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APRIL 2010

Wheel of Fortune, KEY X, Major Arcana

The Robin Wood deck depicts a young woman's feelings within the Wheel of Fortune.


by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master

The Wheel of Fortune depicts the ebb and flow of life, sometimes called the wheel of life. Life, which includes our spiritual, intellectual, ego and physical body, is ever changing. The only time it seems to stop is when we focus on it. When this card appears it raises the question of whether the querent is creating new opportunities or just going around in circles.

The Wheel of Fortune card allows for the reader to explore issues that need to be modified or dropped all together. It’s also a good time to bring up what negative behavioral patterns and beliefs the querent assumes concerning specific issue(s) surrounding the reading. This may take some time since this card is vague about specifics. Some readers use the astrological images that abound in this card to pinpoint information.

Since I use my subconscious mind to hone in on a particular symbol for this card I usually narrow my focus to elucidate on a particular symbol. For example, if I am drawn to the blue sphinx (Rider Waite deck) at the top of the wheel, I am reminded of a guardian who inspires and provides wisdom.

Wheel of Fortune card depicted at left: The Rider Waite card has most of the original symbols. Missing is the Hebrew "Kaph" based on the curve of the hand as it grasps. It was believed that what one could grasp, one could know and to hold onto and master.

The inner wheel turns and aligns its alchemical symbols, the four basic elements that show as the four divisions, with the outer wheel. All of the combinations are imbued with lots of creative choices.

The snake that wiggles downward on the left of the outer wheel symbolizes cosmic energy. Down through the ages the snake represents transformation, rebirth and enlightenment.

Below the outer wheel is the red jackal-headed Anubis that guarded Egyptian tombs and was believed to lead the dead to a heavenly place. Today the jackal is a derogatory term that describes a person of baser instincts. I usually tell my querents that our present earthly life is a study in duality and we all have dual natures and are bound to experience some negativity. Resiliency and understanding is the key to living in a positive field of consciousness.

In the Rider-Waite deck clouds symbolize the changing formation of all life. Each corner of the cards are the four signs of the zodiac, Aquarius (man), Scorpio, eagle, Leo (lion) and Tauris (bull). They represent the winged archangels and serve as the cornerstone of heavenly bodies.

The positive meaning of the Wheel of Fortune alludes to a choice to reframe the issue or situation in a more positive light. Many seeming negative events are meant to raise our karmic debt and provide new levels of understanding.

Some readers view the upright card as a good sign and offer the strong possibility of abundance.

Drawing the reversed card indicates a challenge in resolving issues that allow the querent to move into a more positive direction.

It may be time to consider what prevents the querent from achieving prosperity on all levels.

It may also indicate patterns or problems of behavior that repeats a dysfunctional outcome.