The Wheel of Fortune
General
In traditional tarot, the Wheel of Fortune is depicted by a wheel which is surrounded by mythical creatures. The sphinx and Anubis are meant to represent the wisdom of the gods and kings and the underworld and they are rotating forever in a cycle – this is to represent life, where we have some good days, and we have some bad days. For this depiction, the wheel of fortune is depicted by the alarm clock, and this symbolises how we are moving through time in cycles as well (like night giving into day, or day turning into the night). The letters R-O-T-A surrounding the alarm clock also appears in some Wheel of Fortune depictions, and it can be interpreted as the Latin word for “wheel” (which is why I decided to include it).
Upright
The Wheel of Fortune appears to inform you that there are changes afoot – and these are divinely guided changes. There is also an element of divine timing at play which you are being asked to remember at this time.
In love, the wheel of fortune may indicate that the person coming in for you is divinely guided towards you. It could be that you would fall in love at first sight and it would seem like a match made in heaven. It could be that you are going to be changing partners or you would be navigating towards a change in your relationship. In career and finances, you are in luck! Things are shifting for the better and there will be opportunities coming in for you and they would seem like a blessing. Regardless, you need to remember that when the Wheel of Fortune turns up in your reading, what is meant for you would never pass you by.
Reversed
In love, the Wheel of Fortune may predict that your love life would be out of your control and there would be external events that would affect it (usually, a lot of divine intervention). I don’t necessarily see this as a bad thing, but you need to be patient with how things play out. In career and finances, there is a need for you to adapt and be prepared for unexpected financial changes. It seems that you may have to accept it and be patient with the changes. It would be wise to build an emergency fund for the changes to come to your financial situation.
Astrological / Temporal Associations
The Wheel of Fortune is associated with Jupiter, and Jupiter has been associated with good luck and bounty. This is very much aligned with the meaning of the Wheel of Fortune, especially the aspect which signifies good fortune and luck. In some decks, the wheel is also inscribed with the elements for earth, air, fire and water – these are to represent the four suits if the tarot (these are also present in the Magician card. On the traditional Rider Waite tarot, the four corners of the card have depictions of four winged creatures – the Lion, the Ox, the Man and the Eagle – which also represent the Evangelists. But in my depiction, I have chosen not to include this.
