Welcome to a journey through the mysteries of the Tarot, where we explore the profound symbolism and meanings behind one of the most fascinating cards: The Wheel of Fortune.
The Arcana of Change and Wholeness
The tenth arcana among the Major Arcana, this card generally symbolizes the cycles of human life: childhood, youth, maturity, and old age. It reflects the stability or instability that accompanies these life stages. This arcana is complex because its interpretation varies depending on its position, indicating periods of prosperity or instability and bad luck.
Interpreting the Elements in the Deck
The central element of this card is a wheel, symbolizing the existence of fortune and the movements that occur in life. At the top of the wheel, a winged monkey with a crown and sword stands still and balanced, representing the yin and yang and the necessary balance between these forces. Meanwhile, two other figures, one ascending and one descending, depict opposing moments — the rise and fall — and their potential presence in life.
The wheel also symbolizes the passage of time, and its square base suggests stability. The colors red, blue, and yellow represent fire, water, and earth, respectively. The six spokes of the wheel and the lever that moves it, though unseen, represent the unknown, the beginning or end of a period, and the presence of fortune.
The Wheel of Fortune in Readings: The Circle of Life Bringing Successes and Failures
The wheel, as its name suggests, is one of the cards that best expresses the cycles of life. It symbolizes the ups and downs experienced by humans as they journey through the world, gathering experiences. It represents universal wisdom, the potential for growth and maturity, and fortune, which may not always be present but can eventually transform the seeker’s life.
In an inverted position, the card suggests bad luck. However, other interpretations may be more accurate. It could indicate unpreparedness for an impending change, a life turn that will occur when one is not sufficiently alert, or a lack of time to acquire what is needed.
The inverted wheel may signify a lack of control, fortuitous conditions, potential changes in work, emotional confusion, financial issues, health setbacks, or spiritual situations that can cause significant instability.
Overall, the card expresses the uncertainty of a man’s destiny as he walks through the world, highlighting the need for maturity to understand that life consists of cycles that last as long as necessary to find new lessons.
Represents: A dynamic card, indicating movement, rapid succession of events, and surprises brought by destiny.
Esoterically, it is associated with Virgo, the element Earth, and Autumn.
In numerology, it represents the number 10: (1+2+3+4) = the totality of the cosmos, as (1 is God, 2 is matter, 3 is the physical world, and 4 is reproduction).
Meaning in the Three Planes:
- Love Plane: A change by chance or destiny is expected in the near future. Prepare to embrace this swift romantic change with confidence and serenity.
- Money Plane: Enjoy the wheel of destiny when it turns in your favor. Look to the future with confidence and serenity. Avoid misunderstandings and grudges.
- Work Plane: Consider changing jobs soon. Routine and stagnation are seen as a torment by those who wish to end it.
