Tarot AI

The 'Wheel of Fortune' (命运之轮) is one of the most iconic and enduring cards in the Tarot, belonging to the Major Arcana and traditionally numbered as card X. Its origins trace back to the early 15th-century tarot decks of Europe, particularly in Italy and France, where it was known as 'La Roue de la Fortune.' The concept of a wheel symbolizing fate and destiny is ancient, rooted in Greco-Roman mythology and later adapted into Christian and medieval philosophical thought. In classical mythology, the goddess Fortuna (or Tyche in Greek) was often depicted holding or turning a large wheel, representing the unpredictable nature of fate. Those at the top of the wheel were subject to sudden downfall, while those at the bottom could rise unexpectedly—illustrating the cyclical and ever-changing nature of life.

During the Middle Ages, the Wheel of Fortune became a popular allegorical symbol in moral and religious teachings, reminding people of the impermanence of worldly success and the importance of humility. This concept was vividly illustrated in the medieval poem 'The Wheel of Fortune,' which was part of the famous 'Carmina Burana' collection. The image of the wheel was also commonly depicted in stained glass and illuminated manuscripts, often showing figures rising and falling as the wheel turned.

As tarot evolved from a playing card game to a tool for divination and spiritual insight in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Wheel of Fortune took on deeper esoteric meanings. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (1909), the card features a large, ornate wheel surrounded by mystical symbols, including the word 'Taro' (an anagram for 'Rota,' Latin for wheel), and three enigmatic creatures representing the Egyptian god Anubis, the Sphinx, and the serpent Typhon. These beings symbolize different aspects of transformation, knowledge, and hidden power.

Over time, various tarot decks have reinterpreted the Wheel of Fortune, reflecting the cultural and artistic trends of their time. From the mystical symbolism of the Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley to the more modern and nature-inspired versions in decks like the Wild Unknown or the Modern Witch Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune remains a powerful emblem of change, karma, and the cyclical nature of life. Across cultures, it has been associated with concepts such as dharma in Eastern philosophy, the Taoist idea of balance, and even the astrological influence of Jupiter, symbolizing expansion and good fortune. Its enduring presence in tarot reflects a universal human fascination with destiny, chance, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

The Wheel of Fortune is rich in symbolic elements, each contributing to its deeper meaning as a card of change, destiny, and the cycles of life. Central to the imagery is the wheel itself, often inscribed with mystical symbols or words such as 'Taro' (an anagram for 'Rota'), representing the cyclical nature of existence and the turning of fate. Surrounding the wheel are various creatures or beings, typically including a serpent, a sphinx, and an angelic or jackal-headed figure. These are often interpreted as references to the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio) or as symbolic of the four elements—fire, air, earth, and water—emphasizing balance and transformation.

Colors play a significant role in the symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune. Gold and yellow often represent spiritual enlightenment, divine wisdom, and the light of destiny. Red symbolizes passion and action, while blue signifies intuition and higher knowledge. The number 10, which the Wheel of Fortune traditionally holds in the Major Arcana, is associated with completion, cycles, and new beginnings, reinforcing the idea of life’s ever-turning path.

Across different cultures and tarot traditions, the Wheel of Fortune carries nuanced meanings. In Western esoteric traditions, it is linked to the concept of karma and the idea that one's actions influence their destiny. In Eastern philosophies, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, it is often compared to the Bhavacakra or 'Wheel of Life,' which illustrates the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth). In Jungian psychology, the Wheel of Fortune can represent the archetype of the Self, symbolizing the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind through the process of individuation.

When upright, the Wheel of Fortune signifies positive change, good fortune, and the natural flow of life’s cycles. It suggests that events are unfolding as they should, often bringing unexpected opportunities or favorable outcomes. Reversed, the card can indicate resistance to change, bad luck, or a disruption in the natural order, urging the querent to surrender control and trust in the process of life.

The Wheel of Fortune is closely connected to other Major Arcana cards, particularly Justice, which balances the wheel's randomness with fairness and karma, and The Fool, who represents the beginning of a new journey. It also resonates with Death and The Hanged Man, both of which deal with transformation and surrender. In a reading, the Wheel of Fortune often serves as a reminder that life is in constant motion and that every ending brings the potential for a new beginning.

From a psychological perspective, the Wheel of Fortune represents the unconscious forces that shape our lives and the inevitability of change. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, viewed the Wheel of Fortune as a powerful symbol of the archetype of the Self—the unified unconscious and conscious parts of the psyche. In Jungian terms, the wheel reflects the process of individuation, where an individual integrates different aspects of their personality to achieve wholeness. The turning of the wheel mirrors the cyclical nature of personal growth, where challenges and setbacks often lead to transformation and self-discovery.

In modern life, the Wheel of Fortune serves as a reminder that change is not only inevitable but necessary for growth. Whether in career transitions, relationships, or personal development, this card encourages individuals to embrace uncertainty and trust in the natural flow of life. It can be particularly useful in decision-making, helping people recognize that setbacks are temporary and that opportunities often arise from unexpected places. This mindset can reduce anxiety and foster resilience, allowing individuals to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease.

For personal growth and self-awareness, the Wheel of Fortune prompts introspection about how one responds to change. Does the individual resist transformation, or do they flow with life’s rhythms? This card encourages a shift in perspective—from fearing the unknown to seeing it as a gateway to new possibilities. In therapeutic and counseling settings, tarot readers and therapists may use the Wheel of Fortune to explore a client’s relationship with change, helping them release control and find meaning in life’s unpredictable moments.

Spiritually, the Wheel of Fortune resonates with practices that emphasize mindfulness, surrender, and trust in the universe. It is often used in meditation and energy healing to align with the natural rhythms of life and to cultivate a sense of acceptance. In modern spiritual communities, the card is associated with karma, destiny, and synchronicity, encouraging practitioners to remain open to divine timing and the unseen forces that guide their path. Ultimately, the Wheel of Fortune reminds us that life is a continuous cycle of beginnings and endings—and that each turn of the wheel brings the potential for renewal and transformation.

The Wheel of Fortune is deeply connected to astrological and elemental energies that enhance its symbolic meaning. Astrologically, it is associated with Jupiter, the planet of expansion, luck, and abundance. Jupiter’s influence brings a sense of optimism and growth, reinforcing the Wheel’s message of positive change and karmic alignment. In some esoteric systems, it is also linked to the zodiac sign Sagittarius, which embodies the themes of exploration, wisdom, and destiny.

Gemstones and crystals that resonate with the Wheel of Fortune include citrine for manifestation and abundance, amethyst for spiritual insight, and clear quartz for clarity and energy amplification. These stones can be used during meditation or placed on an altar to enhance the card’s energy. Herbs such as cinnamon and frankincense are traditionally burned to attract good fortune and support transformation, while essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, and rosemary help align the mind with the card’s themes of balance and destiny.

Elementally, the Wheel of Fortune is tied to the mutable energy of Air, representing adaptability, intellect, and movement. This aligns with the card’s emphasis on change and the need for flexibility in life’s journey. Seasonally, it corresponds with the equinoxes—times of balance and transition between seasons—highlighting the cyclical nature of life. Temporally, it is often associated with the hour of dawn or dusk, symbolizing new beginnings and the turning of time.

In terms of chakra energy, the Wheel of Fortune resonates with the Third Eye Chakra, which governs intuition and spiritual insight, and the Solar Plexus Chakra, which influences personal power and transformation. Numerologically, the number 10, which the Wheel of Fortune represents, signifies completion and the start of a new cycle, reinforcing the idea of life’s continuous evolution and renewal.