The Wheel of Fortune in Tarot: Cycles, Turning Points and the Grand Plan

The Wheel of Fortune in Tarot – The Great Card of Cycles

The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card of the Major Arcana in Tarot. It stands at the centre of the entire system – the midpoint between the first nine cards (showing the human journey) and the last twelve (depicting trials and completion). The wheel turns – and never stops.

In the classic Rider-Waite-Smith depiction, the card shows a large wheel flanked by four creatures in the corners: lion (Leo), eagle (Scorpio), human (Aquarius) and bull (Taurus) – the four fixed signs, also known as the four evangelists. The wheel itself bears Hebrew and Latin letters that form ROTA (wheel), TARO, ORAT (speaks), TORA and ATOR (the Egyptian goddess Hathor).

The Symbolic Meaning of the Wheel

The three figures on the wheel show three stages:

• The descending serpent (Typhon): descent, the weight of life
• Anubis (ascending): the rise, growth
• The sphinx at the top: wisdom that reigns above the cycles – untouched by change

The lesson: the wheel always turns. No high lasts forever – but neither does any low.

Wheel of Fortune Upright: Meaning

• A favourable turn of circumstances is approaching
• You are in an upward cycle – use it consciously
• Synchronicities and fortunate coincidences are multiplying
• The right moment for an important decision is now

Jupiter – the planet of fortune and expansion – is associated with the Wheel of Fortune. An upright Wheel card is therefore often a sign of cosmic tailwind.

Wheel of Fortune Reversed: Meaning

• Resistance to inevitable changes
• Feeling stuck in a bad-luck cycle
• A prompt to examine your attitude toward what cannot be controlled

The reversed card is not a warning of catastrophe but an invitation: What can you control – and what must you release?

FAQ

What does the Wheel of Fortune mean as a daily card?

As a daily card, the Wheel shows that today can be a significant turning point. Stay open to surprises, go with the flow of the day and trust the timing of events.

Is the Wheel of Fortune a good card?

Generally the Wheel is considered positive – especially upright. It shows fate is in motion. Even in difficult positions it contains the message that change is coming and no state is permanent.

How does the Wheel of Fortune relate to karma?

The Wheel is often known as the karma card: what you have sown now bears fruit – positive or negative. It reminds us that all actions exist within a greater cycle of cause and effect.

What number is the Wheel of Fortune?

The Wheel of Fortune is Arcanum X (10). The number 10 in numerology stands for cycles, completion and new beginnings – a perfect match for this card's symbolism.