The Wheel of Fortune, time, and fate symbolises the endless cycle of death and rebirth. In the Tarot, this wheel is often presided over by a sphinx-like figure - for the sphinx knew the secrets of time. In each corner of the card there is usually one of four figures, a bull, a lion, an eagle and an angel. These symbols represent a number of things. Each one belongs to a fixed sign of the zodiac - the angel to Aquarius, the bull to Taurus, the lion to Leo and the eagle to Scorpio. Four ancient pagan festivals fall during the time the sun is passing through these signs; these are Imbolc, or Candlemas, on 2nd February, Beltane, or May Day, on 1st May, Lugnasad, or Lamas, on 1st/2nd August, and Samhain, or Halloween, on 31st October/1st November. These festivals, too, represent a journey. There is a journey through the seasons; seedtime, fruition, harvest and withdrawal. There is also the journey of the goddess through all her phases, as maiden, bride, mother and crone. Each circular trip eventually returns to its starting point at Samhain (Halloween), when the goddess returns to the underworld. Modern interpreters have also allocated four psychological functions to these elemental creatures. The bull, which belongs to the earth, represents feeling and our physical senses. The lion, whose element is fire, stands for intuition. The scorpion eagle is associated with the emotional aspect of water, and the airborne angel of Aquarius stands for intellect and the mental faculties. This card is traditionally linked with the planet Jupiter, sometimes known as the Luck Bringer, or Great Benefic. It is an expansive planet, striding through the zodiac like a favourite uncle dispensing treats and happy surprises. Here the sense of growth relates to both material circumstances and spiritual awareness. As the Wheel of Fortune turns, so the soul learns to balance the four elements within. Interpretation The Wheel of Fortune The Wheel of Fortune focuses upon the difficult issue of destiny versus free will. This is an almost impossible question to solve. However, both factors seem to operate in life in varying degrees, depending upon individual circumstances. In the writer's view, we are not at the mercy of Fate all the time. Destiny has provided us with certain talents, character traits, parental background and so on, but what we do with this material, and what we can learn from it seems to be up to us. There is usually a choice, or a point where one can make a decision - this is how we learn. When you draw the Wheel, you are approaching one of those moments in life when Fate does take a hand in your affairs. Strange coincidences, fortunate meetings and lucky breaks can all shape your destiny at this time. You may feel as if someone else has written your life script. You begin sentences with, "You'll never believe this, but ....". The Great Cosmic Joker is in a benevolent mood and has decided to throw a few favours in your direction. One thing is certain, the Wheel has turned and you are beginning a new cycle. Positive confusion reigns. Although it may be difficult to live through, it is important not to resist this phase, for when the dust has settled you may find yourself with a whole new set of friends, a new career, or a totally unexpected new home. Reversed Bad luck dogs your path. The goddess of fortune is wearing her dark and destructive face. There is a celestial spanner in the works. Take heart, for the Wheel is always in motion and if you can be patient Fate will smile on you once more. As you can imagine, this is a bad time to initiate any fresh projects, or gamble on things going in your favour. Unexpected delays appear out of nowhere. You can still be heard to say, "You'll never believe this but, ....", but this time bad news completes the sentence. Take comfort in the fact that change is usually positive in the end, and expect the unexpected. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World