The Wheel of Fortune, numbered X in the Major Arcana, represents the natural cycles of change, reversals of fate, and the uncertain nature of destiny. The card reminds us that both good and bad times are transient.
The Wheel of Fortune depicts a giant wheel, its upward side showing an animal-headed sphinx, its downward side a snake. The sphinx represents life ascending; the snake, descending into the unconscious realms. The wheel is flanked by an angel and a sphinx, indicating the role of divine and earthly powers in spinning fate. Some versions show the letters T-A-R-O on the wheel, signifying it’s greater cycles of Destiny.
Upright, the Wheel of Fortune encourages flowing with life’s uncertainties, adapting to changing cycles, and capitalizing on periods of good luck.
When reversed, the Wheel represents misfortune and inability to move freely with life’s shifting cycles. We suffer by resisting change and feel trapped by external forces.
When the Wheel appears upright, it signals welcoming change and unpredictability rather than futilely fighting natural cycles. Adapt flexibly. Ride waves skillfully. Capitalize on upturns without attachment when life flows favorably.
However, reversed signifies clinging to control instead of surrendering to life’s ups and downs. Resistance exacerbates suffering. Accept impermanence. Find meaning in all circumstances. Flowing eases passage.
Upright, the Wheel reflects how shifting fortune and paradox teach powerful spiritual lessons. By neither rejecting pain nor grasping joy, we transcend identification with each state. Allow experiences to deepen surrender and faith.
Reversed cautions spiritual blind spots keep us stuck repeating lessons. Withdraw projections about “good” and “bad.” Embrace all-of-life nonjudgmentally to realign with divine flow.
Professionally, the upright Wheel reveals work’s naturally changing cycles. Capitalize on upswings, but budget for slower periods. Success fluctuates. Allow career’s transformations.
Reversed signifies work stagnation from resisting necessary reinvention or poor rhythm balancing activity and rest. Realign with career’s living flow.
Financially, accept wealth’s ebb and flow. Adjust spending accordingly. Don’t grasp tightly or neglect savings.
Upright, the Wheel reflects how intimacy naturally deepens and regresses through phases. Allow relationships impermanence. Nurture bonds when flowing; grant space when receding.
Reversed, clinging to one relationship phase causes suffering. Don’t force or resist natural changes in relating. Communicate through ups and downs.
Reflect on these questions inspired by the Wheel of Fortune:
The Wheel turns to reveal life’s ever-changing impermanent nature. Flow with trust.
The reversed Wheel of Fortune often arises when we become attached to life flowing a certain way and then resist its natural evolutions. Attempting to grip tightly to a narrow identity or circumstance throws us out of sync with life’s dynamic unfolding. Reversed from resisting change, the Wheel then feels like a malevolent force exposing us to misfortune against our will.
To realign, you must release rigid expectations about how your destiny should look. Open to mystery and paradox. Seek meaning everywhere, not just peaks. By softening into trust and surrender, you rediscover equanimity amid the ups and downs, feeling life’s loving unfolding. From this centered place, you can adapt smoothly, capitalize wisely during upcycles, and most importantly, appreciate the fullness each moment offers. Thereby the Wheel’s revolutions bring freedom, not distress.