The Wheel Of Fortune
Card Information
Name: The Wheel Of Fortune
Number: X
Suit: Major Arcana
Element: Fire
Planet: Jupiter
Zodiac: Universal Energy
Card Meanings
Upright
Cycles, destiny, and turning points. Life's ups and downs bring necessary change. Trust in the natural flow of life's cycles.
Reversed
Bad luck, resistance to change, and unwelcome surprises. Feeling stuck in a cycle or resisting necessary changes. Unexpected setbacks.
Keywords
- Cycles
- Destiny
- Turning Points
- Change
Folklore & Mythology
Roman Mythology: The Wheel of Fortune connects to the goddess Fortuna, who controlled the fates of mortals through her spinning wheel. Like the Wheel, Fortuna represents the unpredictable nature of life and the cycles of change.
Greek Mythology: The card relates to the story of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. The Wheel's connection to cycles reflects the rise and fall of human ambition and the consequences of hubris.
Celtic Tradition: The Wheel embodies the concept of the "Wheel of the Year," which represents the cyclical nature of the seasons and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Medieval Folklore: The card connects to the legend of the "Wheel of Fate," which was said to determine the destiny of all mortals, bringing both good and bad fortune in equal measure.
Reading Applications
Celtic Cross Positions: In the Celtic Cross spread, this card in the "Recent Past" position indicates past influences that have shaped the current situation. In "Future Influences," it suggests upcoming developments and potential outcomes. As the "Outcome" card, it promises the final result based on current actions and decisions.
Three-Card Spreads: In Past-Present-Future readings, this card in the Past position shows historical influences. In Present, it indicates current circumstances and energies. In Future, it promises upcoming developments. In Mind-Body-Spirit spreads, it represents mental, physical, and spiritual aspects respectively.
Relationship Readings: This card in love spreads indicates relationship dynamics, emotional connections, and romantic possibilities. In existing relationships, it suggests current relationship status and potential developments. It can also indicate personal growth and self-discovery within relationships.
Career & Life Purpose: In career readings, this card suggests professional development, work opportunities, and career guidance. It may indicate new opportunities, challenges, or directions in your professional life. It encourages following your intuition and making decisions aligned with your values.
Timing & Cycles: This card often appears during specific seasons or cycles, representing natural rhythms and timing. It can indicate appropriate timeframes for developments and changes. In timing spreads, it suggests when to act and when to wait.
Reversed Interpretations: When reversed, this card suggests internal challenges, blocked energy, or the need for inner work. It may indicate that you need to address internal issues before external progress can be made. It can also suggest alternative approaches or hidden aspects of the situation.
Intuitive Reading Techniques: Pay attention to surrounding cards - their suits and numbers provide additional context and meaning. Consider the elemental associations and how they interact with this card. Trust your intuition to interpret the specific message for the querent.
Meditation & Contemplation: Use this card as a meditation focus to connect with its energy and receive guidance. Contemplate the card`s symbolism and how it relates to your current life situation and spiritual journey.
Historical Background
15th Century Origins: This card first appeared in the Visconti-Sforza tarot deck (c. 1450), commissioned by the Duke of Milan. The original design reflected medieval artistic traditions and symbolic imagery used to convey spiritual and philosophical concepts through visual storytelling.
Renaissance Symbolism: During the Renaissance period (1400-1600), this card became associated with classical mythology and humanist philosophy. Artists and scholars reinterpreted its symbolism through the lens of ancient wisdom, connecting it to universal themes of human experience and spiritual development.
18th Century Evolution: The Marseille Tarot (c. 1760) refined this card`s design and established many of the symbolic elements that became standard in subsequent tarot decks. This period marked the transition from purely decorative cards to tools for divination and spiritual guidance.
Golden Dawn Influence: The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (1888-1903) reinterpreted this card through the lens of Kabbalistic mysticism, astrology, and ceremonial magic. They established correspondences with Hebrew letters, astrological signs, and the Tree of Life, creating the foundation for modern tarot interpretation.
20th Century Psychology: Carl Jung`s work on archetypes and the collective unconscious in the 1930s-40s influenced modern interpretations of this card. Jung saw tarot cards as representations of universal psychological patterns and spiritual archetypes that exist across all cultures and time periods.
Modern Tarot Revival: The 1960s-70s saw a renewed interest in tarot, with this card becoming part of the counterculture`s exploration of alternative spirituality and psychological self-discovery. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck (1909) popularized many of the symbolic elements that define modern tarot interpretation.
Contemporary Significance: Today, this card continues to serve as a powerful symbol for understanding life`s challenges and opportunities, maintaining its relevance across centuries of human experience while adapting to modern psychological and spiritual frameworks.