Wheel of Fortune

The turn of a cycle. The Wheel is about change that is bigger than any one person, and the sense that what is up will come down and the reverse.

Upright

• cycles
• change
• fortune
• turning points

The turn of a cycle. The Wheel is about change that is bigger than any one person, and the sense that what is up will come down and the reverse.

Reversed

• bad timing
• resisting change
• setbacks
• going round in circles

A run of bad luck, or resistance to a change already under way. Reversed, the card suggests the cycle will turn again, and asks what can be learned while it does.

Not every reader uses reversals. Many treat a reversed card as the same theme, blocked, delayed or turned inward.

In the picture

A great wheel marked with letters and symbols hangs in the clouds, with a sphinx on top, a snake on one side and a jackal-headed figure on the other, and the four winged creatures in the corners reading books.

Astrology and numerology

The Golden Dawn, the Victorian magical order whose scheme most modern decks follow, linked Wheel of Fortune with Jupiter. Read about Jupiter and the element fire, which the card shares.

Its number reduces to 1, which numerology associates with new beginnings, leadership, independence. See every card that reduces to 1.

Yes or no

In yes or no tarot, Wheel of Fortune counts as a yes when upright, and as a no when reversed. This follows a common convention and not a rule from the deck's makers.

Tarot is a tradition of symbolism. This page says what readers traditionally associate with the card. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.