Card 10 of the Major Arcana, the Wheel of Fortune, symbolizes a great flow and change beyond human intention. Drawing on Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, this card hints at major turning points and fated encounters in life. Upright, it points to luck and opportunity arriving; reversed, to bad luck and stagnation. What the Wheel of Fortune tells us is that our lives are always changing, and that good times and bad times alike are always moving on.

If you've drawn this card, you may be approaching a major turning point in your life. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that forces far bigger than we can predict are at work in our lives. We'll explore the upright and reversed meanings of the Wheel of Fortune in depth — covering love, work, money, and relationships. The deep truth this card points to is that change itself is the very nature of life. By understanding life's cycles, you can learn to move through them with more flexibility.

✦Card Basics

Card Number	10
Element	Fire
Ruling Planet	Jupiter
Upright Keywords	Turning point, luck, opportunity, cycle, change
Reversed Keywords	Bad luck, stagnation, adversity, resistance to fate

✦About the Wheel of Fortune Card

The Special Meaning of Number 10

The Wheel of Fortune, sitting at position 10 in the Major Arcana, is deeply tied to the special meaning of the number 10. Ten represents completion, but it also hints at the start of a new cycle. The journey that began with the Fool at 0 reaches a kind of completion with the Hermit at 9, and then the Wheel of Fortune at 10 announces the beginning of a new cycle. Tarot cards are deeply connected to the numbers before and after them, and the Wheel of Fortune has a particularly close relationship with the World card. The Wheel of Fortune represents the "world of vision" — future images and outlooks — while the World card represents the "world made real." The vision shown by the Wheel of Fortune becomes reality, through various processes, in the World card. Seen this way, the Wheel of Fortune is a symbol of great possibility and change in life.

The Imagery on the Card

The Wheel of Fortune card depicts an enormous wheel turning endlessly against the backdrop of the cosmos. This wheel symbolizes the rise and fall of life and the permanence of change, surrounded by various creatures and symbolic elements. Mysterious letters and symbols appear along the wheel's rim, representing the mystery of fate and forces beyond human understanding.

Let's look at the symbolic elements depicted on the card.

• The great wheel represents the endless cycle of fate. It symbolizes the rise and fall of life and the permanence of change, showing that everything is always in motion.
• The creatures around the wheel symbolize the ups and downs and cycles of fate. Some climb, some fall, some move between — all are part of the Wheel of Fortune.
• The sphinx seated atop the wheel symbolizes stability and wisdom, representing guidance amid change. It shows that essential wisdom remains constant no matter what changes.
• The mysterious letters and symbols represent the mystery of fate and forces beyond human comprehension, suggesting that a great power beyond our understanding is guiding our lives.
• The expansive space in the background expresses infinite possibility, symbolizing that new paths are always opening in life.

The Meaning of the Colors

The Wheel of Fortune card makes heavy use of gold.

Gold carries the radiant meaning of wealth, prosperity, and sanctity. Life has its ups and downs, but all of it represents meaningful change. It suggests that a turn for the better always comes even during hard times, and the wheel shining as a whole expresses that every stage of life has value.

The blue background represents infinite possibility. It expresses the vastness of fate, showing that any possibility at all is contained within life.

The white clouds represent purity and sanctity, symbolizing the purity of fate.

The red elements represent passion and energy, symbolizing the force that drives change. They express the power to break stagnation and lead toward new energy.

The green and brown elements represent nature and growth, showing that fate, too, follows the laws of nature.

The Journey Through the Major Arcana

The Wheel of Fortune marks a major turning point in the journey of the Major Arcana. The Fool sets out on a new journey, gathers experience along the way, and arrives at card 10, the Wheel of Fortune. Here, a shift occurs — from personal, individual experience to viewing the whole of life from a much larger perspective. It brings the realization that life is guided by forces far greater than we can control on our own. When you draw the Wheel of Fortune, you are in the midst of major change, or on the verge of it. Accepting that change without fear is the key to moving on to the next step.

The Person the Wheel of Fortune Represents

The person represented by the Wheel of Fortune is someone who accepts change and adapts flexibly to the flow of life. This person can seem blessed with a fated kind of luck, and to others may appear simply fortunate. In reality, though, they possess the insight and flexibility to sense when fate is shifting and ride that change skillfully. They're proactive, sensitive to new possibilities, and act quickly when opportunity arrives. They tend to experience life dramatically, with rich relationships and many experiences.

This person isn't bound by fixed ideas — they're always seeking new perspectives and understand the cycles of life. Even after setbacks, they don't dwell on them pessimistically; instead they see them as "part of the flow of life." That's exactly why they move through hard times quickly and swiftly progress toward the next opportunity.

☀Upright Meaning

Overall Meaning

When the Wheel of Fortune appears upright, it shows that a major turning point is arriving in your life, along with the arrival of luck and opportunity. The message this card delivers is: "You're at a turning point of fate. Don't miss the chance — accept the change." The reality you're seeing right now is about to shift significantly, and that change won't be something predictable — it carries the feel of destiny itself.

The upright Wheel of Fortune hints that a major turning point is arriving in your life — and there's no need to fear it. This card carries a strong sense of chance, representing the flow of fate beyond human intention, so it can bring sudden turnarounds and unexpected developments. Feelings of anticipation, excitement, hope, and possibility are all mixed into this card, as though the goddess Fortuna's guidance is turning your situation for the better.

At this time, your life is ready to move into a new stage. Everything you've experienced and worked for so far may now come into bloom. During a period when life's flow is changing dramatically, adaptability and flexibility are what's needed most. Don't fear the change — give everything you have to what's within your power, and that will bring the best results.

Meaning in Love

If You Have a Crush

If the Wheel of Fortune appears upright while you're in the middle of unrequited love, it shows the possibility of a fated development, where the relationship shifts dramatically. A relationship that's been one-sided so far may see a sudden change — the other person's feelings toward you could shift significantly. During this period, it's important to cherish your points of contact with them so you don't miss the chance fate is offering. Value chance encounters, create opportunities to see them, and find natural ways to grow closer. You can expect unexpected developments — a fated encounter or reunion, an unexpected message.

For Couples

If the Wheel of Fortune appears for a couple already in a relationship, it shows a fated period where the relationship advances to the next level. This is a period where major events — a proposal, moving in together, marriage — are likely to happen. The relationship has reached a midpoint, suggesting a shift into the next stage. During this time, it's important for the two of you to talk about life together and share your vision for the future. Talking about marriage, planning to move in together, or confirming shared life goals are the concrete steps worth taking now.

On Reconciliation

If you're considering getting back together with a past partner, the Wheel of Fortune shows the possibility of a fated reunion and a deepening of the relationship. The flow of time may bring the two of you back together. A chance encounter, news through a mutual friend, an unexpected message — the two of you may reconnect through some fated event. That said, if you do reconcile, it should be a new beginning rather than a repeat of the old relationship. Understanding the time and changes you've each been through can help you build a more mature relationship.

Meaning at Work

Changing Jobs / New Challenges

When the upright Wheel of Fortune appears for work, it suggests a major turning point in your career. This is a period when significant changes are likely — a job change, a promotion, a new business opportunity — and this card shows that the change should be actively embraced. You might receive an unexpected job offer, doors to a new industry might open, or a chance to start your own business might arrive. This is a time to actively welcome these fated opportunities.

Advice for Your Current Workplace

New opportunities may be arriving in your current workplace. A new project, a transfer to a new department, expectations from your boss — it's important not to miss these chances. A promotion, or the chance to lead an important project, may come your way. By flexibly embracing these changes and adapting to a new environment, your career will move forward significantly.

Meaning for Money

Investment and Savings

When the Wheel of Fortune appears for finances, it shows the possibility of unexpected financial luck arriving. Investments may go well, a windfall may come out of nowhere, or a business opportunity might present itself. What this card shows is a period when chance matters more than planning. That said, don't leave things entirely to luck — prepare yourself so you can respond quickly when opportunity arrives. Meeting a business partner or hearing about an investment opportunity — don't miss out on unexpected financial chances, but judge them carefully. This is also a period in the great cycle of life when financial turnarounds are more likely to happen.

Shopping Advice

For shopping, the Wheel of Fortune shows a period where the things you need come to you naturally. By not rushing and buying as needed, you'll make purchases you won't regret. Something you wanted might come to you by chance, or you might stumble on an unexpected discount or sale. Material abundance also tends to increase during this period. By riding the flow of fate, the things your life needs will naturally gather around you.

Meaning for Relationships

New Encounters

When the Wheel of Fortune appears for relationships, it shows the possibility of a fated new encounter arriving. A new friend, a new romantic partner, or a new connection — these encounters may look like coincidence but could actually be guided by fate. The relationship that begins from this encounter has the potential to bring a major influence into your life.

Existing Relationships

For relationships with existing friends and family, the Wheel of Fortune shows the possibility of new development and deepening in the relationship. A relationship that's been surface-level so far may transform into something deeper and more meaningful. It may be that your life cycle and theirs are overlapping, moving you both into a new stage. Relationships are part of fate too, and natural progress happens within that flow.

Advice When You're Uncertain

If you're uncertain when the upright Wheel of Fortune appears, it's important to trust your intuition. Fated events often can't be explained logically. Listen to your inner voice, and value the chances that seem to appear by coincidence — hidden within them is the power to change your life significantly. Sometimes, unpredictable events actually bring about the best results. Surrendering to the flow of fate, while giving everything you can within it, is the key to success during this period.

Major turning points in life always come with uncertainty. But hidden within that uncertainty is an opportunity for growth. By finding the courage to accept change, you can be reborn as a new version of yourself.

☾Reversed Meaning

Overall Meaning

When the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, its meaning shifts significantly. The reversed Wheel of Fortune points to bad luck, stagnation, and resistance to fate. What matters here, though, is that reversed doesn't necessarily mean "bad." Instead, you can read it as a "warning" to notice these elements and improve them.

The reversed Wheel of Fortune is gently urging you to ask yourself whether you're resisting change. Change is unavoidable in life. This is a time to check whether you've become unable to accept that change and find yourself stuck, unable to move within stagnation. The reversed card is never truly bad — rather, it's an opportunity to understand your own patterns of resistance and move beyond them.

Meaning in Love

If You Have a Crush

If the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed while you're in the middle of unrequited love, it shows the possibility that the current stagnation will continue, or resistance to change. Why isn't the situation moving forward? Are you afraid of change? Or are you forcing the relationship to progress? This is a period to take a hard look at these questions.

For Couples

If the reversed card appears for a couple already in a relationship, it shows the possibility that the relationship is stagnant, or that you're facing a major turning point but unable to respond to the change. You need to check whether you're hesitant to take the relationship to the next level, or whether you're pushing too hard to force it forward.

Meaning at Work

Changing Jobs / New Challenges

When the reversed card appears for work, it shows the possibility of a sense of stagnation at your current workplace, or difficulty adapting to a new environment. It's important to check whether a job-change opportunity has arrived but you haven't taken action, or whether you've already changed jobs but haven't adapted to the new environment.

Advice for Your Current Workplace

This is a period to reflect on whether resistance to change has crept into your current workplace. It's important to make an effort to adapt to a new environment and build relationships with new colleagues.

Meaning for Money

Investment and Savings

The reversed Wheel of Fortune for finances shows the possibility of ongoing financial stagnation or bad luck. Investments not going well, business stagnating — in such a situation, it's important to calmly assess your current situation rather than forcing yourself into new challenges.

Shopping Advice

For shopping, this is a period to check whether you're regretting unnecessary purchases. It's important to avoid impulse buys and carefully consider whether something is truly needed before purchasing.

Meaning for Relationships

New Encounters

When the reversed card appears regarding new encounters, it shows the possibility that a chance for new connections exists but isn't being taken advantage of. You need to reflect on whether you've become passive about building relationships, or whether you're struggling to adapt to a new environment.

Existing Relationships

This shows the possibility that relationships with friends or family have stagnated. You may be at a stage where the same old way of relating no longer works. It's a time to reconsider the direction of the relationship.

Advice When the Reversed Card Appears

When the reversed Wheel of Fortune appears, it's important to reflect on whether you're resisting change. Life is always changing. By accepting that change and surrendering to the flow, new possibilities will open up. Breaking through stagnation takes a bit of courage and action.

✦The Person the Wheel of Fortune Represents

The person represented by the Wheel of Fortune is someone who accepts change and adapts flexibly to the flow of life. This person can seem blessed with a fated kind of luck, and to others may appear simply fortunate. In reality, though, they possess the insight and flexibility to sense when fate is shifting and ride that change skillfully. They're proactive, sensitive to new possibilities, and act quickly when opportunity arrives. They tend to experience life dramatically, with rich relationships and many experiences.

✧Wheel of Fortune Combinations With Other Cards

Wheel of Fortune + The Fool

This shows a new adventure beginning in a fated way. A new journey will begin amid unexpected developments.

Wheel of Fortune + Strength

This shows that you have the inner strength to handle fated change. Change will happen, but you have the power to meet it.

Wheel of Fortune + The World

This shows a great life cycle reaching completion and moving into a new stage. One of the most positive combinations possible.

Wheel of Fortune + The Tower

This shows sudden, disruptive change arriving. It may look negative at first, but new developments follow afterward.

♡What "Their Feelings" Look Like With the Wheel of Fortune

One of the most common questions in tarot readings for love is: "What does this person really think of me?" Here's a detailed breakdown of what the Wheel of Fortune reveals about the other person's feelings, upright and reversed.

Upright: Wheel of Fortune (Their Feelings)

When the upright Wheel of Fortune reflects the other person's feelings, it points to a time when a major turning point or fated change is coming to your relationship:

• They feel it's fate — they sense you're meant to be together, beyond coincidence
• The relationship is about to move fast — a confession, dating, a proposal, or another major shift
• A past connection is stirring — the possibility of reconciliation or reunion
• Opportunity is coming around — acting now could bring good results

The turning point of fate is now. Don't hesitate — take action.

Reversed: Wheel of Fortune (Their Feelings)

When the reversed Wheel of Fortune reflects the other person's feelings, it points to a state where timing isn't aligning and the relationship has stalled:

• Fate isn't lining up — you like each other, but keep missing each other
• You're stuck in a vicious cycle — the same arguments or problems keep repeating
• Chances are slipping by — a good moment for a confession or progress has been missed
• You're going against the flow — forcing the relationship to continue

By accepting the flow, just once, a new development can emerge instead.

⧗Timing Shown by the Wheel of Fortune

When reading tarot for "when will the result happen?", Major Arcana card 10, the Wheel of Fortune, suggests the following timing.

Upright Timing

• Within days to a few weeks — a turning point arrives suddenly
• Around the full moon or new moon — change comes with the lunar cycle
• Thursday — Jupiter's lucky day
• An unexpected moment — a sudden chance appears

Reversed Timing

• Unclear, unstable — hard to tell when things will move
• Months to a year of stagnation — the wheel has stopped turning
• Wait for the bad period to pass — patience over rushing

✦Action Advice When the Wheel of Fortune Appears

When the Wheel of Fortune shows up, what should you actually do? Here are concrete actions you can take starting tomorrow, for both the upright and reversed card.

5 Things to Do When the Upright Wheel of Fortune Appears

1. Seize the opportunity — act without hesitation
2. Go with the flow — don't fight it, let yourself be guided
3. Take action that draws luck — visit a shrine, a power spot, or use lucky charms
4. Accept the change — don't resist a new environment
5. Practice gratitude — focus on the good fortune you already have

5 Things to Do When the Reversed Wheel of Fortune Appears

1. Don't fight the flow — pause instead of forcing things
2. Break bad habits — find the root of the vicious cycle and cut it off
3. Reset your luck — clean your space, declutter, purify
4. Let go of the past — clear out old connections and belongings
5. Wait for the right timing — don't rush; let opportunity arrive

✦Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

✦Wheel of Fortune Keywords

Here are the essential keywords that capture the heart of the Wheel of Fortune card. Use them as a reference during readings.

• Change of fate
• Turning point
• Opportunity
• Cycle
• Turn for the better

⚖Wheel of Fortune YES/NO Reading

Here's whether the Wheel of Fortune points to YES or NO, upright and reversed.

Wheel of Fortune (Upright) YES/NO

✧Cards That Often Appear Alongside the Wheel of Fortune

These cards share a similar theme with the Wheel of Fortune, or often turn up together in a spread.

• The Hermit
• Justice

✦More Frequently Asked Questions About the Wheel of Fortune

✦Summary

The tarot card Wheel of Fortune is one that many people read as a card of pure fatalism. The word "fate" might make you feel controlled by a force beyond your reach. In reality, though, this card is a deeply positive symbol of change and possibility in life. On the ever-turning wheel, new possibilities are constantly being born, and new challenges are always arriving alongside them.

The stage of life shown by the Wheel of Fortune represents a shift from personal, individual experience to viewing the whole of life from a much larger perspective. The hardship or stagnation you're facing now is just one part of a much bigger life cycle. Holding onto this perspective can change how you see your current situation entirely. If you've drawn this card, you're at a turning point in your life — and by embracing that turning point without fear, your life can move into a whole new dimension. What the Wheel of Fortune teaches us is that every moment of life holds value. The hard times and the happy times are both important experiences.

If the Wheel of Fortune appears upright, trust that you're in a period of fated good fortune. Unexpected events may happen one after another, but none of them are truly bad — they're shaping you and guiding you toward a better life. This is a period to trust your intuition and move toward whatever draws your heart. In love, at work, and in relationships alike, expect fated developments. The opportunity you receive may carry the power to change your entire life.

If it appears reversed, take a close look at whether you're resisting change. Breaking through stagnation sometimes requires the courage to make a decision and move in a new direction. By letting go of the past and turning your attention to new possibilities, your situation can shift significantly. The Wheel of Fortune is always cheering you on through the flow of life.

To everyone who has drawn the Wheel of Fortune: walk through your life feeling that great flow around you. Change is life itself, and through that change, you can discover who you truly are. Just as the wheel keeps turning, life keeps moving too. Don't fear that motion — give it your very best while you're in it.

The goddess Fortuna is watching over you. Trusting her guidance and finding the courage to move forward is what matters most. Surrender to the flow of life while also taking responsibility for what's within your power — striking that balance is the message at the heart of the Wheel of Fortune. The wheel of your life is turning now, into a brand new stage.