UPRIGHT: Good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny, a turning point
REVERSED: Bad luck, resistance to change, breaking cycles
Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning: Cycles of Change
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot card meaning illustrates the cycles of change and fate. A giant wheel dominates the card, featuring three figures positioned on its outer edges. Inscribed on the wheel’s face are four Hebrew letters—YHVH, representing the unpronounceable name of God. The letters TORA and TAROT suggest connections to law and knowledge, while ROTA, Latin for ‘wheel,’ emphasizes the card’s theme.
The middle wheel showcases alchemical symbols for mercury, sulfur, water, and salt, symbolizing the building blocks of life. This represents formative power, highlighting the interconnectedness of elements that influence life’s journey.
On the outer circle, a snake descends on the left side, embodying the Egyptian god Typhon, associated with chaos and evil. The snake also symbolizes the life force plunging into the material world. Conversely, Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, rises on the right side, welcoming souls to the underworld. These figures reflect the dual nature of existence—light and dark, life and death.
Atop the wheel, the Sphinx represents knowledge and strength, a guardian of secrets. In each corner, four winged creatures symbolize the four fixed signs of the Zodiac: Aquarius (the angel), Scorpio (the eagle), Leo (the lion), and Taurus (the bull). Their wings signify stability amidst movement, holding the Torah, which represents wisdom and guidance.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot card meaning serves as a reminder of life’s cyclical nature. Change is inevitable, and embracing it can lead to growth and transformation. Understanding the balance of destiny and free will enhances personal awareness and insight.