UPRIGHT
unexpected events, luck, advancement, destiny, fortune, success
REVERSED
increase, abundance, superfluity
Visual Description of The Wheel of Fortune:
The Wheel of Fortune card has the four fixed signs of the Zodiac (the bull is Taurus, the lion is Leo, the eagle is Scorpio and the angel is Aquarius) in each corner. They are all winged and holding onto the Torah, representing their stability amidst change and wisdom.
The Wheel is surrounded by three creatures. At the top the Sphinx represents knowledge and strength. On the left the Egyptian god of evil, Typhon, descends to earth in the form of a snake. On the right the Egyptian god of the underworld, Anubis, is rising to welcome souls to the underworld.
On The Wheel of Fortune itself are a total of eight letters. Tora, which could symbolise Torah, knowledge or Rota, the Latin word for circle. The other four are the unpronounceable name of God in Hebrew, YHVH – Yod, Heh, Vau, Heh. In the center of The Wheel are the four building blocks of all life; mercury, sulfur, water and salt.
Divinatory Meaning of The Wheel of Fortune:
Upright Meaning of The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card:
When The Wheel of Fortune shows up in a Tarot reading the querent is being reminded of the cycles of time. There are unseen forces at play, such as Karma, at this time, but everything will play out just as it should.
‘The Wheel of Fortune is a clear sign that you will be reaping what you sow at this time. If you remain positive at this time you will reap positive rewards, but a negative attitude will turn your luck bad. So, you need to be vigilant of what you’re putting out into the Universe at this time.
The Wheel of Fortune could also indicate that you’ve reached a point where your fortune will change, so if you’ve been going through a tough time things will get better now. But the opposite is also true though. And once again it is important to be mindful of the energy you are putting into the Universe. If you remain positive despite a challenge you will succeed in conquering the situation.’
The querent has the ability to create good fortune for themselves at this time if they manage to accept the changes they are going through.
Reversed Meaning of The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card:
The reversed Wheel of Fortune is more geared toward material fortune as opposed to the Spiritual fortune indicated by the upright position. The querent is also advised to be vigilant of resisting change as that would cause extreme bad luck when The Wheel of Fortune is reversed.
‘The Wheel of Fortune is rolling into the material realm in its reversed position. You now have a chance to make some real financial changes which will put you in a much better position. But, you need to go with the flow.
The Wheel of Fortune reversed could also indicate that you’re putting the brakes on the changes that are occuring in your life at present. This could lead to a lot of missed opportunities, especially in the financial sphere of your life. So, make sure you’re not subconsciously sabotaging your chances for success and superfluity.’
If there are other cards in the spread indicating major change in the querent’s life, or control issues such as The Emperor in reverse, it is most likely that the querent will try to resist the flow of these changes and needs to be advised to let go of trying to control every aspect. Rather they should take a chance and see where their life path is steering them.