Zodiac and Tarot: What Does 'The Wheel of Fortune' Really Mean?

The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card（X） of the Major Arcana in traditional Tarot decks, associated with Jupiter, Sagittarius, and the ninth house. It’s the only Major Arcana card without a figure on it, yet its symbolism is rich and profound. If you’re curious about its deeper meaning, keep reading!

What's in The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Deck

When you first look at the Wheel of Fortune tarot card, you see a large wheel suspended in the sky, reminiscent of the Pope’s triple-tiered throne. The Wheel is composed of three layers: at the center, a blank circle; the middle ring, which contains four alchemical symbols; and the outer ring representing the material world. The outermost circle features a pharaoh, with the four cardinal directions occupied by: an angel, an eagle, a winged bull, and a winged lion. These correspond to the four fixed zodiac signs of Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius in the zodiac.

• Inner circle: Represents creativity, with no symbols, signifying the infinite potential of creativity.
• Middle circle: Features four symbols, also representing superconsciousness, the awakening of self-awareness, the subconscious, and decomposition.  
• Outer circle: The four directions—upper right, lower left—are TARO, which stands for Tora, Ator, Rota, Orat. You can interpret this as: “The Wheel of Tarot narrates the laws of the goddess Hathor.” The outer circle features the Hebrew letters AHVH, representing the oldest name of God, each associated with one of the four fixed signs of the zodiac: Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These represent the four seasons and the balance of the universe.
• Sphinx: Horus is a symbol of balance and moderation, and represents wisdom.
  Angel: Aquarius is an air sign and is associated with Saint Matthew, who is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.
• Eagle: Scorpio is a water sign. The depth and mystery of the water element are reflected here. Scorpios' traits give them a deep understanding of people and a strong ability to handle strong emotions. This means that when we explore our destiny, we must look inside ourselves and pay attention to our feelings and what we want to know.
• Ox: Taurus is an earth sign. The Earth element makes Taurus reliable. This means that in life, we must stay grounded and use a practical attitude to create our stability and success.
• Lion: Leo is a fire sign. Leo is a passionate and lively sign, associated with enthusiasm, courage, and leadership. It encourages us to express ourselves bravely and pursue our goals with determination. The four elements represent the changing seasons, and each one has wings to maintain balance.
• Snake: Apophis represents destruction, chaos, evil, death, and sin.

What Does The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Mean

When the wheel of fortune tarot appears, it generally symbolizes change, cycles, and fate—either as a positive turn or a challenge. Its interpretation depends on its orientation:

The Wheel of Fortune Meaning(Upright)

When the Wheel of Fortune card appears upright, it signals that you’re entering a favorable phase:

• Love: Your relationship is about to deepen or transition to the next level. If single, you might meet someone new, perhaps through a chance encounter or a sudden gesture of affection. It's a good time to dress nicely and leave a positive impression.
• Finance: Your current financial situation is quite good, and you may also experience some unexpected financial gains, allowing you to earn a significant amount of money. You should seize the opportunity and make long-term plans for development. This is also a good time to invest and profit. If you haven't invested before, you can give it a try, but also pay attention to the timing of changes in the investment market.
  Career: You may receive surprises in your career, with prospects for promotion. You may encounter mentors or leaders who support you, and you can also consider changing jobs or taking on new projects.
• Advice: When you are successful, do not forget the hardships of failure. Seize the present, seize opportunities, go with the flow, believe in the arrangements of fate, and bravely seize opportunities. Prepare yourself before critical choices arise and seek opportunities in times of change.

The Wheel of Fortune Tarot In Reversed

When Wheel of Fortune reversed, the card signals upheaval, uncertainty, or delays:

• Love: You may face relationship turbulence, difficult decisions, or sudden breakups. If meeting someone new, your feelings might be conflicted or not aligned with your true desires. Patience and reflection are key.
• Finance: The reversed Wheel of Fortune card warns you that you are facing a structural transformation in your finances. Every decision you make at this moment is crucial. The right choice could bring you great benefits, but a mistake could result in irreparable losses. Therefore, do not blindly assess your investment situation optimistically, and do not risk everything on high-risk investments. When necessary, seeking professional advice and guidance is a wise move to avoid falling into financial difficulties and scams.
• Career: You may be misunderstood, encounter significant setbacks, and experience low work efficiency. Your original plans or hopes may fall through, and even with effort, you may fail to achieve your goals, resulting in futile efforts.  
• Advice: Do not lose heart, and avoid taking shortcuts or engaging in risky activities like gambling. Do not resist change; instead, go with the flow. Who knows? “A blessing in disguise” may await you.  

Wheel of Fortune: Yes or No?

Many seek quick answers from Tarot: “Should I pursue this opportunity?” The Wheel of Fortune often signifies that the answer depends on the timing and your current circumstances. In a yes-or-no context:

• Upright: Usually “Yes”—favorable changes are likely if you act wisely.
• Reversed: Usually “No”—expect delays or obstacles; it’s not the right time to push forward aggressively.

Ultimately, the Wheel reminds us that life is cyclical—what goes up must come down, and vice versa. The key is to ride the waves with grace and awareness.

Conclusion

The Wheel of Fortune is a symbol of change, reminding us that every turn brings new opportunities for growth and learning. It encourages us to maintain balance amid the ups and downs of fate, to face every challenge with a positive attitude, and to seize every opportunity. As the ancient sages said, "Fate is in our own hands."