The Wheel of Fortune
10
Rules: Capricorn (but some sources say Sagittarius and Pisces)
Exaltation: Cancer
Planetary Association: Jupiter
Color: Violet
As a Yes or No question: Yes!!!!
Upright: Good luck, Rewards, Positive Karma, Opportunity, Lottery, Fate, Change Destiny, Luck, Good Fortune, Success, Cyclical Progression, Universal Laws, New Beginnings, Up and Down, Call of Destiny, Lotter, Gambling, Cycles, Movement, Shift of Energy
Reversed: Lack of Control, Less Lucky, Bad Luck, Poor Karma, Rut, Downturn in Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune Symbolism
The Wheel of Fortune is a busy card, there is a lot happening, and frankly so much symbolism. I’m not going to talk about all of it, because well, that might be boring, but here are the highlights.
In the center of the card is an orange wheel. This symbolizes the ever-changing wheel of life that supports our earth, universe, and life itself. It is an orange color to symbolize the strength of the sun by giving us life. In the center is another circle, which represents the exaltation of the moon.
The snake is an ancient symbol of rebirth, dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt. There is a jackal with a human body in the right-hand corner of the wheel. This symbolism comes from the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, the god of mummification. He was also part of the weighing of the heart ceremony. At the very top sits a sphinx with the sword of discernment. A sphinx will rise from the ashes to be reborn.
The bull, the lion and the snake are all ancient symbols of rebirth. It’s something like; The sun eats the moon, but the moon is stronger and is reborn and eventually becomes full again. The lion, who represents the sun, eats the bull. That turns into the eagle and the sun eating the snake. A true symbol reflecting that death and birth are companions, in an infinite loop.
Inside the interior circle, we find alchemical symbols. The top symbol, which is below the letter T, is Mercury. The second, which is beside the A, is Sulphur. The symbol across from the O is Salt. The final symbol which runs directly below Mercury and above the letter R is the sign of dissolution.
Strength Upright Summary
This is one of the luckiest cards to get in the entire deck. You may have a certain degree of good luck and fortune. If you are having bad luck, know that you can change this luck by making your thoughts more positive. Remember that bad luck does not last forever, and this card arrives to remind us of that.
We are constantly being “reborn” and stuck in a never-ending cycle of life and death. Just as the symbolism speaks to, life and death hold hands infinitely. The Wheel of Fortune is not inherently good nor evil, but it is the way we choose to look at life. Learn and keep moving upward in the spiral, downswings, down patches, do not mean everything is over. It simply means that you need a new look at the situation.
Past – The Wheel of Fortune in the Past position represents a big change in your past that is currently affecting your life. These are usually big changes, like moving home or starting a new job, or relationship. Whatever the change, it’s having an effect now. Take into account other cards in your spread to interpret the changes. Any swords cards? It could be a past time of violence.
Present – The Wheel of Fortune in the present position represents a current ongoing change. You could have felt lost for a while and pondered on something (like The Hermit. This is, after all, the journey of the Fool), and you’ve just recently found the answer to it. It’s a good card to see in the present position, as it means a good change is currently ongoing, and you’ll be able to see immediate effects of it. In the position of the present, it also shows us, that we have a lot to be grateful for, as we are lucky. Even if we don’t realize it to its full potential right away.
Future – The Wheel of Fortune in the future position means you’re setting yourself up for a bit change in your life. The card is generally positive, so it works well in the future position. It’s something to look forward to at least. Consider what was in your mind when you decided to do this reading, and then consider what is a good outcome of that particular scenario. This card in the future position likely represents that.
Reversed Summary
The Wheel of Fortune has two meanings, depending on which way you look at it. It either means things are still as lucky as upright, just more subdued. This is often in patches of financial situation or similar, no emotional, but earthly matters. Its other meaning is less positive. You may have been experiencing a lack of control in your life recently like the universe is working against you. Look at and address the imbalances in your life. Also, remember that sometimes we are just stuck with bad luck. Life is not a never-ending cycle of positivity. Sometimes things are just bad and there is no hidden meaning to it. Shit happens.
A Song for the Wheel of Fortune
Cover Artwork by Casimir