Major Arcana · Card X
Wheel of Fortune
About Wheel of Fortune
A great wheel adorned with alchemical symbols spins at the center of the card. Four figures occupy the corners: an angel, an eagle, a bull, and a lion, each reading from a book. On the wheel itself ride three figures representing the cycle of rise and fall. The sphinx at the top holds a sword of discernment, while the serpent descends on the left side.
Wheel of Fortune Upright Meaning
✦ General Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune is the tarot's great cosmic pivot point. Numbered X, it represents the exact midpoint of the Major Arcana and the fundamental law of the universe: absolutely everything is in a constant state of flux. In the traditional imagery, a giant wheel turns relentlessly in the sky. The jackal-headed god Anubis rises on the right, the snake Typhon descends on the left, and the sphinx rests atop the wheel, representing the eternal cycle of creation, destruction, and preservation. In the four corners, the winged creatures of the apocalypse read the Torah, grounding this chaotic spinning in divine law. When the Wheel of Fortune appears upright, it signals that a major, fated turning point is at hand. Unlike The Magician or The Chariot, which emphasize your own personal willpower and agency, the Wheel represents the external forces of destiny, karma, and 'luck' over which you have absolutely no control. The universe is stepping in and spinning the board. If you have been struggling through a period of darkness or stagnation, this card is a joyous omen that your luck is about to change; the wheel is turning upward, bringing unexpected opportunities, sudden windfalls, and serendipitous encounters. However, if you are currently riding high on the top of the wheel, it serves as a humbling reminder that 'this too shall pass.' The essential lesson of the Wheel of Fortune is detachment. It challenges you to find your center of gravity—the hub of the wheel—which remains perfectly still no matter how violently the outer rim is spinning. You must learn to accept the highs without arrogance and endure the lows without despair. Do not fight the turning of the wheel; resisting inevitable change will only cause you unnecessary suffering. Instead, surrender to the cosmic rhythm. Trust that this unexpected plot twist is not arbitrary, but a necessary karmic realignment designed to push you closer to your ultimate destiny. The Wheel guarantees that nothing stays the same, and right now, the momentum is entirely in your favor.
♥ Love & Relationships
In love, The Wheel of Fortune indicates positive changes and destined encounters. If single, fate may bring someone significant into your life. If in a relationship, positive shifts are coming that will strengthen your bond.
☆ Career & Finances
For career, this card signals fortunate changes, unexpected opportunities, and positive turning points. A promotion, new job offer, or lucky break may be on the horizon. Be ready to seize opportunities when they appear.
✚ Health & Wellbeing
In health, The Wheel of Fortune suggests improvements and positive changes in your wellbeing. If you have been unwell, recovery is likely. Natural cycles of health are shifting in your favor.
Wheel of Fortune Reversed Meaning
✦ General Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune reversed suggests bad luck, resistance to change, and breaking cycles. You may feel that circumstances are working against you or that you are stuck in repetitive negative patterns. Remember that even downturns are temporary — the wheel always turns.
♥ Love & Relationships
Reversed in love, this card indicates relationship challenges, breakups that feel fated, or repeating unhealthy relationship patterns. Breaking these cycles requires conscious awareness and deliberate change.
☆ Career & Finances
In career reversed, The Wheel of Fortune warns of setbacks, missed opportunities, or feeling stuck professionally. External circumstances may not be in your control, but your response to them is. Stay resilient.
✚ Health & Wellbeing
For health reversed, this card suggests health setbacks or cyclical health issues recurring. Pay attention to patterns and address root causes rather than just symptoms.
Symbolism of Wheel of Fortune
The wheel itself represents the endless cycle of fate and fortune. The four corner figures correspond to the four fixed signs of the zodiac and the four elements, representing stability amid constant change. The sphinx represents wisdom and the riddle of existence. The serpent descending represents the decline that inevitably follows ascent. The Hebrew letters on the wheel spell YHWH (God), while the Latin letters spell TARO/ROTA, connecting divine will with the cycle of destiny.
Key Advice From Wheel of Fortune
“Accept that change is inevitable and embrace it rather than resisting. What goes up will come down, and what is down will rise again. Position yourself to take advantage of favorable turns and weather unfavorable ones with grace. Trust in the larger cycles at work in your life.”
See Wheel of Fortune in Action
Pull Wheel of Fortune in one of our free interactive tarot readings and discover what it means in the context of your personal question.