The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meanings

The Wheel of Fortune, the card in the 10th position within the Major Arcana, reminds us that life is a grand, ever-turning cycle of ups and downs. One minute you’re sipping absinthe with the Addams Family, the next you’re dodging Gomez’s riposte. But fear not, darling— like with life, the Wheel is always in motion, and change is the only constant.

And, each turn of the wheel offers lessons, growth, and the reminder that this too shall pass. Let’s explore the symbols on the card, the tarot card’s meanings, and some important card combinations. I’ve also included some journal prompts if you’re doing daily pulls that may help you recognize why it’s showing up for you.

Wheel of Fortune Keywords

Wheel of Fortune Symbolism

In the Rider-Waite deck, the Wheel of Fortune card is rich with symbolism. In the center of the card is a large wheel, adorned with alchemical symbols, Hebrew letters, and the letters T-A-R-O-T. (There are only four letter, but the word begins and ends with T, reminding us that everything is a wheel. It’s just one example of the microcosm in the macrocosm.)

The Hebrew letters in between translate to YHWH, the Hebrew name for God. The alchemical symbols represent Mercury (air), Sulfur (fire), multiplication, and salt (earth).

Surrounding the wheel are the four winged creatures. An angel, eagle, lion, and bull. These represent the fixed signs of the zodiac: Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus, each engrossed in a book of the Torah. In addition to those signs, they also represent the four evangelists Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John (take a look at the image below from the Pazzi Chapel in Florence, Italy finished in the late 1400s and you’ll see the same animals around a wheel).

On top of the wheel sits a sphinx holding a sword, which Waite said symbolized the Egyptian god Horus and stability despite fluctuation. One the left is a snake heading downwards representing Set, and a humanized version of Anubis rising up from the Underworld. Every descent comes with an ascent, and vice-versa.

And, of course, the Wheel of Fortune is the number 10 which represents the completion of a cycle in the tarot. This is another reason why the Wheel of Fortune means that your fate is about to change: you have just completed a cycle.

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—sometimes bringing fortune, other times challenges—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 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. The wheel’s ever-turning motion suggests that change is inevitable, and no state, whether good or bad, is permanent. 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—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 — 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.

Interested in tarot? Explore more tarot meanings here!

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.

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? How can you be more flexible?
• 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. (Cue thunderclap.) 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.