The Wheel of Fortune – Keywords
Upright
Good luck, change, karma
Reversed
Bad luck, disorder, disruption
The Wheel of Fortune Description
The Wheel of fortune in the Rider Waite deck almost depicts a medicine wheel with references to the four directions and while that is powerful imagery I think the image of the camera lens speaks to the soul of the internet traveler who might look for arcane knowledge on a thoroughly modern device.
The wheel of fortune card speaks about cycles. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall happen because the earth circles around the sun.
Day and night happen because the earth circles upon itself and faces away from and then towards the sun as it travels.
While we can stand on the surface of the earth and feel utterly stationary. Somewhere deep in our lizard brains, we know we are traveling.
We know that the more things change the more they stay the same because there is a measurable rhythm to it all.
The photo lens adds depth to that reading when you realize the turning of the lens creates focus and you as the photographer get to actively frame the view.
On the one hand, the wheel of fortune cards may make you think that nothing can be controlled and everything is up to luck. On one level that is true, but it is also a reminder that there are cycles at work and life can be much easier if you learn to focus and identify them.
The Wheel of Fortune is a reference to Karma. A force none can control but focus on the goal does give you an edge. Chance favors the prepared mind and if you know what you need the universe will find a way to deliver it. Maybe not the way you had envisioned but efficient nonetheless.
As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats but a tidal chart will help you know when best to start your journey.
Once you learn the rhythm of the seasons you know when to plant and when to harvest and when to rest and that is life in balance and lived abundantly.
I think the wheel of fortune card is significant in the fool’s journey when he realizes that it is not just about the path and sun on his face and the next adventure around the bend but a whole universe is at work around him. The laws of physics come into play and the possibilities for new adventures are absolutely endless but not without consequences.
What goes up must come down and tides ebb and flow. Learning to be in the right timing with all those forces takes an expanded consciousness but opens up limitless possibilities.
The Wheel of Fortune – Reversed Meaning
The Wheel of fortune reversed may be telling you to go back and find your center of gravity because you are getting too spun out.
It is reminding you to open your awareness to the world around you and reminding you that the world does not revolve around you.
Take a deep breath and check your tidal charts and weather maps. You may be trying to leap before you look.
Do the homework on the venture you are inquiring about and make sure you are catching the wave at the right point to get to your destination.
It is also a warning that you may have focused on one thing a little too hard and it is time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
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Major Arcana
Card | Upright | Reversed |
---|---|---|
Fool | Fresh Start, New Adventure | Poor Planning, Poor Choices, |
The Magician | Power, Action, Balance | Insecurity, Disorder, Ignorance |
The High Priestess | Perception, Time, Hidden Truth | Impatience, Stagnationn |
The Empress | Birth, Abundance of harvest | Neglect, Counterproductive |
The Emperor | Power, Fairness, Authority | Cold, Inflexible, Lack of Control |
The Hierophant | Ceremony, Tradition, Guidance | Hypocrisy, Disillionsioned, Disgrace |
The Lovers | Love, Blessing, Harmony, Unification | Loss, Shame, Illusion, Hedonism |
The Chariot | Travel, Victory, Motivation, Speed | Denial, Unstable, Unrealistic |
Strength | Preparation, self-control, battle of will | Addiction, Abuse of Power, Struggle |
The Hermit | Enlightenment, Contemplation, Investigation by authorities | Cerebral, Paranoid, Withdrawn |
Wheel of Fortune | Luck, Cycles, Destiny | Look before you Leap, Prepare |
Justice | Legalities, Judgement, Truth | Misinformation, Assumption |
The Hanged Man | Inaction, new perspective | Exoneration, Determination |
Death | Impermanence, Inevitability | Back to Basics, Rigid, Resistant |
Temperance | Healing, Harmony, Creative Expression | Waste, Excess, Selfish, Inconsiderate |
The Devil | Addiction, Abuse, Control | Realization, Relief |
The Tower | Shock, Upheaval, Weather event | Bailing out, Overreacting |
The Star | Inspiration, Renewal, Creativity | Exhaustion, Wastefulness |
The Moon | Lunacy, Intuition, Right timing | Over Emotional, Cognitive Dissonance |
The Sun | Freedom, celebration, Vitality | Carelessness, Foolhardy, Time Waste |
Judgment | Relief, answered prayers | Rejection, Cultish behavior, |
The World | Next level, achievement | Hindsight, more to learn |
You can click any of the names to get a more in-depth analysis of the tarot card meanings in a different context.