The Symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
This card is represented by an eight-spoked wheel topped with a sphinx. The wheel itself is inscribed with the letters T-A-R-O, as well as four alchemical symbols representing the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. There are four winged creatures at the corners of the card, representing the astrological signs Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio. The god Anubis can be seen rising on the right side of the wheel, and the snake-like Typhon descends on the left.
The Wheel of Fortune bears the number “10,” and is the diviner for the Fool after his encounter with the Hermit.
The General Interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a sudden change of fortune. Whether it is good or bad is uncertain. But whichever it is, the Wheel of Fortune guarantees a new phase of life. For many, this idea of uncontrolled and inevitable change is disturbing.
The Fool himself is disturbed. He is thrown from his complacency, and begins the descent that was inevitable since he first set out on his journey.
The Inner Meaning of the Wheel of Fortune in Tarot
The Wheel of Fortune is the image of deep and mysterious laws within yourself, unknown and unseen. Sudden changes in fortune will upset the established balance of life. The different positions on the wheel reflect the different experiences of fortune.
The top of the wheel represents being catapulted into success. The bottom of the wheel implies just the opposite. Bad luck, maybe, but within the patterns of change that this card establishes. The right, near Anubis, is considered rising luck, the beginning of the climb to success, aided by an unseen power. The left, with Typhon, has begun to unwillingly descend, for this is the way of the Wheel of Fortune.
The Wheel of Fortune is not about random luck, but a greater plan, and the possible intelligence behind that greater plan. You may only be aware of the outer effects of the Wheel of Fortune, for the deeper meaning behind this ‘fortune’ are hidden, and not easily seen.
It is here where the Fool encounters the weaver of the grand design, and the source of life itself. For him, the Wheel of Fortune is more than just significant of change. It is the way by which he comes to terms with himself, and with his own destiny.
The Wheel of Fortune is what the Fool must encounter after he meets the Hermit, on the path to his meeting with Justice.
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