If one card had to represent the tarot in general, the Wheel of Fortune tarot card would be it. It’s number 10 of the major arcana cards and has a deeply-rooted connection to Greek mythology and the three women known as the Fates.
Legend says when a person is born, it is Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos who are responsible for spinning his/her destiny.
Although there are no actual people on the card, number 10 (X) represents both destiny and fate as well as the twists and turns of life that surprise us all.
If this card makes an appearance in your reading, get ready for the Wheel to spin in your favor.
Table of Contents
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card: Key Terms
Before diving deeper into the upright- and reversed Wheel of Fortune tarot card meanings, it’s important to understand the most important words connected to this Major Arcana card. Here’s a table that will help you with that.
| Upright | Chance, destiny and fate, karma, turning points, life cycles |
| Reversed | Upheaval, lousy luck, unwelcome change, setbacks, external forces |
| Yes or No | Yes |
| Numerology | 10 |
| Element | Fire |
| Planet | Jupiter |
| Astrological Sign | Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius |
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Description
To fully understand the Wheel of Fortune meaning, we will first take a look at its illustration, colors, and symbolism.
The Wheel of Fortune is highly symbolic, more than most other cards. There are many small images printed on the card’s face and all of them have figurative meanings.
- Giant Wheel: Starting with the center of the card, you’ll see the focal point, the orange Wheel. The letters carved into the outer circle of the wheel spell out both ‘Taro’ and ‘Rota’. Taro is the old name for Tarot and Rota means wheel.
- Alchemic Symbols on the Wheel: In the center, alchemic symbols that represent the four elements are present, and surrounding them are four different creatures, corresponding to the four fixed signs, including Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
- Figures in the Corners: The card features four figures in each corner, including an angel, a lion, an eagle, and a bull. They appear as guardians positioned at the four corners of the world.
- Snake: A snake also surrounds the Wheel, representing knowledge from the Tree of Good and Evil. It also symbolizes the life force descending into the material world.
- Sphinx: It represents life’s riddles.
- Dog: It symbolizes the animalistic desires within us all.
Wheel of Fortune Upright Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and expansion. The appearance of an upright Wheel of Fortune card means that you’re in luck.
Whether you believe in destiny or not, things are lining up for your benefit. Think of surprising offers and new opportunities. Your personal vision will also increase as life’s tempo cranks up.
The card can also reveal psychic abilities, either within you or someone close. Consider this as a chance to discover more about yourself and to listen to your gut.
Manifest your dreams, now that your energy is aligning with your spirit guides, angels, and other helpers.
While you can’t control the powers of the universe, you can definitely grow your understanding of your role in this life. Just remember that there is nothing to fear. Everything will work out according to divine intervention and timing.
Money and Career Meaning
In a Money and Career reading, the Wheel of Fortune tarot card foretells that a significant change is coming. New career? It’s yours! Promotion? Sure thing! Do you want to invest? Go for it!
Now is the time to spin the Wheel and take a chance on anything that you have been holding out on.
If you are bored in your current situation, you can make a change. When it comes to working, the Wheel of Fortune tarot card represents doing what you were born to do.
Although there is no way to guarantee that things will go as planned, the probability of career, educational, and financial growth is high. Take advantage of this and focus on working on what you really want.
It’s important to note that this card also indicates change. It means that if you’ve been consistently comfortable money-wise, something unexpected can happen. So, you should be well-prepared for any unwanted situation.
Whereas, if you’re facing a hard time, the appearance of the Wheel of Fortune tarot card suggests that your hardships are about to end. Your financial situation will improve, and a positive change of fortune is on the horizon.
Love and Relationship Meaning
Are you already committed? If you are happy in your partnership and want it to continue, the Wheel of Fortune Tarot love meaning suggests that a positive event will draw you two even closer.
If you’ve been considering ending things and moving forward, look to the cards around this Major Arcana card for direction.
Upheaval and a complete change may be your best bet. You need to let your Higher Self be your guide, as it’s always a solid choice.
If you are single, you will soon meet your soulmate – by chance. This won’t be someone you sought out on Match.com or were introduced to by your mother. You won’t know when or where this person will appear, but when they do, you’ll see that it is fate!
In a relationship context, the Wheel of Fortune tarot card is also known as the Wheel of Karma. This is a great reminder that ‘you reap what you sow’. Eventually, you will be facing the consequences of your actions.
Therefore, this card tells you to just be good and do good. When you are kind to others, you’ll also receive kindness in return. Give the kind of energy you also want to receive from others.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune tarot card represents a cyclic nature, and if you are approaching this from a spiritual or health standpoint, you are approaching the end of the cycle and the start of a new one.
Strength and energy are coming your way as is a renewing of the spirit. The same goes for your physical and mental health.
This also reminds you that life is a never-ending cycle and it keeps moving like a wheel, whether you like it or not. Sometimes you’re up, and sometimes you’re down. It’s just the way life is. This could be applied in both good times and bad times.
If you are in an unfortunate moment, remember that “this too shall pass” and nothing ever stays the same.
However, it is also worth noting that good things do not last, too. It is important to appreciate every moment and you will be surprised how time flies.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Reversed
The Reversed Wheel of Fortune represents the anxiety and distress one feels when things don’t go the way we planned.
If the Wheel is flipped upside down in a reading, it can represent an earthquake of sorts. Change is still coming, but it won’t be the positive kind for which you had hoped.
Prepare for challenges to spring up or things to suddenly fall apart. These difficulties won’t be of your own doing but will seem to be controlled by external factors.
A relationship may end out of the blue, a vehicle may break down with no warning, or a job may suddenly stop unexpectedly.
Although there is nothing that can be done to present these unwelcome changes, you are always in control of your outlook.
Taking control of the Wheel as the fourth Fate, how can you spin a different destiny based on the cards you’ve been dealt with?
This is the challenge presented by the Wheel of Fortune tarot card. Moving on will help you get back to your course and lead you to a much more pleasant road again.
Money and Career Meaning
The reversed Wheel of Fortune represents the anxiety and disappointment that arises when things don’t go as planned. It indicates a period of uncertainty and disruption in your career.
Your professional growth may stagnate, and unexpected changes could occur. Take a moment to reflect on the decisions you’ve made regarding your career path and determine if they align with your goals. If you haven’t capitalized on available opportunities, don’t dwell on it.
Remember that setbacks are temporary, and this is a chance to learn from past mistakes. Instead of taking financial risks or gambling, focus on building a solid financial foundation.
If you’re currently experiencing financial difficulties, know that they won’t last forever. Use this time to gain valuable insights and carry them forward when your financial situation improves.
Love and Relationship Meaning
In love and relationships, the reversed Wheel of Fortune Tarot suggests a loss of excitement. However, it’s important to avoid making any hasty decisions and take time to evaluate the situation.
It could be a natural phase that all relationships go through and things will get better with patience and communication.
If you are single, you need to examine your past behavior and choices to learn from them and make better decisions in the future.
The card also warns of potential setbacks and delays, so it’s important to be patient and trust that things will improve in due time.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
If the Wheel of Fortune Tarot is reversed in a spiritual context, it could signify a loss of faith or a feeling of disconnect from your spiritual path. It is important to remember that even in the face of adversity, the universe is still guiding you.
Use this as an opportunity to strengthen your spiritual practice and trust in the process of life. Avoid resistance and embrace change as a means of growth and learning.
In terms of health, the reversed Wheel of Fortune suggests that disruptions or setbacks in your life may be affecting your physical well-being.
Stay positive and take care of your body even during difficult times. Remember that this is only a temporary phase and that better days are ahead.
The Wheel of Fortune: Yes or No
For better or for worse, the Wheel of Fortune represents change. If you are asking a yes or no question about a shift in position whether it be love, finances, or some other futuristic endeavor, the answer is generally, yes.
Just make sure you are adaptable! Although we control much of our own destiny, external forces are always at work. How you respond to these forces is what really ‘makes’ or ‘breaks’ a situation.
Important Card Combinations
Chance, destiny and fate, and turning points are all represented by the Wheel of Fortune tarot card. Also in combination with other cards, the Wheel of Fortune often foretells changes and destiny.
Here’s a list of the most important card pairings of the Major Arcana number X card.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Devil
Although the Wheel of Fortune tarot card sets things in motion, the Devil knows no bounds. If these two cards fall together in a reading, you need to tread lightly as a situation that seems fun, in the beginning, could quickly spin out of control.
Do not allow temptations or physical desires to cause you to make decisions that are not aligned with your best interest. Not everything you want is aligned with your destiny.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Emperor
When these two join forces, a shift in power is coming. It could be that you will soon gain back some control over your life after losing your footing.
In love, the Wheel together with the Emperor suggests you should be clear about your expectations and stick to your boundaries. If you have been wanting a promotion, be prepared to climb the ranks.
The Wheel of Fortune and Temperance
Temperance, when paired with the Wheel of Fortune tarot card, represents a peaceful outcome that will have positive long-term effects.
Stop worrying about whatever present situation has you anxious. The Fates are spinning an outcome that is brighter than anything you could have crafted on your own.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Magician
Abracadabra! Things will change like magic if the Magician shows up. A change in career, relationship, residence, or financial stability will change overnight.
This will most likely be an unexpected yet welcome change. Although upheaval may seem scary at first, embracing this turning point will allow you to walk confidently into your new destiny rather than seeing yourself as a victim of chance.
The Wheel of Fortune and the Star
Recognition is coming soon if the wheel is combined with the Star. If you’ve wanted someone to acknowledge your works or move into the spotlight, the time is now.
Perhaps you’re considering a career that would require you to interact with lots of people or be ‘front and center.’ Or maybe you just want your spouse or family to acknowledge your hard work.
Either way, destiny has agreed with your desire and is ready to present you with all that you envision. As long as you are willing to make yourself available for the change.
Wheel of Fortune Card Inspiration
Although I write all the descriptions based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, it doesn’t mean that I use other decks too. And there are so many beautiful decks out there! I can lose myself browsing and searching the web for beautiful tarot cards.
Below you can find a small selection of beautiful Wheel of Fortune tarot cards. If you drew a Wheel of Fortune tarot card yourself and want to share this, I would love to hear from you!
The Wheel of Fortune in a Reading
That’s all for the Wheel of Fortune tarot card meaning! Can’t get enough? Learn how to read the tarot in this Tarot Beginners Guide or read more about the other major arcana cards.
If you have pulled the Wheel tarot card in your spread, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?
Windy says
Hello, what is in money-The wheel of Fortune the Moon the emperor The high priestess cards mean. I pulled these 4
Wille says
These are all definitely good signs in regards to money! However, the Moon does suggest anxiety. Maybe you are worried about money at the moment, and need to have faith in the universe?
Wille xxxx
Diane Gonzalez says
What does the combo The Moon, The Sun and then the Wheel of Fortune mean. The question asked by the mom was about her 15 year old son who is an actor. She wanted to know if he could make a positive career out of acting for as long as he chose – meaning he could stay in acting his whole life if he wanted to or change careers down the road if he wanted to.
Thank you
Diane
Wille says
These are three really strong cards to receive during a career reading. It definitely suggests that this person will find their place in the world and find success xxxxx
Kmnd says
Thank you for your great site. I’ve read this all and this one came when I asked if this new guy who I saw all by sudden is my twin flame or not cause he’s making me lots of changes and he can read my eyes with no words… what I found is that answer is yes!!! But I want to know your opinion too❤
Wille says
Hello! Thanks for your question ???? and I’m super excited you found someone that might be your twin flame. As a matter of fact, I’m working on an article about twin flames as we speak! In a yes or no spread, the Wheel of Fortune generally means “maybe”, leaning towards “yes”. So to answer your question: it’s probably yes!
Hope this helps ????
Wille ✨
Shari Savory says
I need to know who I was in my past life time,my soul mate
Wille says
Hey Shari, thanks for your comment! There are different ways to receive more information about our past lives like a past life regression session, holotropic breathwork, or by accessing the akashic records. I’ve written an article about how to access the akashic records. You can find the article here. Hope this helps ✨
Wille says
Thanks! I think in that case the Wheel of Fortune tells you that you have to let your Higher Self be your guide:)
Queenie Baxter says
The four “creatures” in the corners of the card represent the four evangelists or Biblical Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Those are their symbols. They also correspond to the four fixed signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
Willemijn says
Hi Queenie, Thank you for your comment. You are right and I slightly changed the description.
Sending you sparks of joy! Willemijn
Maria Struthers says
Change is coming for me and it feels like a built-up that is just confirmed by picking this card on my daily tarot routine. My birthday is ruled by the planted Jupiter which aligns with this card… Sometimes it’s just scary but at the same time exciting for what is to come!!
Wille says
Hi Maria, Thanks for your comment and how exciting that change is coming for you! I hope the Wheel will spin in your favor and things are lining up in your benefit, just like the Wheel of Fortune predicts. Sometimes changes can be scary, but just remember you have to make space in order to grow! Enjoy and all the best, Wille