The Wheel of Fortune is one of the few cards whose central iconography—a revolving wheel—has remained relatively constant, though the figures surrounding it have evolved from medieval morality to high occultism. In the 15th-century Italian decks, the card was a direct representation of the medieval concept of *Rota Fortunae* (The Wheel of Fortune). It typically showed four human figures at the cardinal points of the wheel: one ascending ('Regnabo' - I shall reign), one crowned at the top ('Regno' - I reign), one descending ('Regnavi' - I have reigned), and one crushed at the bottom ('Sum sine regno' - I am without a kingdom). This was a stark reminder of the transience of worldly power and the inevitability of change.
The Tarot de Marseille abstract the figures into animals, suggesting that those bound to the wheel are ruled by their animal instincts. A crowned sphinx usually sits at the top (equilibrium), while a monkey-like creature descends on the left and a dog-like creature ascends on the right. The wheel often features a handle, implying that some external force (God or Fate) is turning the crank.
Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith transformed the card into a compendium of occult knowledge in the RWS deck. The wheel floats in the sky, surrounded by the four 'Living Creatures' of Ezekiel and Revelation (Lion, Ox, Eagle, Man), representing the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius). They are reading books, suggesting they are learning the lessons of destiny. On the wheel itself, Waite inscribed the Hebrew letters YHWH (the Tetragrammaton) interspersed with the letters T-A-R-O (which can be read as TAROT, ROTA, or TORA). In the center are the alchemical symbols for mercury, sulphur, water, and salt. The figures on the wheel are a Sphinx (wisdom) at the top, a serpent (Typhon/descent) on the left, and a jackal-headed Anubis (rise) on the right. Waite shifted the meaning from simple luck to the workings of cosmic law and karma.
Crowley’s Thoth card, simply titled *Fortune*, treats the wheel as the universe in motion. It has ten spokes, linking it to the ten Sephiroth of the Tree of Life. The three figures represent the three alchemical principles: the Sphinx (Sulfur/Heat) at the top, Hermanubis (Mercury/Fluidity) ascending, and Typhon (Salt/Inertia) descending. Bolts of lightning strike the wheel, emphasizing the sudden, chaotic nature of change (Jupiter/Zeus). Crowley saw the wheel not just as fate, but as the continuous, dynamic interaction of cosmic forces.
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that the wheel is always turning and life is in a state of constant change. Good luck and destiny are at play. It represents the cycles of life—what goes up must come down, and vice versa. It is a card of karma, indicating that the universe is working in your favor. Unexpected opportunities or serendipity may arise. It asks you to remain centered while the rim of the wheel turns.
Core Meanings
Upright
The Wheel of Fortune reminds you that the wheel is always turning and life is in a state of constant change. Good luck and destiny are at play. It represents the cycles of life—what goes up must come down, and vice versa. It is a card of karma, indicating that the universe is working in your favor. Unexpected opportunities or serendipity may arise. It asks you to remain centered while the rim of the wheel turns.
Reversed
When reversed, the wheel turns downward. You may be experiencing a run of bad luck or feel that the universe is against you. It indicates resistance to change and trying to control the uncontrollable. It can signal a breaking of a negative cycle, or the need to accept that some things are out of your hands. It asks you to take responsibility for your part in the cycle.
Good luckKarmaLife cyclesDestinyA turning point
Card Details
Element
Fire
Astrology
Jupiter
Number
10
Yes/No
Yes
Description
A giant wheel rotates with the letters T-A-R-O, surrounded by the four fixed signs of the zodiac in the corners.
Reading Positions
Past
A major turning point occurred in the past. Fate intervened, and your life changed direction completely. You are where you are today because of a stroke of luck, a destined event, or a karmic shift.
Present
The wheel is turning right now. Expect the unexpected. Changes are happening that are out of your control. Go with the flow and trust that it is leading you to your destiny. Adaptation is required.
Future
Good luck is on the horizon. A positive change in fortune is coming. The cycle is moving upward. Be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes, as the window may be brief.
In Context
Celtic Cross
In the "Outcome," it is the wild card—anything can happen, but usually positive. In "Influences," it suggests external forces or destiny are in control.
Three Card Spread
The pivot point. It shows the shift from one state to another. The turning of the tide.
Yes / No
In Yes/No, it is a "Yes"—luck is on your side.
Love & Relationships
Fated meeting, changes in relationship status, ups and downs.
As Feelings
Not specified
Career & Finance
A lucky break, career change, fluctuations in business.
Spiritual & Manifestation
Twin Flame
Not specified
Manifestation
Shadow Work
How do you handle lack of control? The shadow Wheel is the victim mentality—"Why is this happening to me?" Accept that change is natural. What patterns are you repeating without learning the lesson?
Meditation
Visualize a giant wooden wheel turning in the sky. See the figures rising and falling on it. Notice the center of the wheel, the hub, which remains still. Move your consciousness into the hub. Watch the changes of life revolve around you while you remain peaceful and centered.
Archetypal Journey
The Hero's Path
The hero realizes that not everything is under their control. The Wheel represents destiny, karma, and the cyclical nature of existence. It is the understanding that life is a mix of ups and downs, and the center of the wheel (spirit) remains still while the rim turns.
Numerology
10 (Ten). The number of completion and new beginnings (1+0=1). It represents the turning of the cycle, the whole, and the realization of destiny. It signifies a higher order of restart.
Historical Evolution & Symbolism
Evolution Timeline
- 115th Century (Visconti-Sforza): Depicts the medieval 'Rota Fortunae' with four human figures: one climbing ('I shall reign'), one reigning ('I reign'), one falling ('I have reigned'), and one at the bottom ('I am without a kingdom').
- 21650s (Tarot de Marseille): 'La Roue de Fortune' replaces humans with three animals (a sphinx, a dog-like creature, and a monkey) revolving around a wheel with a crank, emphasizing the animalistic nature of fate.
- 31909 (RWS): Waite fills the card with esoteric symbolism: the letters T-A-R-O and Y-H-W-H, alchemical symbols, and the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Bull, Lion, Eagle, Man) in the corners reading books.
- 41944 (Thoth): Crowley depicts the wheel with ten spokes (for the ten Sephiroth) and three figures: the Sphinx (Sulfur), Hermanubis (Mercury), and Typhon (Salt), representing the three alchemical energies of the universe.
Academic Citations
- Waite, A. E. (1911). *The Pictorial Key to the Tarot*. 'The Wheel is the symbol of the perpetual motion of a fluidic universe... the flux of human life.'
- Place, R. M. (2005). *The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination*. 'The Wheel of Fortune is an ancient image of the cyclical nature of time and the capriciousness of fate.'
Notable Card Combinations
The MagicianYou can influence your luck. Taking control of destiny through will.
DeathA major, irreversible change. The end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.
The TowerSudden, chaotic change. The wheel breaks or spins out of control.
Four of PentaclesResisting change. Holding on tight while the wheel turns, causing suffering.
Ten of PentaclesInherited karma or wealth. A stroke of family luck and long-term abundance.