Fortune (X)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Saturn as the lord of time and mentor.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE Depending on how we relate to fate, the Wheel of Fortune will appear either as a symbol of our dependence and helplessness before it, or as a life lesson stimulating growth and maturation. On the level of events, it indeed often corresponds to situations where we cannot yet do anything. We are on the descent of the Wheel, that is, our plans cannot be realized: we will be hindered by traffic jams, the weather, the "uncooperativeness" of the object, or other insurmountable circumstances. The Wheel of Time shows that the time has not yet come for us to take up this matter. Then the cards in the other positions can suggest what needs to be done at the present moment in order to move to the other side of the Wheel, corresponding to ascent, success, as well as other unexpected turns of fate.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

10 — THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE Jupiter The tenth card of the MAJOR ARCANA is called THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE. It depicts the mysterious wheel of life with eight spokes — the Buddhist symbol of the Wheel of Necessity. On its rim are Anubis and Typhon (the principles of good and evil). Above, upon the wheel, symbolizing the perfect balance of Universal Wisdom, sits the Sphinx with the Sword of Justice. Man's righteousness compels him to accept his "Cup of Destiny" — the vicissitudes of THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE. The tenth ARCANUM OF THE TAROT depicts how THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE raises up Anubis or the ape to where the wise Sphinx sits. The Sphinx symbolizes man's striving to solve the riddle of his destiny, and if a man manages to solve this riddle of the Sphinx (about the cycle of life and death), then for some time fortune accompanies him and he comprehends his path. But man is not sufficiently objective and righteous, and therefore cannot remain at the top of the wheel for his entire life, and falls down from it, like the monster Typhon depicted on the card. In Western culture, the image of THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE is most vividly reflected in the legend of King Oedipus. Having answered the riddle of the Sphinx, the wise Oedipus became king — but, in his pursuit of truth, he learned that he had accidentally killed his father and married his mother, and... then, having put out his own eyes, he went forth to wander the world. The vision of truth brought him no joy: the Sphinx gave him power, but did not reveal the vicissitudes of the future path. Only a wealthy man can give his riches to the world, but only one who has nothing can contain within himself the immensity of the divine gift. That is, as we might say now, recalling the legend of Oedipus, perhaps it is the one who, seeing the crimes and sufferings of this world, nevertheless leaves his eyes open and seeing? The planet Jupiter, which corresponds astrologically to the card of THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE, mythologically corresponds to the secondary creator of the world, who commands a star to fade and to appear, demonstrating his superiority over the former gods. The birth of Christ was also preceded by the Star of Bethlehem, and the very name Yeshua in the Kabbalistic-numerical representation is calculated as Kaph — Jupiter. The essence of this sign is revealed by the myths of the dying and resurrecting gods, symbolizing the eternity of renewal and rebirth of nature. Although THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE is considered a favorable ARCANUM for man, it bears the imprint of man's powerlessness before his fate. And the number ten, signifying perfection, is at the same time the gateway to something new (1+0), a new beginning that will follow another revolution of the WHEEL. At medieval courts, the jesters of monarchs, with their inclination toward gloomy philosophizing, often performed a pantomime with a large wooden ball: when one FOOL clambered to the top, another ended up at the bottom. But then the ball makes a new revolution, and... the one who has risen is cast down. Such is the meaning of the Tenth ARCANUM. Constant becoming, destruction, eternal change and the eternity of change. Man must accept his fate and be aware of the impermanence of both happiness and misfortunes. On the whole, the positive and negative aspects of this card are interconnected more visibly than anywhere else: unexpected changes for the better (worse); cognition of karma (passive fatalism).

Upright position: the position of the card indicates that you are striving to adapt to one or another rhythm of life. You are consumed by a passionate desire to find a goal. There is a streak of ups and downs in your life, but this is because you are beginning a new cycle. The card is considered a symbol of progress, and no progress comes easily or for free. Self-improvement and the improvement of all that surrounds you is a praiseworthy occupation, yet not an easy one. But in any case, one should remember that the circular movement of the WHEEL implies the cyclical movement of things and of all that exists, from beginning to end. And in general (in real life), this is a card of good omens and favorable changes. It is a turning point. Some part of your life is ending — a new one is beginning. Sometimes the card foretells an unexpected smile of fortune.

Reversed position: the card means a continued waiting for changes for the better. And the changes will come — but only after a long time. You have realized your life's task, or at least acknowledged its existence. Knowledge of it will not be slow in coming, so you can begin to labor on the appointed task. In some cases, the card signifies resistance to changes that are nonetheless inevitable, or inappropriate actions with regard to unexpected and new events.

"Remember! In order to attain the appointed goal — one must know how to keep silent and not spread word of one's future intentions. Learn to 'sound out' the ground and rid yourself of 'vertigo' when you reach certain heights." Papus