Wheel of Fate, Wheel of Fortune, Destiny, Order, Succession, The Great Rite, The Dominion of God, The Lord of Life Forces, Omnipresent Providence, The Covenant, Kabbalah, The Sphinx, “Everything Flows,” 10, Path 21, Letter Yod, Kaf (from Netzach to Chesed, from Strength to Kindness)

Astrological Meaning: Jupiter (lord of Luck), Saturn as the master of time and teacher, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—the rulers of karma.

Occult significance: LUCK

You Spin Me Right Round, Baby

The Tarot deck is packed with cards signaling pivotal moments in life—Death, the Tower, Judgment, and even the Fool. Not surprising, really—life’s full of transformations, growth happens through crises, and one period’s end is another’s beginning. But each of these cards emphasizes its own flavor of change. The same goes for the Wheel of Fortune. Unlike Death and the Tower, it’s traditionally seen as a good omen! This card brings change and, more often than not, good fortune—but with a catch. It reminds you that the situation is out of your hands, and your plans are at the mercy of unforeseen surprises from destiny.

Oops, I Did It Again!

On a practical level, it often points to situations beyond your control, touching the very foundations of the status quo. But whatever happens, it’s all for the best. Think of these events more as “lucky breaks” rather than “epic fails.” Things will work out in your favor without much effort on your part (though the eerie thought of “what if I’d been five minutes late? Or what if…?” may send shivers down your spine). But here’s the kicker of the Tenth Arcana: don’t sweat it. Fate syncs everything with cosmic precision. The Wheel of Fortune is one of the most mystical cards.

Here We Go Again

Often, this card hints at recurring events. Life is cyclical, including karmic loops—feelings, thoughts, events. This card speaks of surrendering to destiny, of “the time has come,” and returning to one’s fate, something beyond our control.

Life’s a Lottery

Some authors emphasize the “injustice” or “blindness” of fate and say, “Take control, seize the moment!” But wiser ones suggest that randomness isn’t random, and steering the wheel isn’t our job. Luckily.

General Meaning in a Spread

“Everything that happens is your destiny, and guess what? It’s smiling at you!” Everything unfolds according to fate’s will, and it’s all a gift. When this card appears, it means your future is being decided NOW, but not by you. This is a turning point in life, whether you like it or not. The Wheel of Fortune in a spread can remind you that any situation, good or bad, will eventually change—and right now, the Wheel is gaining momentum.

Come On, Big Money!

The card suggests that something is about to happen, something beyond your control and totally unpredictable. The appearance of the Wheel of Fortune indicates that life’s gears are shifting. Take it philosophically (and neighboring cards will hint at what’s coming). Whatever it may be, it usually isn’t the result of deliberate effort. You may get an unearned stroke of luck—this card predicts a surprising twist of fate. However, for luck to strike, you have to take risks (“Fortune favors the brave”).

Is That Fair?

Some see the Wheel of Fortune as “unfair,” but in truth, it’s just a different kind of fairness—settling scores at a level where cause and effect aren’t visible to us. What seems like chance—good or bad—isn’t random. Representing Fate itself, the Wheel of Fortune wields a karmic resolution so vast that it appears incomprehensible to us. From our perspective, this card speaks more of Luck and Fortune, of happy opportunities rather than direct rewards from conscious effort.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Unexpected fortunate events. Luck, success, a chance that comes once in a lifetime—and not by accident. An unpredictable, fateful turn of events. Victory, overcoming obstacles. Some authors believe the Wheel of Fortune simply signals forces influencing a situation, while other cards in the spread show what those forces are and whether the wheel is turning up or down. If the current situation is unfavorable, other cards might suggest what steps to take to shift to the “winning side” of the Wheel. But don’t overestimate your ability to “spin” the wheel and control its movement.

Ride or Die

It’s fair to say the meaning of the Wheel of Fortune depends heavily on surrounding cards. Some believe it indicates unexpected changes for the worse if paired with negative cards, suggesting missed chances, with fortune ready to turn away. However, this is often attributed to the reversed Wheel, and in its upright position, it still signals “luck”—at least in the sense that it will pull you out of trouble.

This card is associated with anything that can broaden horizons, both physically and spiritually: travel, relocation, education, or the social whirl.

Personal State – A State of Adventure

Ready for Anything!

Adventurous? Oh, that’s you all over! You have a gift for acting boldly, and let’s be honest—sometimes unpredictably. Not everything you do is based on logic; luck plays a big part in your decisions, and it works! Your lightheartedness, courage, energy, and joyfulness make you magnetic. Life for you seems like one exciting event after another, as if you’re constantly moving from “ship to ball.” Fortune? She’s definitely on your side—you’re her favorite, and destiny seems to always wink your way.

Karma Drama

When it comes to destiny, the word “karma” is never far behind. And with karma comes the idea of a “karmic task” or purpose. The Wheel of Fortune speaks to your deep sense that there’s a bigger mission at play in your life. You’ve either realized what it is, acknowledged its existence, or at the very least, you’re hungry to find it. You know that you are subject to fate and that karma has its hand on the wheel. Your life’s events may seem mysterious, but you understand that nothing is random. Destiny guides you, and every new challenge is an opportunity to level up spiritually. You accept your fate and path with gratitude, knowing that everything happens for a reason.

Chosen, But Not Free

In your brightest moments, you might feel like “the chosen one,” and in many ways, you are! Your life has a purpose, and the stars have written it all out. Interestingly, while you might see yourself as unpredictable and free-spirited, someone with spiritual insight can see that your freedom is actually quite limited. You’re rolling with the Wheel, staying true to your calling and your authentic self.

Mission (Not So) Impossible

Hajo Banzhaf, the tarot expert, even thought the Wheel of Fortune should be called “The Super-task” or “Life’s Goal.” And when this card shows up for you, it’s a sign—it’s time to get things done and bring your plans to life.

Riding the Waves of Fate

Of course, even you have your downsides. Your adventurous spirit means you’re prone to cyclothymia—periods of creative and energetic highs often give way to low energy and dips into the blues, whether you want them or not. There’s also a bit of that “out of sight, out of mind” vibe in relationships, and yes, you’ve got a touch of the classic Russian “it’ll all work out” attitude, the kind that’s held strong for centuries. People might see you as a force of nature—wild, unpredictable, and hard to pin down—but always in motion and full of life.

On a Deeper Level

Embracing Change

You’re at a spiritual crossroads where it’s time to embrace the eternal flow of change—creation and destruction, one following the other. The Tenth Arcana is all about recognizing that fate’s ways are mysterious, and the only balance you can find is within yourself, à la the Stoics. Power? It’s not limitless. Sometimes, fate simply has its way, and you’re powerless to resist. The Wheel of Fortune symbolizes destiny—enough said.

God’s Got Plans

Man proposes, God disposes. The divine plan is present and works in all events, like an invisible force guiding everything. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that some things are beyond our control—nobody has power over everything. It rolls forward relentlessly, and fighting the passage of time or fate? Pointless. Things change, even if you don’t want them to.

Everything in Its Time

Every trial is necessary for growth and self-realization. Life’s cycles are vital, even the rough ones. Every form of life has its opposite, just like the houses in an astrological chart. Look at life philosophically: don’t get too hung up on achievements (they’ll fade eventually), or failures (you’ll rise again). The Wheel turns. Stay humble at the top and calm at the bottom—moral vertigo is not an option!

Royal Drama, Medieval Style

In the gloomy philosophical spirit of medieval courts (hello, Dance of Death!), jesters would put on shows with a big ball: as one jester climbed to the top, another fell to the bottom. When the ball rolled again, the high one was brought low. The meaning of the Wheel of Fortune was crystal clear. The Wheel especially loves “kings”—those with great ambitions. It’s the card of someone with a mission, with the power to achieve great things. Life often seems to lay a Persian carpet before their feet…until the rug gets pulled out. The higher the rise, the harder the fall. Many historical figures’ lives—full of dazzling triumphs followed by disgrace—serve as a reminder of how relative everything is. One minute Fortune smiles, the next, she’s giving you the cold shoulder. Learn to accept this royal rise and fall with stoic grace.

Life’s a Rollercoaster

The true wisdom of the Wheel of Fortune lies in understanding that both happiness and hardship are fleeting. The number ten, symbolizing perfection, is also a gateway to something new (after one comes zero). The Wheel turns, sowing joy and sorrow, life and death. This Arcana teaches that life’s Wheel constantly spins, and no one can stop it. The Wheel turns for everyone, and we all walk under the gaze of fate.

Just Go with It

The Wheel of Fortune always highlights human powerlessness in the face of fate, and teaches that this is for the best. If everything were up to us, we’d never untangle life’s knots. Accepting this lesson of our dependence on fate is what spurs growth and maturity. (Remember Ivan Homeless from The Master and Margarita after that chat about “Man is the master”?)

Hard-Earned Progress

The Tenth Arcana symbolizes progress, and progress isn’t handed to you on a silver platter. It’s the result of past and present efforts, valuable lessons, accumulated knowledge, and wisdom. Self-improvement is a noble endeavor, but it’s tough. According to Valentin Tomberg, the Tenth Arcana represents ideas linked to Evolution and Involution, the Fall and Reintegration. This stage of development poses the challenge of Spiritual Alchemy—achieving inner unity (symbolized by the Wheel’s axis) by transmuting base instincts into their higher forms. The key to achieving this? Stick to the four hermetic principles: To Know, To Dare, To Will, and To Be Silent—each corresponding to the magical virtues: Knowledge, Courage, Willpower, and Silence.

Mystical Creatures on a Wheel? Yes, Please!

This is one of the “apocalyptic cards,” featuring four mystical creatures—the Great Axes of the Mystical Marriage. These four creatures—The Bull, The Lion, The Eagle (Scorpio), and The Man (Aquarius)—represent the fixed cross of the Zodiac. They remind us that spiritual reality is unchanging and eternal, despite the chaos of daily life. It is eternal and cannot disappear. At the top of the Wheel, symbolizing the perfect balance of Universal Wisdom, sits the Sphinx with the Sword of Justice. The Sphinx represents humanity’s drive to solve the riddle of fate. If you manage to crack this riddle of life and death, luck will be on your side, and you’ll grasp your path—at least for a while. But, since no one is perfectly objective or righteous, it’s impossible to stay at the top forever.

Find Your Center

The advice of the Tenth Arcana at a spiritual level? Aim for the center of the Wheel, its only unmoving point—your true self. Stop and observe. In your inner world, you’ll find the answers you seek by looking at your problems as an outside observer, without interfering.

Doctor’s Orders: Just Watch

This reminds me of a brilliant doctor who used to give his patients a simple, life-changing piece of advice: “Observe.” That advice would sometimes drive people nuts, but it turned out to be priceless—not just psychologically, but also in terms of treatment.

Astrological Tidbits

Astrologically, the Wheel of Fortune’s planet, Jupiter, is linked to the secondary creator of the world, the Star of Bethlehem, and even the name Yeshua, which is calculated as Kaf—Jupiter—in Kabbalistic numerology.

Death and Rebirth

The essence of the Wheel is revealed in myths about dying and resurrecting gods, symbols of the eternal cycle of renewal. The eight spokes of the Wheel are linked to the traditional eightfold division of the year. This includes the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) and the midpoints of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). Each marks significant seasonal festivals that illustrate the natural cycles of rebirth.

The Cardinal and Fixed Cycles of the Year

The Cardinal Points: Seasons Begin

Let’s start with the cardinal signs, which mark the beginning of the seasons. We kick things off with the Spring Equinox (Ostara, Easter), followed by the Summer Solstice (Litha, Līgo-Jāņi, or if you prefer something more magical, it’s also known as the night of Ivan Kupala, a.k.a. the birth of John the Baptist). Then comes the Autumn Equinox (Modron, Michaelmas Day, Archangel Michael’s time to shine), and finally, we reach the Winter Solstice (Yule, the “Spoke of the Wheel,” the “Midnight of the Year,” or as most people know it—Christmas).

The Fixed Points: The Midseason Magic

In the middle of the fixed signs, we’ve got some fun festivals too. There’s Beltane (Walpurgis Night, the Time of Herne, now Labor Day… although it was once a day for rather different kinds of labor, if you catch my drift). Next up is Lughnasadh (the Harvest Time, celebrating the sun god Lugh, and for those keeping track, it’s also the time of Elijah the Prophet zooming off in a fiery chariot). Then we hit Samhain (which you know as Halloween, the eve of All Saints’ Day, and the time when spirits come out to play). Finally, there’s Imbolc (the festival of the fiery goddess Brigid, now better known as Candlemas).

Cycles Everywhere

These cycles are present in virtually every culture—think of the Wheel of Samsara in Buddhism, which represents the soul’s journey through lifetimes and the spiral evolution of consciousness. The Wheel of Fortune works with the memory of past lives and practices tied to karmic inheritance—the Alchemy of the Soul. The experiences associated with this card have a supernatural power of revelation that’s hard to erase from memory.

TAROT—It’s in the Name

In the Rider-Waite deck, the Wheel of Fortune features the letters T-A-R-O. Occultist Paul Foster Case created four anagrams from this: “Rota Taro Orat Tora Ator,” which roughly translates as “The Wheel of Tarot speaks of the laws of life.” There’s definitely truth in that.

Career

Destiny’s Calling: Doing the Work You Were Born For

Fate’s Project

We’re talking about a project that’s destined for you—whether you’ve been eagerly waiting for it or doing everything you can to avoid it, well, that’s another story. Something unexpected might steer you onto a new career path, even if your previous plans had nothing to do with it.

Surprise Success

Expect expansion, new opportunities, and a stroke of luck in your career—though, spoiler alert, it’ll likely come as a complete surprise rather than something you meticulously planned. A lucky break could lead to a favorable turn of events, which, let’s be honest, can be game-changing in fields where “The Great One himself just happened to notice…” could mean everything.

New Faces, New Resources

You might stumble across new resources, information, or people who can help you along the way. However, if the surrounding cards aren’t too friendly, these could disappear just as quickly. Either way, some kind of reward is on its way.

Horizons Widening

This card speaks of broadening horizons, being open to change, and leveling up your skills. Sometimes it also hints that you’re trying to keep up with life’s rhythm—trying to “fit in”—all while spinning like a hamster in a wheel. You know the type of workplace we’re talking about: the ones where there’s a giant clock on the wall, and everyone keeps glancing at it with a stressed look. This is the real Wheel of Fortune at work—airports, TV stations, news agencies, and all those places where “money never sleeps,” work is 24/7, and the show must go on no matter what.

Work Takes the Reins

Often, you might feel like you’re not in control of your professional life—it’s controlling you. These are the jobs tied to mass media and information dissemination—producing, advertising, etc.—where there’s always a need to reach a broad audience.

Casino Vibes

Casinos have a special connection to the Tenth Arcana. Anywhere that runs on the principle of roulette, lotteries, or drawing lots has Wheel of Fortune energy. There’s always that chance of a random win.

Riding the Cycles

This card also applies to jobs that revolve around cycles, seasons, and trends—where everything eventually “comes full circle,” but past success doesn’t guarantee future glory. You’re dealing with unpredictability, where every season is a gamble.

Organized Chaos

It could also signify an organization going through either temporary changes (restructuring) or constant shifts (what’s called a “learning organization”—where constant change is the philosophy, and everyone knows the mission).

A World of Interactions

A lot of the time, the Wheel points to the never-ending cycle of human interaction. American tarot readers even extend this card’s meaning to recycling and renewable resources—yes, that’s right, the Wheel’s all about giving things another spin!

Financial and housing situation

Fortune’s Favour: When Success Knocks Unexpectedly

Out of Your Hands, But Up You Go!

You might feel like you have no control over the situation, but don’t worry—things are usually on the up! New opportunities seem to appear out of nowhere, just when you least expect them. It’s the classic case of “right place, right time.”

Lucky Breaks and Prosperity

Success often comes thanks to circumstances that feel like pure luck. Whether it’s a surprise windfall or just the stars aligning, you’ll find yourself thriving, often thinking, “Did I really just pull that off?”

Pack Your Bags!

And don’t be shocked if these changes come with a move! Whether it’s relocating for work or finding yourself in a new city, change is in the air. So, keep your suitcase handy—your next adventure might be closer than you think.

Love Life: When Fate Takes the Wheel

Same Old, Same Old… Or Is It?

Right now, you might feel like your love life is stuck—whether you’re in a relationship that isn’t quite fulfilling or living the single life, unsure if things will ever change. But with the Wheel of Fortune, change is on the horizon. Your love life is about to improve, and here’s the best part—you don’t have to lift a finger. Luck is on its way, and it’ll all happen naturally, when the time is right. You’ll just be in the right place at the right time. One key to this card is staying true to yourself. If you do that, happiness will find you. As they say, “Hold firm, and no one will let you down.”

Let Go and Let Fate

Another important lesson of the Wheel of Fortune is about releasing control. This applies whether you’re single or wanting to shake things up in your current relationship. The Wheel teaches that all close relationships have a natural cycle—there are times of blissful closeness and times when you may feel a bit distant. But don’t turn it into a tragedy or feel the need to take charge of it all. The tide goes out, the tide comes in. Take a walk on the beach, hold hands, and trust that things will return to normal.

Destined Love, But Not Without Drama

The Wheel of Fortune also points to those “karmic relationships”—the kind where you look at each other and think, “This is fate!” That doesn’t mean it’s all rainbows and butterflies, though. Sometimes, these destined connections come with a lot of drama. In these relationships, you often don’t feel “free”—you’re swept away by feelings beyond your control. It’s as if the universe has assigned you a task, and there’s no backing out because this person is your destiny. It feels like fate, a connection that’s intense and inescapable. It’s not easy, it’s not always logical, but you can’t resist the pull. And when fate is involved, those encounters are inevitable.

The Coincidence Carousel

In these relationships, luck, synchronicity, and fate are working overtime. Everything just “happens” without rhyme or reason, and often when you least expect it. You’ll find yourself in the right place, even if your plans were entirely different. Just don’t expect to control the situation. Being destined doesn’t mean fate has laid down a comfy cushion for you. There will be passion, breakups, and everything in between—and you’ll feel like you’re being tossed around like a leaf in the wind.

What You Want vs. What You Need

Here’s the thing: we don’t always know what’s good for us. Sometimes, we get frustrated when things don’t turn out the way we imagined. But what’s happening is actually a gift from fate, perfectly designed to suit the core of who you are and what you need to grow. The Wheel of Fortune offers a precious gift—the opportunity to see patterns in your relationships, understand the reasons behind your mistakes, the sources of your pain, and the nature of the barriers you face. It’s a chance to finally understand your relationship dynamics and, in doing so, sometimes even “change your fate.” Fate has its eyes wide open.

Jumping on the Last Train

The Wheel of Fortune also covers those “last-minute” moments in love—whether it’s finally getting married after avoiding it for ages, having kids at the tail end of your reproductive years, or making other big moves you’ve been putting off. Fate, it seems, loves a good dramatic timing.

Health

Health and the Wheel of Fortune: A Rollercoaster Ride

Generally Good, With a Dash of Mood Swings

In most cases, your health is likely to be quite good (especially if surrounded by positive cards), but there’s a twist—cyclothymia might make an appearance. That’s right, expect alternating periods of energy highs and lows, along with the occasional mood swing to keep things interesting.

Cyclical Dependencies

You might also find yourself caught in other cycles, like the “cycle of illness.” Think flare-ups, remissions, and relapses (or as the medical world loves to call it, “recurrence”—it sounds fancier). This could apply to certain infections or mental health conditions. Then there are seasonal allergies—the gift that keeps on giving, right on schedule.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD… but true)

Speaking of the seasons, the Wheel of Fortune might spin you into the realm of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You know, that good old “winter blues” feeling, although in ancient times, they called it the “noonday demon”—which makes it sound way more dramatic. The term came from the Middle East, where the scorching midday heat was almost unbearable. Curiously, even in cooler climates, some people struggle psychologically with the “noonday of the year”—a.k.a. July and August.

The Monthly Cycle

The Wheel of Fortune also has a strong connection to another well-known cycle—the female cycle. Expect it to cover all the classic symptoms: PMS, delays, weight fluctuations, and the like. It’s a full-body rollercoaster, and you’re along for the ride.

Reversed Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune: No Matter How You Spin It, It’s Still a Wheel

“Fate!” or “Not Today!”

When upright, the Wheel of Fortune is all about destiny. But when it’s reversed? More like “Not your day!” Plans may fall through due to insurmountable obstacles. The time isn’t right yet—expect delays, setbacks, bad luck, and a dose of “cruel fate.” Oh, and don’t be surprised if some old problems come back to haunt you!

Luck’s Taking a Break

In the case of a reversed Wheel of Fortune, luck might just be ready to turn its back on you. At the very least, this is a reminder to be extra cautious—don’t count on sheer luck to see you through, because there might not be enough of it to go around.

Not the Right Moment

Sometimes, this card suggests that change is coming, but you’ll have to wait for it. The moment just isn’t right yet. Think of it as a case of “bad timing”—similar to the reversed Eight of Wands. Expect delays caused by unexpected events, and be prepared to sit tight.

Change Is Inevitable

Other interpretations insist that change is guaranteed with the reversed Wheel of Fortune. If you’re in a rough patch, things will turn around soon. But if life’s been all sunshine and roses lately, brace yourself—the streak of luck might be about to end.

Resisting Change

In some cases, this card points to resisting inevitable changes or reacting poorly to unexpected events. It’s about missed opportunities—when the doors open, but you’re too busy looking the other way.

Same Meaning, Different Angle?

Some tarot readers argue that the reversed Wheel doesn’t change the card’s core meaning. Instead, they see it as indicating material gain and growth. Others say the unpredictability of the situation increases dramatically, as does the level of risk. It’s a wild ride either way!

Wheel of Fortune in Combination with Other Cards

Court Cards Near the Wheel of Fortune: A Lucky Cast of Characters

Court Cards: Lucky Charms

When Court Cards appear near the Wheel of Fortune, it’s said they represent people who will bring you luck. Think of them as your personal four-leaf clovers in human form.

The Fool: Buckle Up for a Wild Ride!

Now, pair the Wheel of Fortune with the Fool, and you’ve got a recipe for explosive changes. This combo screams “hold onto your hat,” as unexpected shifts are imminent. It’s probably a good time to avoid gambling or entering into long-term partnerships, like marriage—too many unforeseen variables are bound to pop up, and you might end up questioning your life choices while holding a very expensive ring.

The Empress: Baby on Board

If the Empress shows up near the Wheel of Fortune, get ready for the pitter-patter of tiny feet! This combination is often a sign of pregnancy, so if you’re not planning on expanding the family just yet, maybe take that Wheel for a spin in the opposite direction.

The Chariot: Pack Your Bags

The Wheel of Fortune with the Chariot? It’s practically a guaranteed trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a big move, the wheels are literally in motion, and you’re going places—figuratively and literally.

The Tower: Fasten Your Seatbelt

The Tower and the Wheel together are like a cosmic wrecking ball. Major, unexpected changes are on the horizon, and let’s just say, you won’t see them coming. Whether it’s a surprise or a shock, be prepared for a shake-up!

Four of Wands: Positive Changes Ahoy!

When the Wheel of Fortune teams up with the Four of Wands, it’s all about positive changes. This is the kind of energy that brings celebrations, stability, and overall good vibes. It’s like winning the life lottery, without even buying a ticket.

Six and Eight of Wands: Full Speed Ahead!

With the Six or Eight of Wands, you’re in for some rapid progress. Things are about to pick up speed, and success is on the horizon. Buckle up because you’re in for a fast-paced ride where everything seems to fall into place almost effortlessly.

Two of Swords: Stuck in Neutral

The Two of Swords alongside the Wheel suggests that you’re in a bit of a stalemate. Even though fate is offering you an exit route, you can’t seem to find it. It’s a bit like being on a carousel—you’re spinning, but not actually getting anywhere. Time to take off that blindfold and trust the universe’s navigation system.

Four of Swords: Hit the Brakes

With the Four of Swords, the action of the Wheel of Fortune is put on hold. This card’s calming, meditative energy acts like a giant “pause” button, preventing the usual rapid changes from taking place. It’s a forced time-out—so grab a cup of tea, settle in, and don’t expect much action.

Eight of Swords: Surprising Speed

Strangely enough, despite its typically restrictive nature, the Eight of Swords actually ramps up the speed of events when paired with the Wheel. So, instead of the usual feeling of being trapped, it’s more like a catapult throwing you into sudden action.

Four of Pentacles: Wheels Stuck in the Mud

The Four of Pentacles next to the Wheel of Fortune suggests you’re not going anywhere fast. Change is blocked, and you’re stuck in one place, clutching onto what you’ve got, afraid to move forward. It’s a bit like trying to roll a boulder uphill—it’s just not happening.

Seven of Pentacles: Strategic Pause

With the Seven of Pentacles, the Wheel of Fortune takes on a more cautious vibe. It’s all about careful planning and analysis before making your next move. No leaps of faith here—just slow, methodical progress. Think of it as taking a moment to check the map before continuing the journey.

Archetypal Correspondences of the Wheel of Fortune

The Fates: Spinners of Life’s Thread

In mythology, the Wheel of Fortune is often associated with the Fates—Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos—who control the thread of human life. Clotho spins the thread, Lachesis measures it, and Atropos cuts it when your time’s up. They’ve got a pretty tough job, deciding when you’ve had enough fun in life, and they’re not known for giving second chances!

The Norns: Norse Destiny-Makers

The Norns from Norse mythology also make an appearance here, weaving the fabric of fate and ensuring that even the gods can’t escape destiny. With names like Urd (Past), Verdandi (Present), and Skuld (Future), these ladies are serious about their weaving. If your life feels a bit tangled, you can probably blame them.

Your Ladyship, Lady Luck

Then there’s the poetic take—“Your Ladyship, Lady Luck.” We’ve all met her, and she’s as unpredictable as ever. Sometimes she’s kind, but other times… let’s just say she enjoys a good plot twist. Whether she’s smiling on you or not, she’s always in the driver’s seat.

The Myth of Oedipus: Fate Always Wins

The myth of Oedipus is another powerful archetype tied to the Wheel of Fortune. No matter how much poor Oedipus tried to avoid his fate, it caught up with him in the end. The moral? You can’t outrun destiny, and sometimes, trying to avoid it makes things even worse (just ask Oedipus).

Seasonal Magic Rituals

The Wheel also connects to rituals of seasonal magic—those age-old traditions that mark the cycles of nature. From solstice celebrations to harvest festivals, these rituals acknowledge the turning of the wheel and the ever-changing rhythms of life. Plus, who doesn’t love a good seasonal bonfire and a bit of dancing around a maypole?

If – poem

Kipling’s Famous Poem: When All Goes South, Keep Calm and Carry On

Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem If beautifully captures the stoic attitude needed when facing the Wheel of Fortune’s ups and downs:

“If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:”

Essentially, Kipling’s advice is clear: keep your cool when everyone else is losing it. Believe in yourself, stay humble, and when things inevitably go wrong (as they do on this wild ride of the Wheel), face it all with a smile. Whether fortune brings happiness or disaster, take it in your stride, and remember that life’s a bit of a gamble.

Face Setbacks with Grace

Kipling also reminds us that if you work hard for years, only to lose everything in one go, accept it without complaint and simply start again. It’s like losing a high-stakes game of poker—don’t waste time bemoaning the loss, just shuffle the deck and play again.

Heart, Nerves, and Willpower: Your Secret Weapons

Finally, Kipling’s message about heart, nerves, and willpower: when everything inside you has burned out, and you’ve got nothing left but sheer determination, keep going. It’s like when you’ve run out of coffee, but you’ve still got a long day ahead—you’ve just got to push through on pure willpower.

Conquer Time, Conquer the World

If you can master every minute of your life, fill it with purpose, and take control of the fleeting hours, Kipling says the world is yours—and more than that, you’ll have become a true “Man” (or, let’s say, a true human). Basically, you’ll be ready for whatever the Wheel of Fortune throws your way.

“Spin of Fate: Fortune’s Fancy Dance”

Oh, Wheel of Fortune, round and bright,

You spin our lives from day to night.

One moment we’re up, flying high,

The next, we tumble from the sky.

Clotho spins, her hands so swift,

With threads of life, her timeless gift.

Lachesis measures, with careful gaze,

But Atropos waits—she cuts, she stays.

The Norns too weave with threads so tight,

Past, present, future all in sight.

They spin and knot, no thread amiss,

But just try dodging fate—it’s hit or miss!

Lady Luck, oh, fickle queen,

You laugh and twist behind the scene.

We chase your smile, your fleeting glance,

And gamble life on one last chance.

Poor Oedipus, he tried to run,

But fate, it caught him—wasn’t fun!

You can’t escape the plans divine,

So maybe just accept the sign.

The seasons turn, the magic hums,

Through bonfires bright and beating drums.

From harvest time to winter’s chill,

The Wheel keeps spinning—always will.

And Kipling’s words, so wise and true,

Remind us what we all must do:

When life is wild, and fortune’s gone,

Keep calm, push through, and carry on.

For in this life of ups and downs,

You’ll wear both smiles and plenty frowns.

But take it all with grace and cheer,

For round the Wheel goes, year by year.

So if you lose, don’t moan, don’t weep,

Just brush it off—don’t lose your sleep.

For hearts and nerves, when all’s been said,

Can carry you when luck’s long dead.

And if you master every spin,

The world is yours—go dive right in.

But don’t forget, with each advance,

Fate’s spinning us in Fortune’s dance.