The Wheel of Fortune: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘KEY X: Wheel of Fortune’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Wheel of Fortune Upright
Keywords
Destiny, Turning Point, Cycles, “Luck”, Fate, Change.
In A General Or “Open” Reading
This card relates to a significant turning point, a change in luck, and the influence of destiny. A sudden job offer, an unexpected encounter, a "right place, right time" moment, a cycle beginning or ending.
In a Love Or Relationships Reading
This card can signify a fated encounter or a major turning point in a relationship. Meeting a soulmate unexpectedly, a relationship suddenly becoming serious, a chance encounter that leads to love.
In a Money Or Career Reading
This card points to a sudden change in fortune or a destined career move. An unexpected promotion or job offer, a lucky financial windfall, a project suddenly taking off, a fated change in career path. Like the 10 of Pentacles.
In a Spiritual Context
This card is about karma and the cycles of spiritual destiny. A major spiritual awakening, a fated meeting with a spiritual teacher, a sudden understanding of a karmic pattern in your life. Like Judgement.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Surrender to the flow of events. Accept that some things are out of your control. Embrace the coming change. Fulfil your destiny.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A fated turning point. A change in fortune for the better. An outcome determined by destiny.
As Obstacles
A resistance to inevitable change. A feeling of powerlessness in the face of fate. An unexpected event is blocking your progress. Effectively The Tower reversed.
As Hidden Energy
A major turning point is imminent but not yet seen. A hidden element of luck or fate is at play. Very similar to the deeper meaning of The Moon.
As Resources/Alliances
Good fortune. A lucky break. Being in the right place at the right time. A fated connection with another person.
Wheel of Fortune Reversed
Keywords
Bad Luck, Resisting Change, Stagnation, Setbacks, Unwanted Change
In A General Or “Open” Reading
Reversed, The Wheel of Fortune can point to bad luck, unwanted change, or a feeling of being stuck. A series of unfortunate events, a project hitting a major setback, feeling like you are fighting against the tide of life. May manifest like the 5 of Pentacles.
In a Love Or Relationship Reading
This card often signifies a relationship hitting a rough patch or a turn for the worse. An unexpected breakup, a period of bad luck for a couple, a relationship that feels stagnant and stuck. The 4 of Cups.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean an unexpected job loss or a period of financial misfortune. A project being cancelled, a sudden downturn in business, a run of bad luck with investments.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a feeling of being off your spiritual path or fighting against your karma. A spiritual crisis, a feeling that your spiritual efforts are leading nowhere, a frustrating period of spiritual stagnation. Like The Hermit reversed.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
A warning against resisting change. It is time to let go of control and accept that some things are not meant to be. Essentially, embrace the allegorical meaning of the Death card.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A turn for the worse. A period of bad luck. An unwanted and unavoidable change.
As Obstacles
A string of bad luck is blocking your progress. Your own resistance to change is the primary hindrance. External forces are working against you.
As Hidden Energy
A hidden resistance to change is sabotaging the situation. A past event is still exerting a negative influence.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from accepting a negative outcome and moving on. A difficult lesson learned from a period of bad luck.
Meditations on the Wheel of Fortune
What major cycle in my life is currently ending, and what new cycle is beginning? Am I actively resisting an inevitable change, and what would happen if I surrendered to it? Where can I see the hand of fate or destiny at work in my current situation? Macrocosm of the 2 of Pentacles.
The RWS Wheel of Fortune in Key Card Combinations
Combinations with Major Arcana
The Wheel of Fortune & The Magician
The Wheel of Fortune (↑) & The Magician (↑): A lucky break combined with the skill to take full advantage of it. A fated opportunity to manifest your will.
The Wheel of Fortune (↓) & The Magician (↑): A skilled person hitting a run of bad luck. A well-executed plan that is thwarted by unforeseen circumstances.
The Wheel of Fortune (↑) & The Magician (↓): A major opportunity that is missed due to a lack of skill or confidence. A lucky break that is wasted.
The Wheel of Fortune (↓) & The Magician (↓): A project failing due to both bad luck and a lack of skill. A period of misfortune compounded by inaction.
The Wheel of Fortune & The Tower
The Wheel of Fortune (↑) & The Tower (↑): A sudden, shocking, and fated event that completely changes the course of your life. A dramatic and destined upheaval.
The Wheel of Fortune (↓) & The Tower (↑): A period of bad luck that culminates in a catastrophic event. A negative cycle leading to a painful but necessary destruction.
The Wheel of Fortune (↑) & The Tower (↓): A lucky escape from a disaster. A fated event that allows you to narrowly avoid a crisis.
The Wheel of Fortune (↓) & The Tower (↓): A period of misfortune where you are trapped in a state of crisis, unable to escape.
Combinations with the Suit of Pentacles
The Wheel of Fortune & The Ten of Pentacles
The Wheel of Fortune (↑) & The Ten of Pentacles (↑): A major financial windfall. An inheritance. A fated event that leads to long-term wealth and stability.
The Wheel of Fortune (↓) & The Ten of Pentacles (↑): A stable family or business that is hit by a period of bad luck. A secure inheritance that is threatened.
The Wheel of Fortune (↑) & The Ten of Pentacles (↓): A lucky break that leads to a break with family tradition. A fated event that disrupts financial stability.
The Wheel of Fortune (↓) & The Ten of Pentacles (↓): A period of bad luck that leads to the loss of family wealth or a business. A financial crisis.
Additional Notes On The ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Card
Arthur Edward Waite’s divinatory meanings for the Wheel of Fortune
From Pictoral Key To The Tarot (1911): "Destiny, fortune, success, elevation, luck, felicity. Reversed: Increase, abundance, superfluity."
Correspondences (Golden Dawn Based)
Planet
Jupiter
Yes/No
Yes - especially due to conducive circumstances (karma or fate).
Is The Wheel of Fortune a good card to get?
Yes, The Wheel of Fortune is generally a very positive card, signifying a turn for the better, good luck, and positive change. However, it always carries two important spiritual reminders: 1. that all cycles (both good and bad) are temporary and 2. that, due to karmic influences, much of what happens to you in this lifetime is fated.
Enjoyed this article? Read about the rest of the Major Arcana in the Rider Waite Smith system.
