Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is card ten of the Major Arcana. It represents cycles, luck and turning points — the ups and downs of life that are partly outside our control, and the reminder that nothing, good or bad, stays the same forever.
What's on the card
A great orange wheel hangs in the sky, marked with the letters T-A-R-O and the Hebrew letters of God's name, along with alchemical symbols. A snake slides down one side, a jackal-headed figure (Anubis) rises up the other, and a sphinx with a sword sits calmly on top. In the four corners, winged figures — an angel, an eagle, a lion and a bull — read books; they match the four fixed signs of the zodiac and stay steady while the wheel turns.
Wheel of Fortune Upright
Upright, the Wheel of Fortune signals change, usually for the better. A new chapter, a lucky break or an unexpected opportunity may be arriving, and events can move quickly.
More broadly, the card is about cycles. What goes around comes around; seasons of life turn. It encourages you to go with the change rather than fight it, and to make the most of good fortune while it lasts.
Wheel of Fortune Reversed
Reversed, the Wheel can point to a run of bad luck, delays, or feeling that life is happening to you. It may also show resistance to change — clinging to how things were even though the wheel has already moved.
The reassurance is built into the card: wheels keep turning. A downturn is temporary, and small choices can help set the next cycle in motion.
Keywords: cycles, change, fate, turning points
Wheel of Fortune in Love & Relationships
In love, the Wheel of Fortune often signals a turning point: a chance meeting, a relationship moving to a new stage, or a reunion. It can suggest a connection that feels fated. Reversed, it may point to repeating old patterns or a relationship stuck in a bad cycle.
Wheel of Fortune in Career & Work
At work, the Wheel favours new opportunities, promotions and sudden changes of direction. Be ready to act when the moment comes. Reversed, it may show setbacks, delays or changes outside your control.
Wheel of Fortune and Money
Financially, the Wheel brings change — often a welcome boost, but also a reminder that money comes in cycles. Save some of the good times for the lean ones. Reversed, it may warn of unexpected expenses or losses.
Advice
Ride the change instead of fighting it.
Wheel of Fortune — Yes or No?
The Wheel of Fortune is usually a yes, especially for questions about change or luck. Reversed, it suggests waiting until circumstances shift.
Either side in the Major Arcana
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wheel of Fortune a good card?
Generally, yes. It signals change, luck and new opportunities. Reversed, it reflects a downturn, but one that will pass.
What does the Wheel of Fortune mean in love?
A turning point, a fated meeting, or a relationship moving into a new phase.
What planet is the Wheel of Fortune?
In the Golden Dawn system, the Wheel of Fortune is linked with Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion.
| Group | Cards | Traditional Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Major Arcana | 22 | Life’s big turning points and archetypal themes |
| Wands | 14 | Traditionally linked to fire — ambition, energy, creativity |
| Cups | 14 | Traditionally linked to water — emotion, relationships, intuition |
| Swords | 14 | Traditionally linked to air — thought, conflict, communication |
| Pentacles | 14 | Traditionally linked to earth — money, work, the material world |