, is a call to find stability amidst the chaos, to learn from the challenges, and to emerge with a clearer, more focused approach to career and financial aspirations.

It’s a reminder that even in tough times, there is potential for growth and a chance to steer one’s professional journey towards a more fulfilling direction.

Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card with spiritual symbols, representing growth.

Wheel of Fortune Spirituality Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune in a spiritual context offers profound insights into the journey of spiritual growth. It symbolizes the understanding that our spiritual path is inherently cyclical, much like the cycles of life it represents. This card teaches the importance of embracing these cycles as opportunities for spiritual development and growth.

The Wheel of Fortune in spirituality readings encourages individuals to maintain a balanced perspective through the ebbs and flows of their spiritual journey. It reminds us that periods of spiritual enlightenment and deep connection are often followed by times of questioning and introspection. This card serves as a beacon, guiding us to find meaning and lessons in every phase of our spiritual path.

It emphasizes the importance of staying centered and grounded, regardless of where we find ourselves in the cycle of spiritual growth, and to trust in the natural progression of our spiritual evolution.

Reversed

When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed in a spiritual context, it signals a period of spiritual upheaval or challenge. This position may indicate a time when one’s spiritual beliefs and practices are being tested, often leading to feelings of disconnection or confusion.

However, the reversed Wheel of Fortune also serves as a call to reevaluate and recalibrate one’s spiritual journey. It suggests that these challenging times are not merely obstacles but opportunities for deeper spiritual understanding and growth.

This card advises finding balance and harmony within one’s spiritual practice, even amidst turmoil. It encourages individuals to seek out new perspectives and approaches to their spirituality, understanding that sometimes, the most profound spiritual insights come from navigating through the toughest of times.

Wheel of Fortune Yes or No

In ‘Yes or No’ readings, the Wheel of Fortune generally leans towards a “Yes” when it comes to questions about embracing change and the natural cycles of life. It suggests that going with the flow and accepting the inevitable ups and downs is often the best course of action.

Griff Williams

MindEasy founder & meditation teacher

Griff Williams is an accredited meditation teacher and founder of MindEasy. He spent 12 years working as a London firefighter before changing paths to pursue building MindEasy. He received his diploma in meditation teaching from The British School of Meditation.