Hello, tarot travelers! After spending a time of deep reflection in the quiet mountains of the Hermit, our Fool now embarks on a new journey. As he, who had been quietly walking his inner path, suddenly looks up, a colossal wheel comes into view in the distance. This wheel, seemingly connecting heaven and earth, spins continuously, without cease.
Now, imagine this: Towering as if to pierce the sky above a desolate plain, a massive wheel slowly but ceaselessly rotates. Various mystical beings are affixed to this wheel. At the very top of the wheel sits a Sphinx, holding a sword, poised and dignified. Below, a serpent and a figure resembling the Egyptian god Anubis hang from the wheel.
Four letters are inscribed at the center of the wheel, which can be read as 'TARO' or 'ROTA'. Surrounding the wheel, within the clouds, four mysterious creatures each read books, observing the entire spectacle.
This is 10. The Wheel of Fortune. It is a being that symbolizes the cosmic flow, the changes and cycles of life, and the unpredictable providence of fate. The Birth of the Wheel of Fortune: The Dance of Change and Cycles
If the Hermit delved deep into his inner self to seek truth, the Wheel of Fortune shows the moment the Fool, having gone through that period of introspection, confronts the grand current of the world once more. He realizes that life is not static but constantly changing and cyclical. Sometimes we ascend, sometimes we descend, and all these changes ultimately occur within a single, vast flow.
The Wheel of Fortune delivers a message about external forces beyond our control – 'fate'. However, it's not merely about resigning oneself to destiny, but also about gaining the wisdom to understand this flow of change and respond to it wisely. Symbols in the Card: The Language of a Changing World
The Rider-Waite deck's Wheel of Fortune card is filled with symbols that depict cosmic change and cycles.
The Great Wheel: This is the most crucial symbol of the card. The wheel represents the passage of time, the cycles of life, and the turning of destiny. It implies that nothing is eternal and everything is constantly changing; good times will eventually end, and difficult times will also pass.
The Sphinx, Serpent, and Anubis: The beings affixed to the top and bottom of the wheel symbolize different aspects of change. The Sphinx at the very top represents riddles and wisdom, signifying our attempt to understand destiny. The serpent (Typhon) descending symbolizes evil or downfall, while Anubis (the jackal-headed god) ascending symbolizes wisdom and elevation. This shows that fate encompasses both good and evil, rise and fall.
TARO / ROTA: The letters inscribed in the center of the wheel spell out the word 'TAROT' in reverse or represent 'ROTA,' which means 'wheel' in Latin. This carries the profound meaning that the Tarot cards themselves are like the Wheel of Fortune.
The Four Creatures in the Corners (Ezekiel's Four Living Creatures): The four creatures in the clouds surrounding the wheel appear as a human, an eagle, a lion, and an ox. These are the creatures mentioned in the biblical Book of Ezekiel, also symbolizing the four elements (water, air, fire, earth) and the four Gospel writers. They represent all worldly knowledge and wisdom, steadfastly seeking and recording truth even as the Wheel of Fortune turns. If You Encounter The Wheel of Fortune Card in a Reading...
If the Wheel of Fortune card appears in your tarot reading, it signifies that a significant turning point and a period of change have arrived in your life.
Unpredictable Changes: Unexpected opportunities or events may arise. These could be fortunate or challenging, but in either case, they will significantly impact your life.
Turning Point of Destiny: It indicates that you are at a crucial inflection point in your life. It could be a new beginning, or a solution to long-standing problems might emerge.
Luck and Opportunity: Generally, it suggests positive changes and the arrival of good fortune. However, just as luck favors the prepared, it is crucial to approach changes with flexibility.
The Wheel of Fortune tells us: "Life is a continuous cycle of unpredictable changes, but even within it, your wisdom and flexibility will shine." If this card appears for you, do not fear the coming changes; wisely surrender yourself to their flow.