(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Wheel of Fortune as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Wheel of Fortune as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your wheel and my wheel may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
The number 10 indicates optimism and energy and the completion of a cycle or series. It is a peak number, meaning that it may precipitate a fall or a return to emptiness. It doesn’t persist. It tells of change and advises you to stay positive. New beginnings are about to happen.
Name
The Wheel of Fortune is about the changing aspects of life: good and bad, easy and difficult, abundance and scarcity. It reminds us that everything changes, nothing is constant or reliable, and we need to keep that in mind through good times or bad. The Wheel is the perpetual motion of the universe and the flux of human life, the laws of fortune and events beyond your control, the transient nature of being and of change itself. You will reap what you sow or maybe what others have sown. Fortune is not always fair. But it’s bigger than you.
Placement
The Wheel comes in the middle of the major arcana. It’s a stage few attain. It’s time to surrender to the larger scheme of things, to go deeper, to see further, to connect your life to the universe. It’s time to understand the nature of life, all life, and to observe it as it changes. Think of the bigger picture, of change, and cultivate maturity.
Traditional interpretations
The Wheel of Fortune brings the unconscious to light. You must confront what rises up from the unconscious, and understand it, in order to progress. You cannot shy away from what life will bring you.
You will not like everything that arises in the time that is coming. But the Wheel can bring peace and resolution; it certainly brings change. The card is not a bad omen.
We face endless choices and changes, up and down, for eternity – it’s never the end of the world (and yet it’s always the end of someone’s world).
The card often indicates luck, success, and good fortune, a new cycle in which you will progress. It always indicates a change in circumstances. It can mean coincidence, luck, destiny. Fingers crossed.
Reverse interpretations
The card warns that a cycle of fortune (good or bad) is coming to a close and change (good or bad) is coming. Reversed, it usually indicates a turn for the worse and warns of adversities that can only be endured. Don’t panic: the wheel will keep revolving. Just withstand – there’s nothing else you can do. Focus on small steps forward, be cheerful, and persevere. Problems will pass. But this is a bad time to start a new project.
The card reversed may warn that you are going against your destiny and are doomed to fail. Don’t rely on chance or outside help; it’s not coming. If you’re set on your way, you’ll need to use extraordinary force to succeed because you’re moving against the wheel. It’s an uphill battle, maybe impossible, and you’ll need exceptional dedication to the task — but you never know; you might succeed.
Thematic readings
- In love, uncertainty. History repeats, so be careful. But there is a chance of great love on the horizon.
- In work, your luck will turn. Your situation will change. Take heart; if it’s bad, it will not last.
- In general life, you require a wider perspective. Let go of your ego. Face reality at a deeper level. You need to change your life. A revolution is called for. Get aligned with your destiny.
Specific positions
- Current situation: This is a time of change, a turning point. You must accept the Wheel’s motion. Remember that every crisis brings opportunity. Don’t sit out. Make the most of the fortunate time that’s coming because nothing lasts. Seize opportunity but beware of pride and conceit. Be grateful and share your rewards. Don’t rely on good fortune – it won’t last forever.
- Past influence: You’ve dealt with forces beyond your control. Remember that no one basks in glory or defeat forever. Forgotten friends and allies may reappear. Old works may bring new rewards. Karma happens.
- Outcome: You are about to begin a new cycle. It’s usually a good omen indicating positive change, unless badly placed. It may foretell of history repeating.
- Blocked: You ‘re too passive, just waiting for things to happen. You need to be more active and assertive. Feelings of helplessness or ill-fatedness are stopping you from active progress.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- Does anything in the card frighten you? Attract you?
- Where do you feel you are in the cycle of fortune? Do you reign or are you without a kingdom?
- Has fortune been kind to you?
- Can you accept that you, like everyone, will have ups and downs?
- Do you blame yourself for adversity? Do you blame others?
- Can you cultivate an attitude of “this will pass”? Even about the good stuff?
- Do you believe in destiny?
- Are you able to meet your inner demons?
- Who is at the hub of this wheel?
- Are you resistant to change?
Keywords to aid Memory
- Change; New Cycle
- Observation/Mindfulness
- Destiny/Fate
- All will pass
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland; Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington (also shown in the box); Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti.
Catherine Austen 