#10: The Wheel Of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is the card of cycles, fate, and change. It reminds us that life is constantly shifting—sometimes we rise, sometimes we fall, but nothing stays the same forever. This card represents moments of transition, where destiny takes the lead and we are called to embrace the flow of life. In queer spaces, The Wheel of Fortune speaks to the evolving nature of identity, relationships, and personal growth. It reminds us that change is inevitable, but how we respond to it is what truly matters.
UPRIGHT
Fate and destiny, cycles of change, turning points, good luck, opportunities
REVERSED
Resistance to change, bad luck, feeling stuck, cycles repeating, loss of control
The Wheel of Fortune Overview
The Wheel of Fortune represents the grand, cosmic cycles of life. Sometimes we are at the top, riding the highs of success and joy. Other times, we are at the bottom, facing challenges and uncertainty. The key message of this card is that no position is permanent—everything shifts with time.
If this card appears in your reading, it’s a sign that change is on the horizon. Whether it’s an opportunity, a challenge, or a shift in perspective, The Wheel asks you to trust the process. Are you resisting the natural flow of life, or are you allowing yourself to move with it?
Symbolism and Imagery
The Wheel – A symbol of cycles, destiny, and the ever-turning nature of life.
The Four Creatures in the Corners – Represent wisdom and stability through change (linked to the zodiac signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius).
The Sphinx at the Top – Symbolizes knowledge and the mysteries of fate.
The Serpent Descending – Represents the forces of chaos and transformation.
The Letters (T-A-R-O or R-O-T-A) – Can spell "TAROT" or "ROTA" (Latin for "wheel"), symbolizing the tarot’s guidance through life’s cycles.
Upright Meaning: Embracing Change and Momentum
Upright, The Wheel of Fortune signals a major shift in your life. This could be a stroke of good luck, a new opportunity, or a moment of deep personal change. The key is to embrace the flow—resisting change only makes it harder.
In a reading, ask yourself: What changes are unfolding in my life? Am I flowing with them, or am I resisting? How can I trust that everything is unfolding as it should?
Reversed Meaning: Resistance and Feeling Stuck
Reversed, The Wheel of Fortune suggests resistance to change or feeling stuck in a difficult cycle. You may be experiencing a period of bad luck or setbacks, but remember—this is temporary. The wheel always turns. Instead of clinging to control, look for what this moment is teaching you.
In a reading, ask yourself: Am I holding onto something that is meant to change? How can I surrender to the natural flow of life?
Final Thoughts
The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that nothing is permanent—life is always evolving. The best way to navigate change is to trust in the process, stay open to new possibilities, and know that every turn of the wheel brings a new beginning.
#10: The Wheel Of Fortune
Queer and Transgender Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune is the ever-turning cycle of change—the highs and lows, the unexpected twists, the way life moves forward whether we are ready or not. It is the moment when transition picks up speed, when the universe seems to say, Yes, it is time. This card reminds you that while you cannot control everything, you can choose how you move with the changes ahead.
UPRIGHT
Change, destiny, momentum, fate, opportunity, cycles, life shifting forward
REVERSED
Resistance to change, feeling stuck, fear of the unknown, setbacks
The Wheel of Fortune and the Trans Experience
Transition is not a straight road—it is a spiral, a cycle, a series of turning points that unfold in their own time. The Wheel of Fortune represents those moments when everything starts shifting—sometimes faster than expected.
For trans people, this card signals a major turning point. Maybe you have finally come out, maybe you have started hormones, maybe you are in the process of legally changing your name. The Wheel reminds you that while transition can feel unpredictable, it is always moving forward.
This card also speaks to trusting the flow of your journey. Some days, it may feel like the universe is aligning everything perfectly. Other days, it may feel like you are facing setbacks and delays. The Wheel reminds you that all of it is part of the process. No moment is permanent—change is inevitable, and that means progress is inevitable too.
The Wheel asks: How are you responding to change? Are you flowing with it, or resisting what is meant to unfold?
Symbolism and Imagery
The Wheel of Fortune is filled with imagery about destiny, change, and movement.
A large spinning wheel – The cycles of life, constantly turning. No phase is forever—change is always coming.
Four creatures in the corners (often representing fixed signs in astrology) – A reminder that even in change, there is wisdom and guidance available to you.
A snake and a sphinx – Knowledge, mystery, and the unseen forces guiding your journey.
Clouds surrounding the wheel – A reminder that we cannot always see what is ahead, but the journey continues regardless.
Upright Meaning: Embracing Change and Momentum
When The Wheel of Fortune appears upright, it signals a shift in your journey—things are moving forward, and change is happening.
For trans people, this might mean:
A breakthrough in your transition – Getting access to affirming care, coming out, or reaching a milestone.
Feeling like everything is aligning – Suddenly, things are falling into place.
Learning to trust the process – Even when you do not have full control, your journey is still unfolding as it should.
Accepting the unpredictability of transition – Some things will happen faster than expected, and others will take time. The key is to flow with it.
This card reminds you that change is happening—embrace it, and trust that you are moving in the right direction.
Reversed Meaning: Resistance and Feeling Stuck
When The Wheel of Fortune appears reversed, you may be feeling stuck or afraid of change.
For trans people, this can look like:
Struggling with setbacks – Maybe paperwork is delayed, maybe access to care is being blocked. It feels like things are at a standstill.
Fearing the unknown – Worrying about how transition will unfold, hesitating to take the next step.
Holding onto the past – Struggling to let go of old versions of yourself, even when they no longer serve you.
Feeling like everything is out of your hands – Remember: even when external forces are at play, you still have agency in how you respond.
The Wheel reversed reminds you that you are not stuck forever. Change is coming—but you have to be willing to move with it.
Final Thoughts
The Wheel of Fortune is the reminder that transition is full of unexpected twists, but every shift brings you closer to where you are meant to be.
This card says: Trust the momentum. Your story is unfolding exactly as it should.