Wheel of Fortune

Overview

The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes cycles, change, and the interplay of fate and free will. Life’s journey isn’t static; it turns like a great wheel. In the Tarot de Marseille, a sphinx-like figure appears on the wheel—climbing from below in the past, sitting proudly at the top in the present, and at risk of falling off in the future. This reminds us that highs and lows are natural phases of existence.

Symbolism

In the Tarot de Marseille, the Wheel of Fortune often shows a wheel with creatures or figures at different points. The sphinx-like figure embodies life’s transitions: once climbing (the past), now atop the wheel (the present), soon possibly descending (the future). The wheel’s turning reflects that no position is permanent. The steady spin suggests that while we may influence events, we cannot halt the wheel’s momentum, only choose how we respond.

History

Historically, the Wheel of Fortune represented the medieval concept of the "Rota Fortunae," where fate raised kings and toppled tyrants. In tarot’s evolution, it maintained this theme of life’s unpredictability, integrating spiritual understanding. The Tarot de Marseille solidified its imagery: a wheel revolving through human, animal, and mythical forms, capturing the eternal dance of fate and circumstance.

Interpretation in Readings

The Wheel of Fortune encourages embracing change, acknowledging that life flows in cycles. Rather than resisting transformation, it calls for adapting and finding meaning in shifts. Just as the sphinx rises, sits, and may fall, we too navigate phases of growth, success, and setback. Each turn can be a lesson, guiding us to respond wisely and gracefully.

Wheel of Fortune as Feelings

As feelings, the Wheel of Fortune suggests emotional unpredictability and evolving sentiments. Emotions may rise like the sphinx climbing the wheel, peak at a moment of harmony, or risk slipping away if not nurtured.

Good Example: Sofia feels her relationship emotions shift over time. She understands that love changes form, and rather than fearing these cycles, she embraces each phase as part of their evolving bond.

Bad Example: Darius assumes that strong feelings now mean they’ll always remain at the top of the wheel. He neglects to maintain understanding and empathy, forgetting that the wheel’s turn requires attentiveness, not complacency.

Wheel of Fortune as Outcome

As an outcome, the Wheel of Fortune indicates change, movement, and evolving circumstances. It suggests that by adapting gracefully to shifts, one can find lessons in every turn of fate.

Good Example: After working diligently, Marta finds herself in a position of success—akin to being atop the wheel. Recognizing the wheel’s ongoing motion, she stays humble, prepared to learn from whatever phase comes next.

Bad Example: Carlo takes current success for granted, assuming the wheel will never turn downward. He fails to save resources or appreciate what he has, missing the card’s reminder that fortune fluctuates and mindful preparation is key.

Yes or No Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune leans toward Yes if the question involves embracing change, understanding life’s cycles, and moving with the current of events rather than against it. When openness and adaptability guide your choices, forward motion is supported.

It suggests No if the situation resists growth, clings to stagnation, or refuses to acknowledge the natural rise and fall of circumstances. Without accepting the wheel’s turning, progress stalls, and the "no" outcome emerges from rigidity and denial of life’s inherent dynamism.

Spin the Yes or No Tarot Wheel for another card result here

Reverse Meaning

Reversed, the Wheel of Fortune represents resistance to change, missed opportunities, or feeling trapped in cycles. Instead of flowing with life’s turns, reversed energy may indicate clinging to the past or fear of moving forward, causing frustration and confusion.

Wheel of Fortune as Health

For health, the Wheel of Fortune emphasizes adaptation and recognizing that well-being can shift over time. Like the sphinx scaling the wheel, you might improve health habits, reach a stable peak, but must remain mindful as conditions evolve.

Good Example: Elena adjusts her exercise routine as her body changes with age. She understands that what worked before may not now, and she adapts gracefully, maintaining her health through life’s shifts.

Bad Example: Dante relies on past vitality, ignoring that health cycles shift. He refuses to adapt his habits, clinging to outdated routines. As a result, he struggles when his body’s needs inevitably change.

Wheel of Fortune as Finances

In finances, The Wheel of Fortune suggests accepting market cycles, adapting strategies, and learning from each financial phase. Like the sphinx’s journey on the wheel, money affairs rise, plateau, and may decline, calling for flexible thinking.

Good Example: Lara invests carefully, understanding that markets fluctuate. She saves during prosperous times, preparing for dips, reflecting the wheel’s constant turning.

Bad Example: Alex assumes current financial growth is permanent. Ignoring the wheel’s nature, he overextends himself. When the cycle shifts, he’s caught off guard by the downward turn.

Wheel of Fortune as Actions

As actions, the Wheel of Fortune encourages embracing change, staying adaptable, and learning from every phase. Instead of clinging to a single moment, it urges continuously refining one’s approach.

Good Example: Noor tries different problem-solving techniques when facing challenges. She realizes that what works now may not work later, and remains open to adjusting her methods.

Bad Example: Ewan acts as though life’s circumstances are static. He ignores evolving conditions, refusing to pivot strategies, and thus misses the Wheel’s lesson of embracing flux.

Wheel of Fortune as Future

The Wheel of Fortune as future suggests anticipating shifts and understanding that current positions can change. Without predicting events, it encourages readiness to move with life’s cycles, acknowledging the sphinx’s journey around the wheel as a metaphor for constant evolution.

Good Example: Karina invests in learning skills that keep her adaptable. She accepts that new opportunities and challenges will arise, staying prepared to reposition herself gracefully.

Bad Example: Remy assumes the future guarantees eternal success. He neglects personal growth, expecting stability to last forever. When the wheel turns, he’s unprepared, having misunderstood the card’s message.

Wheel of Fortune as Intentions

When The Wheel of Fortune appears as intentions, it reveals a desire to go with life’s flow, learn from change, and remain open-minded. Motives involve accepting cycles, knowing that success, challenge, and renewal are natural parts of any journey.

Good Example: The seeker asks, "What are their intentions?" The card suggests they want to adapt and grow together, embracing phases as opportunities for collective learning.

Bad Example: The seeker assumes The Wheel of Fortune means someone intends to keep them at the top forever. Misreading this, they avoid cooperating with the natural ebb and flow of life, ignoring the card’s call for resilience and flexibility.