The essential meanings of this Major Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The Wheel of Fortune upright signifies change, cycles, and fate’s twists. This card reminds us that life is constantly in motion – what is down will go up and vice versa. Upright, it often signals a turning point or a stroke of luck, suggesting that forces beyond your control are at work (sometimes in your favor). It encourages you to be adaptable and to have faith during transitions, recognizing that change can bring new opportunities and growth.

Reversed: The Wheel of Fortune reversed indicates a period of bad luck or feeling stuck in a rut. You might be resisting a necessary change or experiencing a setback. This reversal can suggest that a cycle in your life isn’t complete, possibly due to clinging to the past or not learning a lesson. It’s a cue to loosen your grip on control, accept the ups and downs, and remember that difficult times are temporary steps in the larger cycle.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: In love, the Wheel of Fortune spins unpredictably, ushering in destiny’s hand. You might encounter a chance meeting as if by fate or experience a sudden shift in an existing relationship that feels “meant to be.” This card reminds you that romance, like the seasons, has ups and downs — so embrace the changes with faith that the wheel will turn in your favor again, guided by a larger cosmic plan.

Career: In your career, the Wheel of Fortune heralds a turning point shaped by external forces. A sudden opportunity or unexpected change in direction may arise — perhaps a promotion falling into your lap or a dramatic shift in your industry. Ride these cycles with flexibility and optimism; whether it’s an upswing or a downturn, each revolution of the wheel brings new lessons and chances for growth in your professional journey.

Spirituality: The Wheel of Fortune teaches of karma and life’s cycles. You may sense patterns in your life or déjà vu moments, as though an unseen hand is guiding events — your soul’s lessons returning until learned. Embrace the wheel’s turning as part of your evolution, trusting that each twist of fate carries you forward on your destiny, and that every ending on the wheel is also a new beginning.