10 - Wheel of Fortune
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Chance, fate, destiny, uncertainty, cycles, luck, movement |
| Reversed Keywords: | No control, bad luck, vicious cycles |
The scene is laid out in a blue sky dotted with white clouds. An orange, eight-spoked wheel of concentric circles is situated in the center. Symbols representing the four elements (earth, air, water, and fire) are written in the innermost circle. Around the outer ring, "TARO" has been written along with the Hebrew letters for "YHWH." "TARO" could also be read as "ROTA," the Latin word for "wheel."
Several figures are arranged around the card. In each corner seated on a cloud are a man, an ox, an eagle, and a lion, all winged and colored yellow. Sitting atop the Wheel is a blue-colored sphinx holding a sword. To the left is a yellow snake, and below is a red canine-headed figure representing Anubis.
In Readings: Upright
By its name alone, the Wheel of Fortune tells on itself. It turns as all wheels do, indicating cycles and movement. When this card appears, change is on the way -- or it's already begun.
When the Wheel is upright, fate is in motion. It spins freely and will land wherever it may. There is a connotation of luck being in the mix, whether good or bad, and perhaps the subject could turn luck to their favor with the right actions. Nothing is certain with the Wheel in play.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Lovers, reversed: An unhealthy cycle that isn't doing anyone any good.
The Star: A lucky turn for the better.
Ace of Swords: You'll have a chance to seize victory, though perhaps not without cost.
Eight of Wands, reversed: Due to a freak accident, good news is delayed or turned negative.
In Readings: Reversed
In reverse, the uncertainty of the Wheel is heightened. Rather than a roll of the dice, it feels more like Russian Roulette.
This card indicates that a situation has gotten thoroughly out of control. There is no regaining that control, either. Now that events are in motion, all that can be done is ride them out and prepare for the worst outcome.
The reversed Wheel may also suggest a rotating cycle that is repeating itself rather than resolving. The Wheel keeps turning and turning despite the riders' desire to escape. This could be a bad habit, addiction, misunderstandings, history repeating itself... or any number of vicious cycles.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
King of Pentacles: Practical knowledge and a loud voice won't do much when unpleasant events are already unfolding. Better to say something sooner, rather than later.
The Empress, reversed: Stagnation or a lack of expected abundance born out of a vicious cycle left unresolved.
Seven of Swords: You're so certain in your ability to get things done, but are you actually making progress? Or does it just feel that way, because look at all these cool Swords you've got?
Ten of Wands, reversed: You've dropped your responsibilities because some nonsense happened. Now you've got to pick it all up again.
Other Perspectives
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