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The Wheel Of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is the eleventh card in the Major Arcana, and is given the number ten, which corresponds to the number of sephiroth in the Tree of Life. The Wheel spins in the midway point of the Major Arcana, indicating a crucial turning point. It is a metaphor for Karma, Fate, and Destiny. The creatures pictured in the corners of the card symbolize the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, just as the Pentacles, Swords, Wands, and Cups of the Tarot do. The letters on the great Wheel can be arranged to form many different words that each have meaning: ROTA, the Latin word meaning wheel; ORAT, the Latin word meaning speaks; TARO, the phonetic pronunciation of Tarot, TORA, the Hebrew holy book and the word seen on the scroll of the High Priestess; and ATOR, thought to be another name for Hathor, an Egyptian Goddess. The snake on the Wheel has long been associated with evil, but is also an important symbol of transformation. The jackal-headed man is a representation of Anubis, an Egyptian God who is the guardian of the Underworld. The sphinx is attributed to Horus, associated with resurrection. In these three figures, the Wheel’s course of life, death, and rebirth is embodied. Only when you step back from the daily events in your life can you see the greater patterns—the Wheel itself in motion.
The Wheel of Fortune indicates situations in your life that are coming to a close, as well as new opportunities coming to replace them. Major life decisions and milestones are coming, and some have just passed. Things you set in motion some time ago are beginning to bear fruit. Seeds you plant now will be sprouting when the Wheel comes full circle again. When you step back and examine the cause and effect of your present situation, you can adjust your actions accordingly to produce a better outcome.
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Illustrations and images from the Rider Tarot Deck reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright © 1971, 1982 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. The Rider Tarot Deck ® is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc. The world's largest source of tarot and cartomancy is U.S. Games Systems, Inc. A catalog may be obtained by contacting the company at 179 Ludlow Street, Stamford, CT 06902, Fax: 203-353-8431 or call 1-800-544-2637.
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