The Wheel of Fortune is card X, the turning point of the Major Arcana. It's the card of cycles and change, of luck turning, and of the truth every witch knows from the Wheel of the Year: nothing stays the same forever.
On this page
What's on the Wheel of Fortune card
A great orange wheel turns in the clouds, marked with the letters T, A, R, O, Hebrew letters and alchemical symbols. A sphinx holding a sword sits on top, a snake slides down one side and a jackal-headed figure rises up the other. In the four corners, a winged angel, an eagle, a lion and a bull sit reading books, each on a cloud.
- The turning wheel: the cycles of life: what goes up comes down, and back again
- The sphinx: balance and wisdom at the top of the wheel
- The snake and the rising figure: falling and rising, endings and new beginnings
- The four creatures: the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, Taurus) and the four elements
Wheel of Fortune upright meaning
Upright, the Wheel of Fortune says a change is coming, often a lucky one. A new cycle is beginning, doors may open unexpectedly, and things that felt stuck start moving again. It's a good moment to say yes to opportunities.
The Wheel also reminds you that life moves in seasons. Good times don't last forever, but neither do hard ones. Flow with the turning rather than fighting it, and look for the lesson in each phase.
Wheel of Fortune reversed meaning
Reversed, the Wheel can show a run of bad luck, delays or the feeling that life is out of your control. It can also point to repeating patterns: the same situation coming round again because the lesson hasn't been learned.
Focus on what you can change. Small choices now can break an old cycle. And remember: the wheel keeps turning, and this phase will pass too.
Not every reader uses reversals. If you don't, read the upright meaning and let the cards around it show whether the energy is flowing or blocked.
Wheel of Fortune in love
Upright: A turning point in a relationship, a fated-feeling meeting or a fresh start after a difficult time.
Reversed: Ups and downs, old patterns repeating or bad timing. Look at what keeps coming round.
Wheel of Fortune in career and money
Upright: A lucky break, a new opportunity or a change of direction. Money may improve unexpectedly.
Reversed: Setbacks, delays or a job that feels stuck in a rut. Prepare for change rather than resisting it.
Wheel of Fortune as feelings
As feelings, the Wheel of Fortune shows someone who feels the connection with you is meant to be, or that things between you are changing. Their feelings may be shifting. Reversed, they may feel confused, unlucky in love or stuck in old patterns.
Is Wheel of Fortune a yes or no card?
Yes. The Wheel of Fortune is usually a yes: luck and timing are on your side. Reversed, it leans toward no or "wait for the wheel to turn."
Wheel of Fortune correspondences
Use these when you work with the card in spells, on your altar or in meditation. The element and planet follow the classic attributions used by most tarot readers; the crystals, herbs and colors are common modern pairings. Tap any of them to read more in The Witch's Cabinet.
| Element | Fire |
|---|---|
| Planet | Jupiter |
| Crystals | Green Aventurine Lapis Lazuli |
| Herbs and incense | Nutmeg Cinquefoil |
| Candle colors | Purple Candle Green Candle |
A Wheel of Fortune Luck Charm
Make this on a Thursday, Jupiter's day, or on a waxing moon.
You will need:
- A green or purple candle
- A small pouch
- A whole nutmeg or a pinch of ground nutmeg
- A green aventurine and a coin
Steps:
- Light the candle.
- Place the nutmeg, stone and coin in the pouch one at a time, turning the pouch clockwise in your hands after each.
- Say: The wheel turns, and turns in my favor. Luck comes round to me.
- Tie the pouch closed and keep it in your bag or by your front door.
- When luck comes your way, give a small thank-you: a coin to charity or a little offering to the earth.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep flames away from curtains, dried herbs and pets.
Wheel of Fortune FAQs
What does the Wheel of Fortune mean in tarot?
The Wheel of Fortune means cycles, change, luck and turning points. It shows that life moves in seasons and often points to a lucky change on the way.
Is the Wheel of Fortune a yes or no?
The Wheel of Fortune is usually a yes, with luck and timing on your side. Reversed, it leans toward no or suggests waiting for things to change.
What does the Wheel of Fortune mean in love?
In love, it points to a turning point, a fated meeting or a fresh start. Reversed, it can mean ups and downs or old patterns repeating.
What are the four creatures on the Wheel of Fortune?
The angel, eagle, lion and bull stand for the four fixed signs of the zodiac (Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo and Taurus) and are often linked with the four elements.
Keep learning the tarot
See every card on our tarot card meanings page, or read all 22 trumps side by side in the Major Arcana explained. New to reading? Start with our guide to cleansing a tarot deck and divination for beginners. When you're ready to read with confidence, our Tarot course teaches every card, spread and reading technique step by step.
Cards that pair well with Wheel of Fortune: The Hermit, The Fool.