The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card: Symbolism, History, and Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune tarot card is a captivating and transformative card in the tarot deck. Symbolizing karma, fate, and the cycles of life, The Wheel of Fortune embodies the spirit of change and destiny. In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal the historical origins, symbolism, and meanings of this life-altering card, providing deep insights into its role in your tarot readings.
The Historical Origins of The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
The Wheel of Fortune, standing as the tenth card in the Major Arcana, has been an integral part of tarot decks since their early days. The card's imagery has been inspired by the concept of the Wheel of Fortune in medieval and ancient philosophy, where it represented the unpredictable nature of fate.
As tarot evolved and began being used for divination, the Wheel of Fortune came to represent life's cycles, luck, opportunity, and the inherent unpredictability of life.
A Dynamic Description of The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
The Wheel of Fortune card typically shows a large wheel, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and fate. The wheel is surrounded by four corners filled with the figures of an angel, an eagle, a bull, and a lion, each accompanied by a book. These figures represent the four fixed signs of the Zodiac: Aquarius (angel), Scorpio (eagle), Taurus (bull), and Leo (lion), and are also linked to the four evangelists of the Christian tradition. Their presence in the four corners emphasizes stability amidst change.
On the wheel, there are several symbols and creatures. In the center of the wheel, there are three concentric circles with various alchemical symbols, signifying transformation. There's a snake on the left side (the Egyptian god Typhon, the god of evil), descending as a symbol of the fall into the material world. On the right, there's a jackal (the Egyptian god Anubis), rising with the wheel, symbolizing the ascension to the divine. At the top of the wheel, there's a sphinx holding a sword, symbolizing equilibrium and the cyclical and changing nature of the world.
Hebrew letters that translate to the word "YHWH" (Yahweh, the name of the God in the Hebrew Bible) and the letters T, A, R, and O are also scattered on the wheel. These letters can be arranged to spell TARO (Tarot), ROTA (Latin for wheel), TORA (another name for the Jewish Torah), and ATOR (referring to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of the sky, women, fertility, and love).
The sky in the background is a rich, royal blue - a symbol of divine presence and spiritual enlightenment.
The Dynamic Symbolism of The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
The Wheel of Fortune tarot card is rich with dynamic symbolism, each element contributing to its profound meaning:
The wheel: The wheel itself symbolizes the cycles of life, karma, and the unpredictable nature of fate.
The four figures: Representing the fixed signs of the Zodiac and the four elements, they symbolize balance and stability amidst change.
The sphinx: The sphinx represents wisdom, mystery, and life's riddles.
The snake: Representing life force and transformation, the snake suggests the power of change.
Anubis: Anubis symbolizes the beginning and end of life's cycles, reminding us of the constant nature of change.
The alchemical symbols: These denote transformation and the different stages of human life.
The Transformative Meanings of The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
When The Wheel of Fortune appears in a tarot reading, it typically signifies change, cycles, fate, and destiny. It suggests a turning point in your life where things are about to change.
Upright, The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes luck, karma, and change. It suggests that life is about to take a turn, and this change is likely to be for the better. It's a call to embrace the natural cycle of life and accept that change is a part of our journey.
Reversed, The Wheel of Fortune might indicate resistance to change, bad luck, or unexpected events. It could suggest that you're resisting the natural flow of life or facing the consequences of previous actions.
Final Thoughts on The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card
The Wheel of Fortune tarot card carries a profound message of change, destiny, and the cycles of life. Its rich history and dynamic symbolism provide deep insights into the cyclical nature of our existence. Whether you're new to tarot or an experienced reader, understanding The Wheel of Fortune can inspire you to embrace change and accept the wheel of life's natural motion.
Remember, like The Wheel of Fortune, life is a series of cycles and changes, filled with opportunities and challenges. Embrace these cycles, trust the process, and allow The Wheel of Fortune to guide your journey through life's ups and downs.