Wheel of Fortune Reversed: Core Meaning
Last Updated: March 21, 2026 |
Reviewed by: Deckaura Editorial Team |
Reading Time: 5 min
If the Wheel of Fortune appears reversed in the Tarot, its energy undergoes a fundamental change. Upright, it represents cycles, destiny, turning points, good fortune, divine will, and fluctuations in wealth; reversed, it carries a completely different meaning. Conversely, a reversed Wheel of Fortune foreshadows misfortune, resistance to change, failure, unwillingness to accept change, loss of control, and stagnation.
A reversed card doesn't necessarily represent a negative meaning. It often points to inner energy, obstacles that need attention, or lessons that haven't been fully internalized. The reversed Wheel of Fortune card is a reminder to examine how these themes are manifested in your life.
Upright vs Reversed: Key Differences
An upright Wheel of Fortune symbolizes cycles, destiny, turning points, luck, and the ever-changing nature of life. These qualities flow freely and radiate outwards. When inverted, this energy is blocked, stagnant, or contracted inwards.
Imagine it's like a volume knob turned too low or too high—the direction is reversed. The essence remains the same, but the manifestation changes. When you reverse the wheel of fortune, you might find that traits such as misfortune, resistance to change, failure, unwillingness to accept change, loss of control, and stagnation emerge because vertical energy is not flowing normally.
Wheel of Fortune Reversed in Love
In love divination, the reversed Wheel of Fortune symbolizes destiny, romance, fateful encounters, turning points in relationships, karmic consequences in love, or the cycle of intimate relationships. This doesn't mean your relationship is destined to fail. Instead, it points to areas that require attention and honest communication. Reflect on which patterns are recurring and in which areas there is potential for growth.
Wheel of Fortune Reversed: What to Do
If you draw the reversed Wheel of Fortune, consider it an opportunity to stop and reflect. This card encourages you to examine your inner self and confront the issues that are overwhelming you. Write in a journal about your misfortunes, resistance to change, setbacks, unwillingness to accept change, feelings of loss of control, stagnation, and how these experiences are affecting your current situation.
Remember, reversed cards often contain the seeds of their true meaning. By recognizing and utilizing the energy of reversed cards, you can create space for the positive and healing aspects of cycles, destiny, turning points, good fortune, and life changes to naturally manifest themselves.
Read the full guide: "The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Cards Explained"
Wheel of Fortune Reversed Meaning by Context
| Context |
Wheel of Fortune Reversed Meaning |
| General |
Bad luck, resistance to change, or setbacks |
| In Love |
Bad timing or resisting a needed change |
| In Career |
Setbacks or an unlucky turn |
| As Feelings |
Uncertain or shifting feelings |
| As Advice |
Accept what you cannot control and adapt |
| Yes or No |
No |
Frequently Asked Questions About Wheel of Fortune Reversed
What does the Wheel of Fortune reversed mean in a love reading?
In love, the Wheel of Fortune reversed suggests a period of stagnation or a cycle that feels stuck, often pointing to unresolved patterns repeating. It gently reminds you to examine where you may be resisting necessary change, as this resistance can block a new, more aligned romantic chapter from unfolding.
Does the Wheel of Fortune reversed mean my bad luck will never end?
Not at all—this card signals that you are in a temporary limbo, not a permanent curse. It encourages you to shift your perspective and take small, intentional actions to break the cycle, as the wheel always turns, and your fortune can shift when you align with its movement.
How does the Wheel of Fortune reversed affect my career or finances?
In career or finances, this card often indicates delays, missed opportunities, or a sense of being out of sync with timing. Rather than forcing outcomes, use this phase to reassess your goals and build resilience, knowing that external cycles will eventually turn in your favor.
What should I do when I keep getting the Wheel of Fortune reversed?
Seeing this card repeatedly is a clear nudge to release control and accept that some forces are beyond your influence. Focus on grounding yourself in the present and identifying what you can change—your attitude and choices—rather than lamenting the unchangeable.
Can the Wheel of Fortune reversed indicate a positive change is coming?
Yes, it can signal that a difficult cycle is nearing its end, even if you don’t see it yet. The reversal often precedes a breakthrough, so trust that the pause is preparing you for a more fortunate turn—stay open and patient, as the wheel is always in motion.
Related Tarot Card Guides
More About This Card
Free Tarot Tools
