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Wheel of Fortune

Category: Major Arcana, soul sphere Position in the deck: 10 Planet: Jupiter ♃ Time: Winter Solstice

Wheel of Fortune is the Arcana of prosperity, a favorable aura of destiny and unexpected positive turns of events. It draws attention to the moment when life itself pushes a person toward success and happy solutions, without having to pay any price for this gift. Nevertheless, when the card appears reversed, its meaning shifts toward a difficult period in which fate seems to systematically turn away from the querent. Then happiness becomes a scarce commodity, and problems and obstacles multiply, as if dictated by a hostile destiny. Escaping from fate is just as difficult, whether it be from fortune or misfortune.

Symbolism and Fundamental Ideas of the Wheel of Fortune Card

The Rider-Waite deck card displays a scene full of symbols: in the four corners we see an angel, an eagle, a bull, and a lion – mythical, winged beings representing the power of knowledge, the order of the cosmos, and the diversity of nature. Each holds a book. In the center there is a wheel on which the letters forming the word “TARO” are inscribed along with the symbols of the four elements, as well as the Hebrew letters of God’s name. At the top of the wheel sits a blue Sphinx with a sword – a symbol of wisdom and stability, while on the sides are depicted a red Anubis and a green Typhon snake – figures from ancient mythology. The whole scene presents a multi-layered idea of a continuous flow of energy between opposites and the harmonious variability of the world.

Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune Card in the Upright Position

Key Concepts:

Sudden surge of fortune, a favorable alignment of circumstances.
A harmonious rhythm of life, an auspicious moment for executing plans.
Protection and support from higher forces, a blessing of fate.
Acceptance of the inevitability of change, awareness of cycles and recurring opportunities.

When the Wheel of Fortune appears upright, it signals that life is smiling upon the querent. Suddenly, new possibilities open up, and previously complicated problems may resolve almost by themselves. This card speaks of perfect synchronization with the rhythm of the universe. It is a moment when one does not have to struggle for success – it is enough to receive it with gratitude.

Love and Relationships (Upright)

A fortuitous encounter with a life partner; a favorable time to find a kindred spirit.
Deepening of bonds in an existing relationship, the blossoming of feelings and mutual understanding.
Unexpected circumstances conducive to strengthening relationships.
Accidental yet beneficial events laying a lasting foundation for love.

In the realm of emotions, the Wheel of Fortune suggests extraordinary luck. New acquaintances may prove exceptionally valuable, and established couples may experience a revival of their feelings. Fate lends its support to sensitive hearts, helping them find each other amidst the maze of everyday life.

Work and Finances (Upright)

Success in business based on favorable coincidences.
Unexpected promotions, a stroke of luck in one’s career and professional development.
The opportunity to enter an industry related to contests, draws, or lotteries.
Harmonious exploitation of opportunities leading to financial stability.

In professional and financial matters, the Wheel of Fortune indicates a surge of favorable conditions that can be skillfully utilized. Fate opens new perspectives, providing a field of opportunity where one simply needs to seize the moment.

Health and Psyche (Upright)

A strong constitution, effective recovery, and an improvement in health.
Harmony between body and mind, emotional and mental balance.
Sustained energy reserves and readiness to face challenges.
Optimism, openness, and belief in one’s own strength.

The Wheel of Fortune heralds vitality and well-being. The querent is capable of quickly regaining strength after exertion while maintaining a positive outlook. It is a time when body and spirit work in harmonious synergy, bringing the joy of life.

Situations and Inquiries (Upright)

Ideas and initiatives that strike at just the right moment.
The chance to cleverly capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Assurance that events will unfold according to a favorable scenario.
Openness to life’s fluctuations and the sense of the perfect moment to act.

The Wheel of Fortune card points to a favorable atmosphere that can steer destiny toward fulfillment. It is wise to trust the course of events and wait for the right moment to act decisively.

Spirituality and Karma (Upright)

Understanding the inevitability of cycles, the flow of energy between good and evil.
Spiritual development prompted by forthcoming changes and opportunities.
Karmic balance: a reward for past efforts and proper conduct.
Transforming experiences into wisdom, and appreciating the transience and dynamism of the world.

On a spiritual level, the Wheel of Fortune symbolizes openness to life’s lessons and the readiness to learn from them. It is a period when the Universe generously supports inner growth, allowing one to break free from limiting beliefs.

Reversed Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune Card

Key Negative Aspects:

An unfortunate series of events, a bad streak, and a succession of failures.
Failure resulting from lost opportunities or erroneous decisions.
A lack of control over events, forced submission to hostile influences.
The inevitability of defeat, gloomy prospects, or lost potential.

The reversed Arcana warns of a dark phase in life when everything seems to go contrary to one’s plans. The querent may feel like a victim of unfavorable fate, unable to change direction.

Love and Relationships (Reversed)

The repetition of negative patterns in relationships.
A lack of prospects for a lasting partnership, with unsuccessful attempts at understanding.
Unsuitable candidates for a partner, leading to disappointment.
Fate not favoring the establishment of mutual happiness.

Reversed Wheel of Fortune signals a period in love marked by failures or continuous breakups. During this time, attempts to build a stable relationship are more likely to end in disappointment than in fulfillment.

Work and Finances (Reversed)

Professional difficulties, challenges in employment, and instability.
Poor outcomes, with little opportunity for growth or promotion.
Inability to realize plans and encountering numerous obstacles.
A lack of financial success, leading to losses and debts.

In matters of work and finance, the reversed Wheel of Fortune indicates a challenging period. Plans may prove futile, as unfavorable circumstances hinder success.

Health and Psyche (Reversed)

Poor well-being, unforeseen ailments, or the recurrence of illnesses.
Fatigue, a lack of energy, and a deterioration in physical and mental condition.
Pessimism, distrust, and a tendency toward negative thought patterns.
The burden of stress and an inability to cope with difficulties.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune suggests a decline in health and well-being due to the absence of favorable influences and the pressure of negative events. The individual may fall into a sense of hopelessness that is hard to overcome.

Situations and Inquiries (Reversed)

Unsuccessful attempts to seize opportunities, resulting in lost chances.
Adverse winds of fate making it difficult to achieve intended goals.
A feeling that life is unfolding against the querent’s will.
Doubt and regret over past, better times.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune is a signal that during the current period it is unwise to rely on lucky breaks. Well-thought-out strategies may collapse, leaving dreams unfulfilled.

Spirituality and Karma (Reversed)

A lack of progress in spiritual development, falling into negative patterns.
The need to atone for karmic debts with no escape from responsibility.
Difficult lessons from the past that demand correction of mistakes.
Fear of the inevitable retribution for past oversights.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune means the necessity of paying for past transgressions. Karmic and spiritual challenges become an unavoidable trial, and the only way forward is to consciously face them.

Wheel of Fortune as a Signifier of a Person

In its upright form, it represents individuals endowed with extraordinary luck, whose fortune paves the way for success. These are personalities adored by fate, capable of hitting the mark and seizing opportunities.

In its reversed position, the Wheel of Fortune points to people who are constantly plagued by misfortune or who fail to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Such individuals often feel like victims of fate’s caprices, unable to find a way out of difficult situations.

Advice and Warnings of the Wheel of Fortune Card

Upright Position: The Arcana advises calmness and the ability to make the most of the gifts fate offers. It is not the time to force the situation or to intervene unnecessarily – everything is moving in a favorable rhythm. Caution and alertness are recommended to fully enjoy fate’s benefits.

Reversed Position: In this configuration, the Wheel of Fortune suggests waiting out the difficult period. It is best not to make radical decisions or rely on lucky coincidences. This is a time when actions can easily backfire on the querent. Focusing on weathering the storm and patiently waiting for a more opportune moment is advisable.

Wheel of Fortune: Meaning as the Card of the Day

Upright Position: The day will bring positive changes and favorable circumstances. Opportunities will appear that are exceptionally easy to seize. It is worthwhile to take on challenges and react quickly, as today luck favors the bold and the focused.

Reversed Position: Today may bring troubles, delays, or unsuccessful attempts at action. It is better to refrain from important decisions, as efforts might be wasted. Caution and postponing plans until later will minimize the negative effects of an unlucky day.