Major Arcana · Card X · Fire

Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card Meaning

Played by The Clock Tower

The Gothic Clock Tower strikes the witching hour, the wheel of fate turning with cosmic indifference, marking the moment everything is about to change.

Cycles, fate, and the turning of life.

Upright

Surrender to the turn. Trust the cycle.

Reversed

Break the pattern. Stop resisting what must change.

Number: 10A cycle completed
Element: FireFortune, cycle, scale
Planet: JupiterExpansion, the turn
Yes or No: YesYes — the turn favors you.
Character: Clock TowerStriking the witching hour

Wheel of Fortune Terror Tarot card, Original Edition: a gothic clock tower striking 3 a.m. in the rain, a sphinx head above the clock, a serpent coiled on the left pillar and Anubis on the right, bats overhead.

Wheel of Fortune Terror Tarot card, Shadow Edition: white line art on black of the gothic clock tower at the witching hour, with sphinx, serpent, Anubis and four carved creatures.

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Wheel of Fortune card with its symbols marked

Wheel of Fortune card description

What's on the card

A gothic clock tower reads 3 a.m. A sphinx's head sits above the clock face, a serpent coils down the pillar on the left, and a statue of Anubis stands on the right. A cherub, an eagle, a lion, and a bull are carved into the corners, with bats, lanterns, and rain all around.

From the Terror Tarot guidebook

Wheel of Fortune, in our words

Our reimagining of the Wheel of Fortune features a gothic clock tower adorned with various carvings and statues that hold great significance. The hands of the clock strike 3 a.m., the witching hour, signaling peak paranormal activity. They are tipped with the alchemical symbols for water, salt, mercury, and sulfur, representing the four elements: water, earth, air, and fire; these are essential to the balance of life. They are held within the confines of the physical realm, outlined here by the clock’s perimeter. Beyond its face lies the metaphysical realm and the figures that symbolize its various facets.

Two pillars are positioned on both sides of the wheel. A serpent coils around the pillar on the left, spiralling downwards, representative of the descent of the soul from the spiritual plane to the mortal realm. This can perhaps portray a loss of innocence or spirituality. To the right, a statue of Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Underworld, stands for the transition of the soul from life into death and the ascension from the ways of the flesh to divine spirituality. Above the wheel, we see the head of the sphinx. This figure signifies the spiritual knowledge and insight that preside over the mysteries of the life cycle. Although these mysteries may never be known to us, the flying bats, illuminated lanterns, pouring rain, and overgrown shrubbery suggest that law exists and transcends to the higher dimensions.

On the four corners outside of the wheel, there are engravings of a cherub, an eagle, a lion, and a bull. Each of these blocks characterizes one of the four fixed zodiac signs: Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo, and Taurus respectively. Each creature carries Themis’ blindfold, symbolizing their wisdom. They are ensconced inside the clock tower, unwavering through the midst of the billowing wind and rain.

Terror Tarot guidebook · Wheel of Fortune · pages 30–32

▲ Upright

Wheel of Fortune upright meaning

Love	A fated meeting, a turning point, or a relationship entering a new chapter.
Career	A lucky break, sudden opportunity, or change that moves you up.
Money	Fortune turns in your favor. Enjoy it, but remember the wheel keeps moving.
Feelings	Fate, anticipation, acceptance
Action	Surrender to the turn. Trust the cycle.

Upright in love

In a love reading, the Wheel of Fortune feels like the clock striking three: something is about to shift. Single readers may cross paths with someone who feels destined, often through a chance encounter. Couples may reach a turning point such as moving in, getting engaged, or simply growing into a new phase. Karma plays a part too. The love you have given is finding its way back to you.

Upright in career

The Wheel of Fortune tarot card brings movement to your working life. A surprise opportunity, a promotion, or a door opening where you didn't expect one are all possible. Timing is on your side, so say yes when the moment comes. Remember that cycles turn both ways. Use the high point to build something that will hold steady when the hands move on.

Upright in money

With money, the Wheel often signals a positive turn: a windfall, a raise, or an investment finally paying off. Luck favors you now, but the rain and the bats around the tower are a reminder that no season lasts forever. Put some of this good fortune aside for when the cycle turns again.

As feelings

Swept up in fate, anticipation and acceptance. They feel that meeting you was meant to happen and are curious to see where it leads.

As an action

Surrender to the turn. Trust the cycle. A person shown by the Wheel of Fortune goes with the flow. They seize opportunities as they appear and adapt when life changes.

▼ Reversed

Wheel of Fortune reversed meaning

Love	Repeating the same relationship patterns, or fighting a change that has already come.
Career	Setbacks, bad timing, or clinging to a role that has run its course.
Money	A downturn or unexpected cost. Prepare instead of gambling to win it back.
Feelings	Frustration, resistance, the urge to break free
Action	Break the pattern. Stop resisting what must change.

Reversed in love

Reversed, the Wheel of Fortune suggests a cycle stuck on repeat. You may keep choosing the same kind of partner, or keep having the same argument. It can also mean resisting a change in the relationship that is going to happen anyway. Look at the pattern honestly. Breaking it is how the clock finally moves forward.

Reversed in career

In career readings, the reversed Wheel can bring delays, bad luck or plans upended by forces outside your control. Fighting the turn only wears you out. Ask what you can learn from the setback, and whether you are clinging to a role that no longer fits. Small changes now can break a cycle that has held you back for years.

Reversed in money

Reversed, this card warns of a financial dip: an unexpected bill, a lost source of income, or a run of bad luck. Avoid chasing losses or betting on a quick turnaround. Trim expenses, build a cushion, and look for the habit that keeps bringing you back to this same place.

As feelings

They feel frustrated, resistant and desperate to break free. Something keeps repeating, and they feel caught in a loop they didn't choose.

As an action

Break the pattern. Stop resisting what must change. Someone in this position may resist every change, or keep making the same choice and expecting a different result.

Only in the Terror Tarot

Original vs Shadow Edition

Every card in the Terror Tarot comes in two editions, and each edition reads a little differently. The Original Edition speaks to what is out in the open. The Shadow Edition speaks to what is moving beneath the surface.