Wheel of Fortune tarot card from the Simply Tarot deck

Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

The Wheelturner
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Fate • Cycles • Change

Points to the ups and downs and successes and failures we experience in life. Whatever your particular circumstance, be reminded that nothing is permanent and the wheel will turn again. Recognising the cyclical nature of life means you can seize opportunities when the wheel turns in your favour and wait patiently, with hope, when it does not.

Whenever we begin something we know it will eventually end. When life isn’t going so well, we have faith that things will get better. When life is good we try desperately to appreciate those moments because we all know that there will undoubtedly be some difficult times ahead. This is the cyclical nature of life and we all have to come to accept it.

We can also be given the space and freedom to embark on something new, that may bring great joy, if we can just see through the transition through the dark times. If things are currently going well for the Subject, The Wheel of Fortune serves as a reminder to enjoy what they have right now as things may not remain rosy for any length of time.

The Wheel of Fortune can brighten the Subject’s reading, and show them the light at the end of the tunnel, if they have been having a bad time. The Subject should remember that seeds of happiness lie in the darkest of places, and to watch out for new ideas or budding opportunities - this may be a sign that The Wheel has turned their Fortune at last - it is up to them to grab it with both hands.
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Love & Relationships

Timing shifts the emotional landscape unexpectedly. Some connections arrive just as others fade, reminding us how little control we truly hold over certain chapters of life. What once felt impossible can suddenly turn toward you without warning.
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Material Life

Circumstances begin turning unexpectedly. Financial pressure, opportunity or practical uncertainty may arrive suddenly, reminding us how fragile control can sometimes be despite careful preparation. Security often depends as much on adaptability as planning.
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Notes from the Artist

In the picture the cloaked figure keeps watch over The Wheel of Fortune. The man's hand is raised as if to ask 'Can I stop it where I want to?' but there is no response and The Wheel continues to turn regardless, showing that we have no control over some of the things that happen to us.

If we are fortunate The Wheel can take us out of a current rut and take us to better scenarios. It can bring new opportunities our way, but we must decide ourselves whether to make the most of them or not.

From the archive

The Original Artwork, Reimagined

Before Wheel of Fortune became part of the Simply Tarot collection you see today, it was drawn and painted by hand for the original 2011 Tarot House Deck. The style has evolved, but the meaning and character of the card remain at its heart.

Original hand-painted Wheel of Fortune tarot card by Patricia House from the 2011 Tarot House Deck
2011 Original 2011 artwork Wheel of Fortune Hand-painted by Patricia House
The Wheel of Fortune stands between a hooded figure in grey, and a young man with his hand held open. The Wheel is spinning but Fate can not allow the man to stop it where he wants it to.
Today Wheel of Fortune reimagined The current Simply Tarot artwork

The original first edition

Own the Original 2011 Deck

The card shown on the left is part of the original 78-card Tarot House Deck. Every image was drawn and painted by Patricia House before the deck was professionally printed by Cartamundi in the UK. A limited number from the original print run are still available.

  • 78-card first-edition deck
  • Two tarot-spread cards
  • Short meanings leaflet
  • Brocade drawstring bag

£25.99

Shop the 2011 First Edition Read how the deck was created
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