The Wheel of Fortune in Tarot: Meanings for Real-Life

The Core Meaning* of The Wheel of Fortune in Tarot

ACCEPTANCE

There's a good chance that if you read "Acceptance" as a core meaning you're making a face. If you could give me a minute to make my case, though, it will make sense. The Wheel of Fortune is a representation of the natural, unavoidable flow of life. What's on top right now, will go down, and up again in a constant cycle. Same with life, death and rebirth. We look at The Wheel of Fortune as a card of fate (which was my core meaning for a while) but, what is fate but what's not in our control? "Acceptance" gives us the opportunity to still play our hand, even if the cards have been dealt by the higher powers.

In real-life, The Wheel of Fortune is a card that indicates movement and flow. It brings the cycles of life to our attention, and it can speak of intervention from above, luck or chance. When it is not positively aspected, this card refers to patterns that we cannot break and repeating cycles.

*Core meanings are not just another keyword resource. Check this!

The Unveiled Tarot by Jesse Lonergan (Liminal 11)

It's All About the Context! The Meaning of The Wheel of Fortune in Diverse Situations.

What attitudes and behaviours does The Wheel of Fortune support?

Embracing the flow of life. Non-resistance. Adapting to the circumstances. Making a situation work for one's benefit despite the circumstances. Being attuned to one's "fate" or calling. Optimism about a change of circumstances.

What attitudes or behaviours does The Wheel of Fortune warn against?

Settling. Thinking oneself bulletproof. Resisting one's calling. "Forever" thinking. Failing to see a way around a situation. Believing that "it is what it is" with no option for change. Resigning oneself to be "unlucky".

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a personal strength?

Knowing how to make the most of each situation. Being prepared to face the highs and the lows. Knowing the cyclic nature of life without fearing it.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a personal weakness?

Lack of personal agency. Believing that everything is in the hands of luck or fate.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a personality?

A person who is chamaleonic, often financially savvy, since The Wheel of Fortune is associated with money matters. Aware of seasons and cycles, this person tends to have an excellent sense of timing. Fortunate, or at least, awaken to opportunities. A go-getter attitude towards life. When not very positively aspected, it can point towards an unstable person.

How does The Wheel of Fortune describe a relationship?

The Wheel of Fortune is very specific to the kind of relationship for it can be easily misunderstood. For an already established kind of situation, it may speak of seasoned relationship that has gone through ups and downs, or partners that have been together through different life stages, and can be an indicator of a long-term relationship. In less healthy situations, it can point towards an unstable or on-again, off-again kind of relationship. For a situationship, the interpretation is very similar. As a little disclaimer, before jumping into "fated" if you're into such things, make sure that you have other cards on the table to support that.

How does The Wheel of Fortune describe a break-up?

This is often the cyclic kind of break-up in which the couple keeps getting back together, then splitting up again without resolving the core issue. It may also be an unexpected break-up that comes without warning when things were seemingly alright.

How does The Wheel of Fortune describe a problem?

An unexpected turn of events. An interference from the outside that wasn't accounted for. "Acts of God". A problem related to something cyclic (the weather, the economy...)

How does The Wheel of Fortune describe an opportunity?

A sudden, lucky opportunity, almost by chance. An opportunity that finds the querent.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a career option?

The Wheel of Fortune is often tied to financial careers, brokers, bankers, economists. It is also related to those who rely on luck to an extent in their profession (think professional poker players). Seasonal careers too with the right cards around it.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as an academic option?

Business and finance. Depending on the branch, it might relate to historians or those who account for time in some way.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a working environment?

An active and vivid working environment. An environment that needs to cater to the circumstances and adapt quickly. A changing environment that has peak moments and quiet moments.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a financial situation?

Often, and unless surrounding cards indicate the contrary, The Wheel of Fortune suggests a good cashflow and a positive financial situation. In certain contexts, it might point to unexpected money or money that comes from gambling.

What's The Wheel of Fortune as a health issue?

A health issue that's chronic and comes with flares and periods of stability afterwards.

How does The Wheel of Fortune describe a spiritual practice?

Considering that The Wheel of Fortune is a card connected to the four evangelists, it can make a case for Christianity. It may also speak of a spiritual practice that's felt but inconsistent. A belief in fate.

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