Wheel of Fortune as Past (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Wheel of Fortune is the card of luck, karma, and life cycles. A giant wheel turns, showing that life is cyclical. What comes up must come down, and what is down will soon be on its way up. In the corners of the Wheel of Fortune are four winged creatures, each corresponding with the four fixed signs of the Zodiac: Aquarius as the angel, Scorpio as the eagle, Leo as the lion, and Taurus as the bull. Though life turns, there is always stability and wisdom amidst the movement. 

The Wheel of Fortune is a reminder that the wheel of life and love is always turning. Life is constantly changing. If you are going through a hard time now, know that you may be at the bottom of a cycle. Similarly, if things are going well for you, appreciate what you have at this moment. Practice loving kindness, no matter what. As the saying says, “What goes around, comes around.” 

Upright Wheel of Fortune as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Wheel of Fortune, it means that the period was marked by cycles of change, ups and downs, and dynamic shifts in circumstance. This phase carried a rhythm of its own, characterized by unpredictability where one moment might not have clearly indicated what would come next. It might have been a time that taught you the art of adaptability, pushing you to learn how to gracefully maneuver through the changing tides of life, while holding onto hope during downturns and maintaining humility during upswings.

The Wheel of Fortune as the past can represent a time of fluctuating fortunes, where different phases brought both opportunities and challenges, showcasing the cyclical nature of life. During this period, it was as if you were riding a wave, experiencing highs that brought joy and lows that presented hurdles to overcome. This card reminds you that such phases are a natural part of life’s journey, nurturing resilience and teaching the valuable lesson that, no matter the circumstance, the wheel keeps turning, bringing new possibilities with every rotation.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Wheel of Fortune in the past position means the relationship has seen various phases, with moments of happiness and challenges, evolving through time. It might have felt like a journey with scenic routes graced with love and understanding, as well as rough paths that tested the strength of your bond. Remember, these experiences have shaped your relationship into what it is today, offering rich lessons and opportunities to grow individually and as a couple, fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of each other.

If you are asking about an ex, the Wheel of Fortune in the past position means the relationship went through many cycles, with good times followed by not-so-good times, indicating a roller coaster of experiences. The dynamics might have been intense, swinging between joyful highs and challenging lows, painting a canvas of rich experiences, both beautiful and painful. While the relationship had its hardships, it also housed beautiful moments that were testimony to the affection and bond you once shared, moments that are a part of your life’s tapestry, adding depth to your understanding of love and relationships.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Wheel of Fortune in the past position means the relationship has experienced a series of changes, with periods of closeness followed by distance, showing the natural ebbs and flows. Just like the changing seasons, your bond might have witnessed warm, loving phases, and colder, distant periods, teaching you the art of patience and understanding. Reflect on these cycles as a natural progression of relationships, understanding that each phase brings its own set of lessons and growth opportunities, nurturing a bond that is deep and enduring.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Wheel of Fortune in the past position means there have been phases of both good and bad luck, highlighting the importance of adaptability and being prepared for change. Your journey might have felt like a sail through changing winds, where sometimes you had to hold tight during storms and at other times, you enjoyed smooth sailing. This experience could serve as a constant reminder to stay adaptable and to greet each changing phase with preparedness and a positive spirit, leveraging the good times to their fullest while having the resilience to weather the challenging periods.

Reversed Wheel of Fortune as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Wheel of Fortune reversed, it means that there was a period of unexpected downturns or challenges that felt out of one’s control, possibly leading to feelings of instability. This phase might have felt like a series of unfortunate events, where it was difficult to find firm ground and stability seemed elusive. The silver lining here is the resilience and strength that such periods foster, helping you develop a robust spirit, capable of standing tall even when faced with the most challenging circumstances, always learning and adapting.

The Wheel of Fortune reversed as the past can represent a time when there seemed to be more downswings than up, with obstacles popping up frequently and possibly a feeling of being stuck in a rut. It could have been a time where you felt bogged down by continuous setbacks, each day feeling somewhat similar to the last, and struggling to find a way to break the cycle. Despite the hard times, this period also urged you to find inner strength, to foster determination, and to hold onto the belief that brighter days would come, learning valuable lessons from the experiences.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Wheel of Fortune reversed in the past position means there might have been unexpected disruptions that brought tension or hardship, making the journey somewhat rocky. During this phase, your relationship might have navigated through sudden twists and turns, with unforeseen challenges testing the strength of your bond. While it might have been a turbulent time, it’s also a testament to your shared journey and the challenges you have faced together, potentially laying a foundation for a deeper understanding and a stronger bond moving forward.

If you are asking about an ex, the Wheel of Fortune reversed in the past position means the relationship may have faced numerous challenges and perhaps had a tendency towards unpredictability and instability. You might recall periods of unease, where the future seemed uncertain and where trust was constantly being tested. While the journey was difficult, it is important to honor the growth that came from navigating such complex dynamics, acknowledging the deep understanding it brought about relationships and personal boundaries.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Wheel of Fortune reversed in the past position means the relationship went through tough times, possibly marked by misunderstandings and unexpected twists. This period might have seen a series of conflicts, perhaps arising from unanticipated circumstances that tested the stability of your connection. Despite the trials, it’s crucial to remember the lessons learned during this time, appreciating how navigating through hardships together can often lead to a deeper understanding and a richer, more nuanced relationship.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Wheel of Fortune reversed in the past position means there were periods of hardship, with plans not panning out as hoped, and feeling like luck wasn’t on your side. This stage might have been marked by frustration and disillusionment, as ambitions met with obstacles and goals seemed distant. However, even in the midst of setbacks, it is worth acknowledging the strength and resilience you displayed, constantly adapting and striving forward, equipped with a richer understanding and preparedness for the future challenges life throws your way.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Wheel of Fortune reveals the cyclical and karmic nature of love and life. It reminds us to practice loving kindness, because “what goes around, comes around.” If we lean into the Wheel’s true nature, we will be more appreciative of the good times we have, and also understand that the bad times will pass. Knowing this, you will be a more compassionate and empathetic partner, inviting positive energy into your life.

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.