Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning
This card's overall composition perspective is a grand view, depicting the changes of fate from a cosmic macroscopic angle. The main subject of the image is the mysterious wheel that controls fate; it is a clock and also a compass. This wheel, in conjunction with the scenes and elements outside the wheel, expresses the mystery of fate and its regularity and unpredictability. To fully express the role of destiny, various philosophical systems are implied, and the card integrates a variety of complex mythological or esoteric systems.
The Wheel of Fortune is the embodiment of the force of fate, placed in the cosmic space, implying that this force is pervasive throughout the world and the universe, and is endless. The wheel itself has several circles, and the outside is layered with different mythological thoughts. The scenes around the four sides and other characters are all interlocking. The outermost layer is adorned with Christian system artifacts, while the Egyptian system artifacts are closely attached to the Wheel of Fortune. The outer circle of the wheel is surrounded by letters from different systems, connecting and echoing the inside and outside of the wheel, and the inner circle of the wheel is the alchemical system symbols. Let's start from the outermost scene of the picture and gradually enter the innermost layer of the Wheel of Fortune.
The four corners of the picture are densely covered with clouds, and each cloud has a divine creature, which are the faces of eagles, humans, bulls, and lions, all appearing in full body form and all with a pair of wings. These are the so-called 'Four Living Creatures', belonging to the Christian system artifacts. The 'Four Living Creatures' here are all in the same light yellow tone, and the images are not distinct. Their front limbs are hands, and each one is spreading open the book in front of them, as if they are reading or reciting. It can be any of the four Gospels or other scriptures, just as if they are constantly reciting or chanting, conveying messages and connecting with God, and also playing a role in making fate continue to move forward.
The greatest significance of fate in life is life and death, so the divine creatures closely related to the Wheel of Fortune are also related to this. These three divine creatures jointly operate and manipulate the Wheel of Fortune, and they all come from Egyptian mythology which has many insights into 'life and death'. In the center of the wheel, there is a sphinx balancing, controlling, and suppressing the Wheel of Fortune; another wolf-headed human is in the lower right corner, carrying and turning up the Wheel of Fortune; and the snake-shaped creature on the left is pulling the Wheel of Fortune downwards.
The sphinx is the Sphinx, holding the key to the riddle of life and the future, with a sword in his left hand leaning on his shoulder, as if it can affect the speed and direction of the wheel's rotation.
The wolf-headed human is Hermanubis, Anubis is the god of the dead in Egypt, leading the souls of the dead to the underworld, and in Greek mythology, Hermes also has this task, so the two images and names are often combined in later generations. Here it serves as a symbol of death and the operation of life.
The giant snake beside the wheel is named Typhon, which is actually the Egyptian god Seth in the form of a snake, equivalent to the original giant monster Typhon in the minds of the Greeks, and after Christianity, these names, images, and gods from different sources are combined together. Seth represents the destructive and destructive power of fate, giving people a sense of fear and seriousness about fate.
The designer Waite uses the names of the Egyptian gods, not the original names and images of ancient Egypt, perhaps to express the integration, and uses three divine creatures to surround this Wheel of Fortune, also wanting to connect with the three goddesses of fate in Greek and Roman mythology.
Now let's look at the structure of the wheel itself:
The outer circle of the wheel is engraved with two sets of different system text symbols, a total of eight letters, four in each set, one set is English letters, and the other set is Hebrew letters, the two sets of letters are interspersed. The four Hebrew letters are 'י', 'ה', 'ו', 'ה', which is the 'Tetragrammaton' representing the name of God, used to represent the supreme will.
The four English letters are 'T', 'A', 'R', 'O', related to the book of law and the mysterious connotation of Tarot, appearing in the form of palindromes. In the picture, these four Jewish letters, no matter how you read them, will be the same order. However, the four English letters, two directions will spell different words. Coincidentally, the use of these two letters, the reading and spelling order is opposite, which creates a magical palindrome effect. In the spelling of the English letters, there are many different permutations and combinations, producing many different meanings. The most important is the different direction of spelling starting from 'T', forming 'TARO' and 'TORA', similar and different sets of mysterious connotations - Tarot and the law of God. As for each letter as the starting point to spell in order, there are also many permutations and combinations: ATOR, ROTA, ...
The middle circle of the wheel is the eight-directional wheel spoke lines, which are superimposed and combined with several alchemical symbols.
The symbol on the upper right of the wheel represents the intermediary substance in alchemy - Mercury.
The symbol on the right of the wheel represents the important substance in alchemy - Sulphur.
The symbol on the left of the wheel represents the important substance in alchemy - Salt.
The symbol on the lower part of the wheel represents the substance in alchemy - solution, solvent.
Sulphur, mercury, and salt are the three elements or elements believed by later alchemy: sulphur in material refining, also represents the combustible part of all substances; mercury in material refining, also represents the volatile part of all substances; salt is the solid compound in material refining, also represents the residual solid part of all substances. And water or solution, represents the important liquid solvent in alchemy, and the basic process - dissolution.
The alchemical thought believes that all compositions can be analyzed into these elements. These three elements not only explain the material, but also represent other more complex compositions, including people can also be analyzed into these three elements. Of course, the indispensable liquid must also be added, and can be combined with the four elements of fire, earth, wind, and water.
As for the overall composition of a person, the three elements of alchemy, salt refers to 'the body', sulfur refers to 'the spirit', and mercury is 'the soul'. In terms of the pure spiritual composition, salt - subconscious, the unknown side; sulfur - self-awareness and will, action; mercury - super-consciousness and the transmission of consciousness. The water solution represents the transformation process of all these elements and the dissolution. These alchemical symbols are the symbols commonly used by the designer's group 'Golden Dawn', and their meanings are also related to their thoughts. In their Rosicrucian symbolic patterns, there are the three symbols arranged in order, representing the continuous transformation of consciousness.
The eight-directional lines radiating from the center of the wheel penetrate the two layers of the wheel, and these eight wheel spoke lines of course represent the eight spatial directions, but also represent the seasonal points on the timeline. The innermost layer of the wheel is divided into a small circle, surrounding the core of the wheel, and this circle only presents these eight lines, repeating and purely expressing the role of the intersection of time and space. The eight lines radiating from the core and the alchemical symbols are combined to form the main structure of the entire Wheel of Fortune, representing the temporal and spatial process and the transformation of matter and energy of fate changes.
The alchemical symbols in the inner circle of the wheel and the positions of the English letters in the outer circle are related, corresponding to each other in appearance, which is a kind of arrangement to connect the inside and outside layers: the circular symbol ~, corresponds to the outermost letter O in the same position; similarly, the sharp sulfur symbol ~, is also connected to the letter A; the symmetrical mercury symbol ~ is connected to the letter T; the curved water wave symbol ~ h, is matched with the curved letter R. As for the two sets of letters in the outer circle of the wheel, they have a corresponding meaning with the positions of the four living creatures outside the wheel. In this way, the various layers and the inside and outside of the entire 'Wheel of Fortune' are cleverly closely integrated into a whole.
The Wheel
The central symbol of the card, the wheel, represents the cyclical nature of life, destiny, and changes of fortune. It signifies the inevitable turning of tides, where sometimes we’re on top, enjoying good fortune, and at other times we find ourselves facing challenges. The wheel’s rotation reminds us that everything is transient and that situations will change, just as seasons do.
The Sphinx
Sitting atop the wheel is the Sphinx, a symbol of wisdom, mystery, and endurance. Its presence suggests that there’s a higher understanding or knowledge that oversees the turning of the wheel. The riddle of the Sphinx implies that life’s movements often come with their own sets of questions, and the answers are within reach if we seek wisdom.
The Four Creatures
In each corner of the card, there are four creatures: a man (or angel), eagle, bull, and lion. These represent the four fixed signs of the Zodiac – Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus, and Leo respectively. They symbolize the stability amidst change, each holding a book to represent wisdom and the lessons learned throughout life’s cycles.
Tetragrammaton
The Hebrew letter ‘Yod’ (often repeated) or the Tetragrammaton is sometimes seen floating around the wheel, symbolizing the divine name of God. This reminds us of the divine intervention and the greater cosmic force that oversees the turning of the wheel of life.
Anubis and Set
Rising and falling on the sides of the wheel are the Egyptian figures of Anubis and Set. Anubis, the god of the afterlife and mummification, represents our journey through life and the transformation of our souls. Set, a god of chaos, reminds us of the unpredictability of life and the challenges we might face.
Keywords
Destiny, Cycles, Luck, Karma, Change, Fate
General Overview
The Wheel of Fortune card is a symbol of life’s cyclical nature, capturing the essence of destiny, luck, and the ever-changing tides of time. Like the wheel that constantly turns, life too has its ups and downs, and this card serves as a reminder of this inescapable truth. The appearance of this card in a reading suggests a major turning point, where destiny and free will intersect, bringing forth significant change.
Being the tenth card in the Major Arcana, The Wheel of Fortune indicates the completion of one cycle and the beginning of another. Its rotation symbolizes the perpetual motion of life, suggesting that change is not only inevitable but also necessary for growth. While the wheel’s upward movement hints at fortune and favorable outcomes, it’s important to remember that what goes up must come down, and vice versa.
Surrounded by symbols from various traditions and mythologies, the card invites the seeker to view the unfolding events from a higher perspective. The Wheel of Fortune is not just about fate; it also speaks of personal responsibility in shaping one’s destiny. The cyclical pattern teaches that every end is a new beginning and that through understanding and acceptance, one can navigate life’s wheel with grace and wisdom.
Character
Personality of the Individual
A person with a broad mind, believing that many things are arranged by fate, adopting a go-with-the-flow attitude towards life, and feeling luckier than others.
Work Philosophy
Very studious and diligent at work, constantly absorbing new knowledge and concepts, with keen judgment, often able to turn misfortune into good fortune when encountering problems.
Emotional Outlook
Open-minded and tolerant in relationships, not particularly restrictive or demanding of the other party, but also needing some space and unable to tolerate being tied down by the other party.
Financial Perspective
Optimistic about money, believing they won't encounter major problems, not particularly diligent in saving, but with considerable savings, considered to have a knack for making money.
How to Deal with the Individual
There's no need to be too nervous when interacting with such a person; just let things happen naturally. Many things are predestined and will develop as they should.
Representative Figures
Examiners, gatekeepers, prophets, diplomats, philosophers.
Work
Work Situation
Currently in a fortunate period at work, even without being extremely hardworking, performance is still good, and tasks are handled with ease.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
Many things should be done in accordance with the trend, not against it. Stay calm when facing problems; as long as the right direction is grasped, things will naturally resolve.
Workplace Relationships
You have good interpersonal relationships at work, which can also lead to meeting many new friends. You should seize this opportunity and build your network.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Supervisors prefer a hands-off approach, and many changes are beyond their control, so just focus on doing your job well.
Job Prospects
This job still has good potential for development. Besides being optimistic, you should work hard; otherwise, you might miss some opportunities for promotion or transfer.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
There should be good job opportunities now. The key is whether you can take the initiative to seize them. Perhaps looking for jobs far from home will lead to quicker success.
Love
Love Situation
The development of the relationship is about to enter the next stage. It's time to let go of unnecessary worries and face what's coming together with your partner.
Possibility of New Romance
There might be a chance of love at first sight. If you want to be in a relationship, make sure to present yourself well to make a good first impression.
View on This Relationship
This is a predestined relationship. Regardless of the challenges, you want to be with your partner and cherish the bond despite any trials.
Sexual Attraction
There is a strong attraction between the two, feeling like you've met before upon the first encounter, and a sense of regret for not having met sooner, with a strong sexual attraction as well.
How to Resolve Arguments
Time will prove everything. It's essentially a misunderstanding, but forcing an explanation might make the situation worse.
Possibility of a Breakup
Breaking up is not easy unless there's a significant change. However, not seeing each other for a long time might dilute the feelings.
Possibility of Reconciliation
Reconciliation between the two is expected. Even if you've had a falling out, there's still a good chance to get back together, as if it was meant to be.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You have many friends, and every time you change environments, new friends appear. Over time, you accumulate many good friends who become your benefactors.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Many things are due to chance. If you feel the connection is over, don't force it. Believers will always believe, and non-believers will always disbelieve.
Family
Family Situation
The family is currently facing a good new situation. If you seize this opportunity, it should bring a lot of uplifting power and improve everyone's circumstances.
Relationship with Elders
You often have good relationships with elders. Even if you make mistakes, everyone will make excuses for you, and you'll receive a lot of help from them most of the time.
Relationship with Peers
You often interact with peers, and naturally, your relationships are good. You often form a group that complements and helps each other.
Relationship with Juniors
Juniors often don't understand your thoughts and find you mysterious. In fact, you often help them behind the scenes but don't want to make it obvious.
Academics
Academic Situation
Now is the time to study hard. If you slack off while everyone else is working hard, you might be caught up by others in your studies.
Learning Methods
It's best to read a lot of data at this time. If you feel the textbooks are not enough, you should also find some extracurricular materials for reference. Professional books are definitely necessary.
Relationship with Teachers
You have a teacher who is good at teaching but often allows students to develop freely in other areas. As long as you study well, you can freely develop in other areas.
Relationship with Classmates
You are a group of classmates who can inspire and progress together. As long as you don't try to stand out too much, you can get along peacefully.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your current financial situation is very good, and you have some luck with money, earning quite a bit. You should seize this time to make long-term plans.
Investment Situation
Now is a time when you can profit from investments. If you haven't invested before, you can try now, but also pay attention to the timing of changes in investments.
Purchasing Strategy
It's suitable to make large purchases now, and you're likely to buy things that are worth more than their price. So, compare more and don't hesitate when you see something suitable.
Keywords
Resistance to change, Bad luck, Interruptions, Unforeseen delays, Cycles disrupted
General Overview
When the Wheel of Fortune is drawn in its reversed position, it often signifies a resistance to the natural cycles of life and the changes that accompany them. While the upright Wheel speaks to the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of existence, in reversal, it points to interruptions in these cycles, unexpected setbacks, or perhaps a period where it feels as though luck is not on one’s side.
This card, when reversed, may also suggest that one is not learning from the past or not recognizing the patterns that keep repeating in life. It can be a wake-up call to understand and break negative cycles, taking responsibility for one’s actions and recognizing that while fate plays a role, so does personal choice. The Wheel reversed advises introspection, suggesting that one may need to pause and reassess before moving forward.
It’s crucial to understand that even when the Wheel turns unfavorably, it is temporary. Life’s rhythm is always in motion, and just as good times pass, so do the challenging ones. Embracing adaptability and resilience during these times can lead to profound personal growth.
Character
Personality of the Individual
A narrow-minded individual who tends to blame others for their problems instead of actively addressing them, often feeling that their fate is more challenging than others.
Work Philosophy
Prone to dissatisfaction with work, which may lead to frequent job changes or falling into repetitive mistakes, sometimes due to a lack of self-awareness.
Emotional Outlook
Often indecisive in relationships, making it difficult to settle down, possibly due to past serious emotional trauma, leading to stagnation in love.
Financial Perspective
Due to excessive optimism and flamboyance, financial stability is not guaranteed; although income may be substantial during fortunate times, it is often not accumulated for the future.
How to Deal with the Individual
While not inherently malicious, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance. Evaluate their proposals carefully and do not blindly trust their words.
Representative Figures
Criminals, repeat offenders, blindly optimistic individuals, individuals with bad luck, the reader.
Work
Work Situation
Facing significant changes in work that are beyond your control, it is essential to remain calm and composed instead of panicking.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
When inevitable significant changes occur, do not remain stagnant. If you can keep up with the pace of change, you may turn a crisis into an opportunity.
Workplace Relationships
Interpersonal relationships in this job are crucial; even without cooperation, everyone influences each other. Offending someone could lead to being undermined.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
Dealing with unpredictable superiors, no matter how hard you try, it's challenging to win their favor. With fluctuating policies, you must follow step by step obediently.
Job Prospects
Significant changes are expected in this job, which may lead to considerable trouble. You should consider whether to confront the challenges or prepare to leave.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
There should be many job opportunities appearing now, but be cautious in your selection to avoid falling into job-seeking traps and do not overly trust new job introductions from others.
Love
Love Situation
Facing significant changes in love, feeling caught in the middle and struggling to make a choice, decisions made now will greatly impact the future.
Possibility of New Romance
New romantic interests may appear, but they may not be the ideal type. You can try to change yourself to accept them or wait for better options.
View on This Relationship
This relationship has developed through a series of coincidences, but there is no concrete plan for the future, despite sensing changes in the relationship.
Sexual Attraction
There is a strong sexual attraction in this relationship, which makes it hard for the couple to part ways, but sometimes it becomes a source of conflict.
How to Resolve Arguments
Some relationships must go through a period of crisis before they can be revived. You can only maintain the status quo and wait for the situation to change, and once the issues surface, you may be able to address them.
Possibility of a Breakup
The relationship is bound to change, and if you use this opportunity to break up, it would be a natural progression. Either party can end it by initiating the breakup.
Possibility of Reconciliation
The relationship tends to be on-again, off-again, but even if reconciliation occurs, stability is hard to achieve. It's important to think through the issues before making a final decision.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
The current state of interpersonal relationships is somewhat complicated. Some friends may not be that close but still seek you out for entertainment or assistance, making it difficult to handle.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
Do not rush to judgment; consult with other friends first. Sometimes, collective wisdom can help you find better solutions. Be patient in resolving issues.
Family
Family Situation
The family is currently facing an unpredictable situation that everyone wants to improve, but due to the unclear circumstances, there is no concrete action that can be taken yet.
Relationship with Elders
Your relationship with elders fluctuates and is not stable. You should seize the right time to resolve misunderstandings to prevent them from becoming more complicated.
Relationship with Peers
Your relationship with peers is one of mutual use; you can cooperate and divide tasks, but without mutual benefits, there is no deep emotional connection.
Relationship with Juniors
You often take special care of juniors, but they do not always appreciate it. It is difficult to receive tangible returns from them, so do not expect too much.
Academics
Academic Situation
This is a time when your academic fortune is not favorable, and you may be in an environment where you cannot fully utilize your abilities. Transferring schools or departments might help you turn the tide.
Learning Methods
Consider starting anew in a different environment; if your current situation is not conducive to your efforts, you need to adopt a broader perspective on your academic situation.
Relationship with Teachers
Your relationship with teachers is unstable, with moments of great rapport and frequent dissatisfaction. Do not expect the relationship to be consistently stable.
Relationship with Classmates
This group of classmates offers little help with your studies; you must rely on yourself for improvement. Do not overly concern yourself with their relationships; maintaining a safe distance is wise.
Finance
Financial Situation
Your financial situation is undergoing a structural change. If managed well, it could bring significant benefits, but mistakes could be irrevocable.
Investment Situation
Avoid over-optimistic assessments of your investments and seek professional advice when necessary. Acting recklessly could lead to a disastrous financial loss.
Purchasing Strategy
Be extra cautious during this time of purchasing, as there is a high risk of acquiring substandard or counterfeit products. Avoid falling into scams.