TURNING POINT
MOVEMENT
PERSONAL VISION
In Greek mythology, there are three women known as the Fates. They are responsible for spinning the destiny of each person at his or her birth. It is not surprising that the Fates are spinners because the wheel of fortune is an apt image for the elusive turns of a man’s fate. This is the theme of Card 10.
The Wheel of Fortune is one of the few cards in the major arcana that does not have a human figure as a focal point. This is because its center is above the realm of man – in the higher levels (clouds) where all destinies are woven together in the tapestry of life. The tarot recognizes that each person sets his path in life, but is also subject to the larger cycles that include him. We experience chance events that appear to be accidents although they are part of the great plan.
In readings, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a vision or realization that strikes with great force. If you’ve been struggling with a problem or tough situation, this card can signal that you will find the answer if you stand back and view everything from a larger perspective.
The Wheel of Fortune also represents unexpected encounters and twists of fate. You can’t predict surprises; you can only be aware when one is circling. Indeed, Card 10 often suggests wheel-like actions – changes in direction, repeating cycles, and rapid movement. When the energy of the Wheel arrives, you will feel life speed up. You are caught in a cyclone that may deposit you anywhere. “Round and round and round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows.”
feeling a sense of destiny
- using what chance offers
- seeing life’s threads weave together
- finding opportunity in an accident
- opening to luck
- sensing the action of fate
- witnessing miracles
being at a turning point
- reversing
- moving in a different direction
- turning things around
- having a change in fortune
- altering the present course
- being surprised at a turn of events
feeling movement
- experiencing change
- having the tempo of life speed up
- being swept up in new developments
- rejoining the world of activity
- getting involved
having a personal vision
- seeing how everything connects
- becoming more aware
- uncovering patterns and cycles
- expanding your outlook
- gaining greater perspective
- discovering your role and purpose
Some possibilities
- Two of Swords – being stuck, at an impasse
- Four of Swords – rest, quiet, slow pace
- Four of Pentacles – blocked change, no movement
- Seven of Pentacles – assessment before direction change
Some possibilities
- Eight of Wands – rapid pace, quick developments
There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card’s energy is present but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot be expressed freely, normally, or completely. It may be:
- still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
See Lesson 17 for more information on reversed cards.