Reading reversed (upside down) cards as having different meanings than upright Tarot cards is a common practice, but not every Tarot reader does it. You can choose for yourself whether you will read reversed cards or simply turn the cards around and read them as upright. Whichever you choose, be consistent. If you constantly change your mind, you'll confuse yourself and your Tarot cards!
If you are reading reversed cards, the Wheel of Fortune may simply mean that the changes you crave are still a little ways off. You may have to be patient, waiting for these changes to come to you. Active pursuit is unlikely to help you at all. Alternatively, the Wheel of Fortune reversed might mean that change will come but not in the way you might choose or expect. Be prepared for the unexpected.
The Wheel of Fortune is the tenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of change of all types, both good and bad.
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.
Some Tarot readers choose to read reversed cards, or those that show up upside down in a reading. Others choose to read any reversed cards as upright, ignoring reversed meanings. Either approach is acceptable, as long as you remain consistent. So, if you choose to read reversed cards, always read reversed cards.
For those who do read reversed meanings, there are a number of interpretations of the Hermit card. You could resent having to be alone or you could turn away from those who want to help you, maybe slamming the door on others and then bemoaning your fate. Alternatively, you may fail to grow up and see thigns as they truly are. Lastly, you may be suffering from a bereavement or the loss of a lover or friend. In the case of the latter, the person will not come back and you will have to spend some time coming to terms with this. Positive or negative, this is one of life's lessons and the experience will only benefit you in the long run.
The Hermit is the ninth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of patience and understanding.
The Symbolism of the Hermit Tarot Card
This card is represented by an old man with a grey beard shrouded in grey robes. His face is hidden by his cowl. In one hand he carries a lantern, which represents insight and understanding. In the other hand, he holds a staff. The background is a vast wasteland.
The Hermit bears the number “9,” and is the patient guide of the Fool after his encounter with Strength.
The General Interpretation of the Hermit Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a time of loneliness or withdrawal from life. It brings a reminder that wisdom and patience can sometimes only be acquired by this withdrawal. It also teaches that if you are willing to wait, there can be the opportunity to build a truly solid foundation.
The Fool at last arrives at maturity, having developed both a mind and a heart. He has a firm sense of identity, and a deep respect for his own limitations. The Fool has certainly come far since he stepped of the precipice of the unknown.
The Inner Meaning of the Hermit in Tarot
The Hermit is the image of time and the limitations of mortal life. This card explains a simple and obvious fact: nothing is allowed to live past its span, and nothing remains the same. This lesson usually only comes with age and much experience, and it is often resisted by the unenlightened.
The Fool begins to learn the value of loneliness. He discovers that he is ultimately alone, and that all mortals must eventually face the same dilemma. He learns to accept this, and accept his own mortality. He finally realizes that youth passes into maturity, and maturity becomes old age. There is no escaping this.
The lessons the Hermit has to teach cannot be learned through struggle and conquest, not like the Chariot and Strength. It is only through acceptance that the Hermit can best teach all that he has to offer. The Fool is taught to develop the reflective and solitary part of himself. He recognizes that there are things he cannot change, but he can learn to deal with them from a place of higher understanding.
The Hermit also forces on the Fool the notion that intellect, heart, courage, and strength all mean nothing if he cannot find the patience and prudence that the Hermit has to offer. The Hermit shows the Fool how to endure and wait in silence.
The Hermit is who the Fool must encounter after he meets Strength, on the path to his meeting with the Wheel of Fortune.
