General Interpretation and Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune - Upright & Reversed

If one card could predict everything about one's life and foresee all of it, then it is the tenth card of Major Arcana, the Wheel of Fortune card, which is responsible for all the good luck, bad luck, and everything in between that take place in the circle of one's life.  

Its inception can be traced back to the 15th century, when the illustration on the card was based on the medieval Goddess, Fortuna, and the ancient concept of ‘Rota Fortunae.’ It is said that Fortuna used to spin her wheel willy-nilly and change the course of the lives of those who were at the wheel. 

Like most of the other cards of Major Arcana, this card also varies in its depiction from one tarot deck to another. It carries layered symbolism and deeper meaning. Throughout the years, the card has traveled through the various lanes of Greek and Roman myths, biblical expressions, medieval superstitions, as well as 19th-century magical societies.  

The card primarily illustrates a blue and cloudy sky as the backdrop of an eight-spoked wheel sphinxlike or individuals dressed up in Egyptian attire are seen cresting upon it along with winged figurines of an angel, an eagle, a lion, and a bull at the four corners of the card representing the four evangelists of the zodiac: Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus. They are holding the book, Torah. 

The card is inscribed with the letters T-A-R-O or R-O-T-A, one is the ancient name for Tarot and the other in Latin means wheel along with the Hebrew letters pronouncing Yahweh or God. In the inner circle of the wheel, you can see the alchemical symbols of Mercury, Sulfur, Water, and Salt representing the four elements; Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. There is also a two-headed snake, Typhon descending on the left and jackal-headed Anubis on the right. 

The card, when drawn out of a deck, elucidates the lives of the querent. Sometimes it hints at fortune or informs them about the impending doom approaching towards them. 

General interpretation and meaning of the Upright Wheel of Fortune 

This card is held accountable for being a symbol of luck and fate or a change in fortune.  When picked upright it indicates the upcoming changes that the querent is about to face. These changes will bring greater joy in life. It indicates that the universe and your timing are in your favor. You must make more out of this phase. Concentrate on your true goals, and everything will work out just fine. It will bring good fortune if your intentions are holistic. 

It is likely to lead you to your destiny if you make the right effort and choice at the right time. It reminds us that the wheel is ever moving; nothing is going to last forever. Hence you must take the opportunity and seize it before it passes. 

Love & Relationships (Upright) 

Wheel of Fortune in an upright position hints at an assertive change going to happen to you. If you are in love, then it might be an indication to initiate the new phase of your life. Or take the next step together. 

If your relationship is going through a rough patch, then it is a reminder that you need to accept some changes and mold the equation a bit to make it work. For those who are single, it is a hint that the Universe has greater plans for you and is working to lead you to your love of life. It enables you to embark on the path of contentment. It is time to seize every opportunity that life throws at you. 

Money & Career Interpretation (Upright) 

On the work front, the upright Wheel of Fortune is a blessing as it indicates fulfillment of your hopes. If you have been looking to change your job or hoping for a change in your profession, then it is the best time to take this risk. If you were planning to venture out on a business, then it is your time. You will finally experience stability in your job. It will make you happy, responsible, and content. Bigger and better things in life are heading towards you. Financially, incredible luck is about to knock on your door. Your karma and efforts will pay off. 

Health Interpretation (Upright) 

This card blesses you with good health and a sound mind if you are struggling with some disease. The wheel might change your luck and spin it in your favor. It is going to bring positivity and hope. And a balance in your life full of ups and downs. There will be some forces guiding you to take proper care of yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally too. You are likely to experience a relaxed time after ages. 

​Spiritual Interpretation (Upright) 

Your days of good luck are knocking, and your ill fate is recovering. The positivity that the Wheel of Fortune is about to bestow upon you will help you to prosper from within and mend your soul. The universe is about to raise you to a spiritual high ground. 

You will find angelic forces guiding you towards the greater good. And a perfectly brewed blend of happiness and contentment will resurface. 

General Interpretation and Meaning of the Reversed Wheel of Fortune 

The Wheel of Fortune, when pulled in a reversed order, is nonetheless a sign indicating the change. But this change may or may not bring good fortune. It can symbolize an upheaval that is forcing itself to change your way of existence. It indicates the challenging times that are rushing towards you. Some unexpected changes might cause you some discomfort.  

Thus, the reversed Wheel of Fortune is a warning if not a threat. It warns you against the sudden deteriorating situations and descends that life will present to you. It can also be a response to your karma, a lesson to teach you about your flaws and the ways which can help you to improve. 

Love & Relationships Interpretation (Reversed) 

This situation is not entirely a boon or a curse for those in love. The reversed card hints at the stagnancy but stability in your relationship that you have been working on. Sometimes, durability and understanding are not enough to sustain a relationship. One needs adventure and excitement as well. This is going to be a testing phase in your love affair, as the things you desire will not materialize as planned. Life will throw you unexpected and unprecedented troubles. And you must be ready to face them with a brave heart if you want your relationship to surpass the test of time. Your relationship will go through a slow phase, and there might be many heart-wrenching issues. Only calm and patience can help you out. 

Money & Career Interpretation (Reversed) 

This reverse card unleashes a series of uncertainty in your career. It throws major setbacks at your face and hints that you will have a hard time at work. The unexpected changes that it is going to bring with it can make you anxious and frustrated. If you rush things, then you will be more in trouble. You need to keep calm and assess the situation before acting upon them. You will experience an unwelcoming pocket pinch. But have faith these are only temporary disappointments.  

It acts as a caution and gives you a highlight of all the things that can go wrong in your life. It will teach you a lesson to care about your money. It will make you more responsible and reasonable at work. 

Health Interpretation (Reversed) 

​For those who neglect their health, this card is teaching in itself. You are going to face some serious, even life-threatening health woes. Misery related to poor health will test your optimism. Do not lose hope. The only way to withstand this situation is your will to survive. It will indicate changes in your life that are going to be good for you in the long run.  

You will learn these lessons the hard way. But will prepare your body and make you durable. You will understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It will restore your health both physically and mentally. Do not allow the anxieties of poor health to overpower your zeal to live. It will take time, but your positivity will bring positive changes sooner. 

Spiritual Interpretation (Reversed) 

​All the troubles and disruptions that you are experiencing as hinted by the reversed 'Wheel of Fortune' will force you to feel lonely. You might dive into the turmoil of "Why me?". The reversed card will undoubtedly indicate the troubles and causality that life has in store for you.  

You might start to feel hopeless. It might seem like a conspiracy against you. It will test you, your patience, and your faith. The darkest hours of misery cause suffering, but if your faith and beliefs are strong and honest then it will lead your spirits to thrive back in no time. There is a sunrise out there that will erase all the troubles of night. Till then, hold yourself together and try to connect with the universe on a spiritual level.