Hi there! I'm new to tarot and am eager to start studying the cards (with a RWS-inspired deck). One card that has been a little confusing for me recently is the Wheel of Fortune.
According to some, this is a "go-with-the-flow" card, suggesting that one should simply learn to ride the wave of life's inevitable ups and downs. Those things, along with "this too shall pass,"
Still some sources take a more proactive tack, interpreting it as a signal to grab the moment before things change again, to take a risk or act while the wheel is turning in your favor.
With tarot, there is no one "right" reading; therefore, I am curious to hear your take on the matter. What is the deal with reading the Wheel of Fortune? To you, does it seem more like a call to action or acceptance? I would also be very interested in hearing any analogies or metaphors that you think would assist you in understanding this card.

The Wheel of Fortune is one of those fascinating cards that can carry both passive and active meanings, depending on the context of the reading. Here’s how I usually approach it:
The Passive Side
The Wheel often reminds us that life is cyclical—what’s up will eventually come down, and vice versa. It’s a card that speaks to the impermanence of circumstances, both good and bad. In this sense, it’s a call to surrender to the flow of life, to trust that even the hardest times will pass and that change is inevitable. When it appears in this light, the advice is often to let go of control and embrace the ride, knowing that every phase is temporary.
The Active Side
On the flip side, the Wheel can signal an opportunity to make a move while luck or momentum is in your favor. It’s like catching a wave—you can’t control the ocean, but you can choose to paddle when the current is just right. This interpretation is about recognizing timing and acting when the universe presents you with an opening. It’s not about forcing things, but about being ready to act when the moment feels aligned.
How I Read It
I think the key to understanding the Wheel of Fortune is looking at the surrounding cards and the querent’s situation. If the energy of the reading feels more introspective, it might be saying, “Relax and trust the process.” If it’s surrounded by cards suggesting action or momentum, it might be urging you to take advantage of a fleeting chance.
A Metaphor for the Wheel
One way I like to explain this card is to think of it as a Ferris wheel. Sometimes you’re at the top, enjoying the view, and other times you’re at the bottom, waiting to rise again. But you don’t control the wheel—it keeps turning. What you do control is how you prepare for and react to those changes. Are you making the most of the high points? Are you learning from the lows?

In short, the Wheel of Fortune is about recognizing the ebb and flow of life and deciding whether to ride it out or lean into action. Both perspectives are valid—it all depends on where you are in your journey and what the cards are telling you in the moment.

You can usually move the Wheel ahead or backward, spin it, or stop it completely by pulling a lever on the standard decks. The basic premise is that the Wheel will mirror your every move, making them more powerful. Principles of free will, action with all its repercussions, and cause and effect are at the heart of it. As the Wheel comes to a standstill, you'll have to deal with pressures that you can't predict or with changes in position.
The Wheel is passive and does not initiate any actions on its own. However, it reflects your attitude and decisions back to you in the form of its reactions to the energy and choices you bring to it.

To me, The Wheel is a warning sign that things are about to change. Things will change course shortly if they are heading in one way at the moment. In my view, it's more of a gentle reminder to remain receptive to change and to allow it to flow organically, without pushing back. Embrace the change, whether it's a result of my own choices or something else entirely.

It may also foretell an improvement or worsening of one's fortunes. The most important thing is to be flexible and prepared for anything, but in my experience, it usually points toward things getting better.

Thanks a ton for sharing your thoughts! I really love how you explained the balance between going with the flow and being ready for change. Your view of The Wheel as neither totally passive nor completely active really clicked for me. Super helpful perspective—thanks for taking the time to share!

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