The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meanings

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card, the 10th card in the Major Arcana, reminds us that life is in constant motion. One moment you’re sipping absinthe with the Addams Family, the next you’re dodging Gomez’s riposte. But fear not, darling. The cosmic wheel is always spinning, and nothing stays the same forever. Change, whether welcome or not, is the only constant.

When the Wheel shows up in a tarot reading, it signals a turning point. Maybe things are finally breaking in your favor, or maybe you’re facing a twist you didn’t see coming. Either way, the message is the same: release your grip on control and ride the wave. Fate, karma, and timing are at play here, and your job is to trust the process.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Wheel of Fortune card is layered with powerful symbolism. At the center spins a large wheel inscribed with alchemical symbols for Mercury, sulfur, salt, and the sign of multiplication, the Hebrew letters YHWH (the Hebrew name for God), and the letters T-A-R-O (T). The latter reminds you everything is cyclical and interconnected. As above, so below.

Around the wheel are four winged creatures: an angel, eagle, lion, and bull. These represent the fixed signs of the zodiac (Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus) and the four evangelists Matthew, John, Mark, and Luke. Each holds a book of knowledge, mirroring ancient depictions like those found in the Pazzi Chapel in Florence.

On top of the wheel sits a sphinx holding a sword, A.E. Waite wrote in the Pictorial Guide to the Tarot that this symbolized the Egyptian god Horus and stability despite fluctuation. Descending on the left is a serpent representing the god Set, representing chaos and downward motion. Rising on the right is a humanized figure of Anubis, ascending from the Underworld. Together, they embody the eternal dance of descent and return. What falls will rise, and what rises will one day fall.

Finally, the Wheel’s number, 10, is the number in the tarot deck that signals the completion of a cycle. You’ve been here before, and you’ll be here again. (Added together the number brings you back to One, or the Ace.) But, not as complete as the one you see with The World.

Let’s explore what it means when this powerful card appears into your reading, and how to work with its upright and reversed meanings and card combinations.

Wheel of Fortune Keywords

Upright Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

The upright Wheel of Fortune meaning represents the ever-turning cycles of life. This card reminds you that change is inevitable. But each turn of the wheel offers new opportunities if you stay open to them.

Whether you’re facing moments of prosperity or struggle, the Wheel of Fortune encourages you to trust in the flow of destiny, karmic law (like you’ll see in the Justice card, next) and understand that everything has its time. Embrace the changes with hope and flexibility, knowing that both good times and hardships are temporary.

Above the wheel, the divine hand of fate spins the cycle, symbolizing that some forces are beyond our control, but that doesn’t mean we can’t influence the journey. Trust that the wheel is always turning in your favor, even when it’s hard to see.

Love and Relationships

In relationships, the Wheel of Fortune signals a period of change. Couples may find themselves entering a new chapter such as moving in together, getting engaged, or traveling together for the first time.

For those seeking love, the Wheel suggests that fate may soon bring someone significant into your life. Stay open to possibilities, and believe you’ll meet the right person at the right time.

Career and Finances

The Wheel of Fortune indicates shifts in your career. These could be exciting opportunities, unexpected changes, or a turning point that propels you forward. Stay adaptable and seize chances as they come.

Financially, this card suggests change is on the horizon. While luck may bring sudden gains. After all this card is represented by Jupiter, the Great Benefic, but it’s wise to remain grounded. Be mindful of your financial decisions and don’t spend all your gains, as fortune can be fleeting and you’ll want to be prepared when the wheel turns again.

Reversed Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

When reversed, the Wheel of Fortune signals setbacks, unexpected disruptions, or feeling at the mercy of forces beyond your control. Life may seem unpredictable, with plans derailed and progress halted. This period of misfortune can be frustrating, leaving you feeling stuck or out of sync with your goals.

It might feel like the universe is playing a cruel game, but remember—even the toughest times are temporary. The wheel will keep spinning and you’ll eventually be on top again.

Love and Relationships

When it comes to love, couples who get the reversed Wheel of Fortune may find themselves facing setbacks or feeling like external factors are disrupting their relationship making it difficult to move forward.

For those looking for love, this card signals a period of romantic stagnation or that you’re in a dating rut.

Career and Finances

In a career context, the reversed Wheel might point to missed opportunities or feeling stuck in a cycle of bad timing. Plans may not unfold as expected and this period may challenge your resilience, urging you to adapt and find new ways to create momentum.

Financially, it signals instability or unexpected expenses. It’s a reminder to reassess your financial strategies, tighten your budget, and prepare for unforeseen challenges. Stay cautious and adaptable to navigate this uncertain phase.

The Wheel of Fortune as Feelings

If you’re asking how someone feels and get the Wheel of Fortune in a tarot reading, they could feel like fate has brought you together or like the situation is out of their hands. They’re interested, but unsure where things are going next. That uncertainty could be exciting or unsettling, depending on how they feel about change.

If reversed, they may feel stuck or like things between you are going in circles. There could be frustration, bad timing, or an inner sense that something just isn’t lining up. This isn’t necessarily permanent, but it does suggest they’re not feeling fully in flow with themselves or the connection.

The Wheel of Fortune in a Yes or No Reading

The Wheel of Fortune is a it depends. This card is all about surrender, divine timing, and allowing things to unfold naturally. If you’re asking whether to take a risk or go with the flow, it’s a green light to trust the universe and move forward.

If reversed, the answer leans toward no. You might be resisting change or forcing something that isn’t aligned. Timing may be off, or external factors could be making things harder than they need to be. Pause, reassess, and wait for the Wheel to turn again.

How to Interpret the Wheel of Fortune in a Past-Present-Future Tarot Spread

One popular tarot spread is the past-present-future spread. Here’s one way to read the Wheel of Fortune if it shows up.

If the Wheel of Fortune appears in the past position: Reflects a period of change that shaped your current path, whether fortunate or challenging.
In the present position: It suggests that you are currently in a period of transition. Life may feel unpredictable, but this shift holds the potential for growth and new opportunities.
In the future position: Suggests that change is on the horizon, so get excited for the opportunities that are coming your way or brace yourself.

Tarot Journal Prompts for the Wheel of Fortune

If this card comes up in your reading and you wish to meditate or journal about it to get a deeper understanding of how it might relate to your situation, here are some prompts to consider.

• How do you respond to change?
• What changes are you currently resisting, and why?
• What cycles or patterns do you notice in your life? Are there any you wish to break?
• How can you remain centered when life feels unpredictable?
• What role does luck or destiny play in your current path?

Important Card Combinations for The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune + The Magician

Manifestation magic is in the air, signaling it’s time to make your move. With the Magician‘s resourcefulness and the Wheel’s momentum, you have the power to shape your destiny.

The Wheel of Fortune + The Tower

Dramatic, unexpected shifts.This is a sudden upheaval, but trust that it’s leading to transformation and breaking free from old patterns.

The Wheel of Fortune + The Star

Hope, inspiration, and a dash of cosmic luck are at hand with this pairing. The Star offers inspiration and guidance, while the Wheel of Fortune ensures that the universe is working in your favor.

The Wheel of Fortune + Death

A major life transformation is at play—out with the old, in with the new. Perhaps literally. Or, maybe an old cycle ends to make way for a new beginning.

The Wheel of Fortune + The Empress

Abundance and creativity flow freely with this powerful pairing. The Empress nurtures your growth, and the Wheel of Fortune signals that your efforts will soon bear fruit.