Meaning and interpretation The Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune card in the Tarot of Marseille Type 1 features symbolic figures illustrating the cycles of life and fortune.

• The Ascending Figure: This figure has become even more donkey-like. This symbolism reminds of the naivety and foolishness of those who believe they can reach the top without understanding the dangers or precariousness of this position. The donkey, an animal often associated with ignorance, embodies those who pursue glory without wisdom. The donkey's collar shows its servility, either to the laws of fate or to ignorance. In Dodal's version, the collar seems to cover the ears, as if the animal doesn't want to hear the prediction of its future fall.
• The King at the Top: At the top of the wheel, the donkey has become a king, crowned, holding a club, and dressed in a coat sometimes interpreted as wings. This king represents temporary power and glory. He enjoys the fortune that the wheel has brought him, but this position is fleeting. He can also be seen as an absolute monarch, capricious and destructive, willing to sacrifice anything to maintain his position.
• The Descending Figure: This figure retains a hybrid representation, with a human head and the rest of the body animal, wearing a pleated skirt and having a flared tail, symbolizing the inevitable fall that follows ascension.

The Wheel of Fortune card in the Tarot of Marseille Type 2 presents several notable differences compared to Type 1, while maintaining strong symbolic elements. Here is a detailed analysis of its features and meanings:

• The Figure at the Top: On the card, the figure at the top of the wheel retains a royal crown, a sword, and a cape. However, this figure is no longer entirely human; it appears as a hybrid creature, half human, half animal. This transformation may indicate a loss of human purity or an evolution towards a more primitive and instinctive state. It suggests that even those who reach the top of the wheel are subject to animal or instinctive forces, symbolizing the wild and unpredictable aspect of fortune. The wheel reminds us that despite our efforts to control our destiny, instinctive and uncontrollable elements influence our lives.
• The Wheel on the Water: The wheel rests on water, a detail that may refer to the Greek goddess Tyche, symbolizing luck and fortune, who had a precarious balance on the water. Water represents instability and constant change. Placing the wheel on water emphasizes the unstable and unpredictable nature of fortune. It reinforces the idea that luck and destiny are in perpetual motion and cannot be controlled. The wheel invites acceptance of life's uncertainties with serenity and preparation for the unexpected.
• Absence of One of the Wheel's Posts: Unlike Type 1, where the posts of the wheel are visible, the Tarot of Marseille Type 2 removes the left post. The absence of a post may reinforce the idea that fortune is "unstable" (just like the table of the BATELEUR, which lacks a leg), success and glory are imperfect and rest on little (we may not necessarily deserve the glory we obtain). CAUTION: this may also simply be a deliberate simplification by the engravers to lighten their work (This simplification may be due to practical reasons, as Type 2 versions of the Tarot of Marseille were often produced by merchants for sale abroad).

In the "Wheel of the Year Tarot" version, the Wheel of Fortune, at the center of the card, is surrounded by the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. These seasons are placed in the four corners of the image, forming a circle that follows a clockwise direction. This layout highlights the cyclical and natural nature of life's changes, connecting them to the annual cycle of seasons.

The seasons represent the different phases of human life:

• Spring symbolizes youth and the beginning of new projects.
• Summer represents maturity and fulfillment.
• Autumn is often associated with reaping the fruits of our efforts and preparing for winter.
• Winter evokes the end of cycles, rest and reflection, but also preparation for a new spring.

Thus, the Wheel of Fortune not only illustrates the cycles of human life but also the natural cycles of the year. These cycles are not linear but repeat endlessly, and each end heralds a new beginning. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that life is full of constant transitions and that we must learn to navigate these changes with wisdom and acceptance.

The "10 - Wheel of Fortune" card in the Mucha Tarot offers a unique perspective on the concept of time and change. Unlike the traditional cyclical interpretation, this version emphasizes the inexorable passage of time and the ephemeral nature of our existence.

In the center of this card, there is an hourglass, a classic symbol of time flowing without the possibility of turning back. Next to the hourglass, a young woman leans on a wreath of flowers, representing the beauty and fragility of life. The flowers, although in bloom for a moment, will eventually wither, reminding us that everything in life is temporary. This can be complemented by reflecting on the importance of living each moment fully and recognizing the value of transient moments.

In the background of the card, a windmill turns thanks to the force of the wind. This windmill evokes constant and repetitive work, transforming grain into flour. This can be interpreted as a lesson on the need for continuous effort to turn our dreams into reality, despite the ups and downs. This element underscores the idea of the continuous effort needed to move forward in life. The movement of the windmill also illustrates how work and the cycles of human effort contribute to our personal and collective evolution.

The Mucha Tarot's interpretation of the Wheel of Fortune brings a linear dimension to the concept of time, contrasting with the traditional cyclical view. This duality enriches our understanding of the card:

• Linear time: This perspective highlights the irreversibility of time and the importance of each present moment. It reminds us that opportunities, once lost, do not return and that it is crucial to seize them when they arise.
• Cyclical time: On the other hand, the traditional cyclical view emphasizes repetitions and new chances, suggesting that every end is a new beginning. This offers a more optimistic perspective on failures and challenges, seeing them as temporary stages in a process of continuous growth.

The card "10 - The Wheel of Fortune" in the Wild Wood Tarot offers a unique interpretation of life's cycles. Unlike traditional representations that often focus on the seasons, this card emphasizes the fundamental cycle of day and night.

The card is divided into two distinct parts. The left side represents night with the moon, while the right side shows day with the sun. In the center, a loom is visible, with a tunic in progress. On this tunic, a wheel is woven, symbolizing continuity and perpetual motion.

Similar to the Mucha Tarot, this version of the Wheel of Fortune highlights the importance of work and progression through time. The loom and the tunic being created evoke work that surpasses simple day-night cycles. This weaving process symbolizes the construction of oneself and one's spirituality throughout the cycles.

The loom is a powerful symbol of creation and construction. It represents the meticulous and constant work required to weave the threads of our life. Each day-night cycle adds a new layer to our tunic, enriching our experience and wisdom. This idea can be enriched by considering that each thread woven represents a lesson learned or an experience lived. Thus, even though the cycles repeat, they are never identical, as each new cycle is an opportunity for growth and evolution.

The Wheel of Fortune in the Wild Wood Tarot offers a complementary perspective to the traditional cyclical view. Here are some points to consider:

• Cyclical view: The traditional notion of the Wheel of Fortune is often seen as fatalistic, with an emphasis on repetitions and inevitable endings. Each cycle seems predetermined, and death is seen as an inevitable conclusion.
• Progressive view: The Wild Wood Tarot card offers a more optimistic and evolving perspective. The continuous weaving of the tunic symbolizes the idea that each cycle brings progression and self-construction. This counterbalances fatalism by suggesting that every experience contributes to our personal and spiritual development.

In the 2007 Pirates Tarot, the "10 - The Wheel of Fortune" card takes place on a sailing ship, likely a pirate or privateer ship from the 17th or 18th century. Here, the wheel represents the ship's helm, with a sailor—possibly the captain—holding it firmly. This helm is beautifully gilded, perhaps symbolizing the quest for wealth or gold.

The golden wheel, or helm, suggests an aspiration for wealth and prosperity. At the center of this wheel is a female figure, possibly the goddess Fortuna, flanked by a crescent moon and the sun, reminding of the cyclical nature of life and fortunes. These elements highlight the changing phases and inherent fluctuations of existence.

What sets this card apart from other representations of the Wheel of Fortune is the presence of a character actively controlling the wheel. Unlike other versions where the wheel turns without visible human intervention, here, the captain symbolizes the idea that one can take control of their own destiny. This suggests that despite life's uncertainties, we have the power to steer our own course, choosing to turn the wheel in one direction or another.

The idea of taking control of one's destiny introduces a notion of empowerment that contrasts strongly with the traditional idea of the Wheel of Fortune as a symbol of inescapable fate and destiny. The captain at the helm embodies autonomy and the ability to make choices:

• Taking control of destiny: This reinforces the idea that our actions and decisions directly influence our lives, reducing the impact of external forces and chance. It's a proactive approach that encourages personal responsibility.
• Elements of fatalism: However, the historical context of pirates and privateers reminds us of the capricious nature of life at sea. Despite their bravery and skills, these sailors were subject to the dangers of naval battles, storms, and royal navies, illustrating that some forces are beyond our control.

The quest for wealth, symbolized by the golden helm, is a double-edged sword. It can lead to significant gains, as well as tragic losses. The dangerous life of pirates and privateers is an excellent example of this duality: the pursuit of treasures and spoils could result in the capture of valuable cargo, but also in brutal ends, such as death or execution.

Maritime life in the 17th and 18th centuries, even for non-pirate sailors, was perilous. Storms and other sea dangers add an element of chance to this card, reminding that even with apparent control, uncertainty and risk are ever-present.

In the Housewives Tarot, the "10 - The Wheel of Fortune" card is represented by a casino wheel, similar to a roulette. This symbol is very evocative, as it immediately refers to the idea of a game of chance and gambling. On this card, next to the roulette wheel, are three tokens, emphasizing the playful and risky aspect of fortune.

The choice of roulette as a representation of the Wheel of Fortune highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the randomness of luck. In this context, each player bets on a number, without knowing in advance what the outcome will be, thus reflecting the inherent uncertainty and chance in human destiny. This symbol emphasizes the idea that sometimes our choices are akin to bets, with uncertain results.

What stands out from this card is the idea that despite making decisions, the final outcome can entirely depend on luck. This highlights the uncertainty and difficulty in predicting the future, even when making conscious and thoughtful choices. However, this representation can be seen as limited, as it does not consider personal effort and work as factors influencing fortune. Even though it is true that the chance to be born into a wealthy and influential family greatly improves the possibilities of success.

• Fatalistic approach: The image of the roulette wheel can convey a fatalistic message, suggesting that despite our decisions, everything can be left to chance. This can be perceived as devaluing the importance of personal effort and perseverance, by focusing solely on luck.
• Pragmatic approach: Conversely, the use of the roulette wheel could also illustrate a realistic view of life, where despite all our efforts, there is always an element of uncertainty and luck that is beyond our control.

The symbolism of the Housewives Tarot seems to focus solely on the aspect of luck, without incorporating other possible dimensions of the Wheel of Fortune. For example, other interpretations of this card include elements of personal growth, natural cycles, and continuous work that build our destiny.

In The Star Seeker Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune card is depicted as a spider web. This unique representation provides an intriguing perspective on the traditional themes of the card, while adding a new dimension to its interpretation.

The image shows a spider web occupying the entire scene, with a spider crawling on it. In the lower left corner, a cocoon is visible, suggesting that an insect has been caught in the web. Here, the "Wheel" is not explicitly labeled as a "Wheel of Fortune," prompting reflection on the fortuitous and unpredictable nature of life's events.

The spider web symbolizes an invisible trap, suggesting that life is filled with dangers and challenges that we do not always see coming. It highlights human vulnerability in the face of the unpredictability of existence.

The image of the spider weaving its web underscores the idea of hard and necessary work for survival. The web, a result of the spider's effort, allows it to capture prey and thus sustain itself. This notion of work is essential, as it reminds us that everything in life requires an investment of time and energy. However, this image also introduces the idea of impermanence. Spider webs are ephemeral and deteriorate quickly, symbolizing the transient nature of human creations. Thus, this representation reminds us that everything we build eventually fades or transforms. It invites an awareness of the fragility of our achievements and the necessity of accepting the cycles of creation and destruction.

The web, as a symbol of the Wheel of Fortune, also represents destiny and chance. The cocoon caught in the web evokes the unforeseen and unavoidable traps of life. This card can therefore be seen as a caution against illusions of security and permanence.

However, it is important to note that this interpretation could be enriched by showing more explicit signs of wear on the web, such as a torn or damaged section. This would have reinforced the message of impermanence and the need to continually renew our efforts and creations.

The card 10 - WHEEL OF FORTUNE does not refer to luck or misfortune in a simplistic way. Instead, it expresses the cyclical nature inherent in life, evoking the continuous flow of events, comparable to the alternation of day and night, the seasons, or the phases of human life, from youth to old age.

In the Fool's journey, the Wheel of Fortune is positioned after the card 9 - THE HERMIT and before the card 11 - STRENGTH. The Hermit represents the necessary introspection to evaluate the results of our actions, whether the fruits of our successes or the consequences of our mistakes. The card 8 - JUSTICE, on the other hand, symbolizes the fairness of the outcomes based on our past actions, reminding us that we reap what we sow.

However, the Wheel of Fortune does not directly speak of moral consequences or specific retributions related to our actions (that is the role of the JUSTICE card). Instead, it speaks to the inevitable renewal of life's cycles. After introspection and judgment, life continues, bringing new opportunities and challenges, ups and downs, without a fixed predestination.

The Wheel of Fortune card teaches us that life is a series of continuous cycles, where each experience enriches our understanding and living. It is not so much the accumulation of material wealth that is at the heart of this card, but rather the accumulation of wisdom and experience. Through these successive experiences, we develop a deep knowledge of life and of ourselves.

Each experience, whether perceived as good or bad, contributes to shaping our character and nourishing complex inner feelings. Over time, these experiences can engender feelings of frustration, anger, or challenge in the face of life's unpredictability. This accumulation of resentments, calling for more and more experiences in search of a vain satisfaction, can be compared to the emergence of a "raging lion" deep within us, symbolizing raw strength and repressed emotions.

This is where the card 11 - STRENGTH, which immediately follows the Wheel of Fortune, becomes meaningful. It invites us to master this inner rage, to channel these sometimes tumultuous energies into constructive and positive power.

In short, the Wheel of Fortune in the Tarot de Marseille reminds us that life is a sequence of experiences that shape and transform us. It does not speak of a fixed destiny or fate but of the cyclical and unpredictable nature of existence. It is an invitation to embrace the flow of events, to learn from each experience, and to use this accumulated wisdom to move forward with greater resilience and understanding.