Wheel of Fortune
The Destiny card represents the Universe in its infinite state of change, reflecting the interconnected cycles of existence that govern all life. It speaks to fate, unexpected opportunities, and the natural rhythm of expansion and contraction that drives cosmic evolution. The card teaches us that we are woven into an invisible tapestry of destiny, where unseen events influence our lives in ways we cannot predict. It encourages finding our center point of stillness while remaining alert to rapidly opening and closing doors of opportunity.
Keywords
Alchemy
Planetary trump of Jupiter; connects Chesed and Netzach on the Tree of Life
Kindred Souls
Lord of the Forces of Life; Fortune and Norns
Essence
Fate and destiny. Changes and movement. Expansion and impulse. End and beginning of cycles. Development, constant growth and success. Unexpected gifts or opportunities. Initiative. Creativity. Wholeness. Individual insight. Faith, humility and acceptance.
Meaning
The Destiny card reflects the Universe in its infinite state of change. When this card appears in a spread, coming changes, movements, or expansions are inevitable. This card relates to fate and how everything is woven together into indissoluble cycles of existence. While in most cases this card prophesies happy fortune, in a broader sense it describes blind fate. It may herald unexpected events or sudden changes in the measured course of phenomena. It is very closely connected with the concept of luck, which may manifest as unexpected gifts, fortunate encounters, or pleasant surprises. The development of events changes direction or begins to accelerate, often leading to long-awaited breakthroughs or sudden reconsiderations that allow us to view phenomena from a completely different perspective. An important event directly related to our question should occur in the near future, and we should be alert to immediately recognize and use it to our advantage. The Wheel of the Universe continues to turn, opening doors of new opportunities for us. These doors open and close very quickly, so we must be brave and decisive not to miss our chance. This card teaches us that absolutely all fates, including our own lives, are woven together in an invisible tapestry. Events we don't even suspect exert their influence on our lives, giving them a course we cannot foresee.
The Wheel of Fortune
In many traditional Tarot decks, this card is called the Wheel of Fortune, reflecting the unceasing rotation of the Universe and its natural cycles, similar to the circular movement of constellations across the night sky. Each star—and each person—has their specific place and path on this wheel and experiences the influence of larger cosmic cycles. Our individual place is determined by our astrological signs. It is this wheel that is depicted on the card, symbolizing the infinite rotation of natural cycles reflected in the life of each of us, including you and me. These cycles manifest in the changing of seasons and the alternation of days and nights. Once we realize we are also woven into these cycles at a deeper level, we begin to understand our connections and purposes in the great order of interaction of all existence. This allows us to foresee further development of our lives and penetrate them with our inner vision from an unbroken point. This gives us freedom and courage to act, taking into account the environment and tendencies around us. Movement, however, it should be noted, always remains unpredictable. Within each of us rotates a wheel of microcosm containing all elements of the Universe, with some of which our connections are stronger than with others. And although we all move through life subject to spiraling forces, at the core of each of us lies an unshakeable point of support, an immobile center that allows us to stand firmly and maintain concentration throughout life. This point of stillness and calm is closely connected to the qualities of the previous card, the Hermit. The Destiny card may suggest that we should seek this central position to gain a broader and more objective view of the situation that interests us. If we are desperately trying to solve some problem, this card may signal that we will receive answers to our questions only when we find our point of support. This card also indicates the presence of cycles, rhythms, and sequences requiring deep and careful study.
Analysis and Symbolism
As we have seen, this card is closely connected with the concept of destiny—the unfolding spiral of events and phenomena in each person's life. Whether we believe our fates are written on 'heavenly tablets' or consider that our lives develop according to the natural order of things, we have the opportunity to penetrate the meaning of the flow of events if we pay close attention to the global cyclical nature of natural phenomena. In some sense, this card implies inaction, passivity, abandonment of excessive precautions, and entrusting our fate to chance. We often encounter unexpected events that appear to us as part of randomness, but they are all part of the great universal scheme, invisible and unconscious to us in our earthly positions. The art of fortune-telling, like Tarot, is based on penetrating these elusive currents. Destiny is the planetary trump of Jupiter, whose main characteristic is considered expansion. On the Tree of Life, Jupiter sits on the throne in Chesed, the sphere of mercy. Constant movement keeps the Universe in a state of balance and stability, comparable to a wheel that must rotate to avoid falling and continue its path. The three vampiric creatures depicted on the wheel represent forces maintaining its movement. On the right is a vampire-panther illustrating positive force: this is active and creative energy that ignites the fire of life (summer). On the left we see a vampire-serpent representing the negative force of retrospection, dissipation, and destruction (winter). At the top of the wheel is depicted a sphinx-like being composed of four elemental animals: it plays the role of guardian and connecting link of opposites, creating impulse for the wheel's rotation and allowing everything present in the Universe to exist. Eight spokes symbolize the milestones of the year. The four elements are represented by gems set into the wheel—air (yellow) at the top, earth (purple) at the base, fire (red) on the right, and water (green) on the left. The white stone of spirit is located at the wheel's center, framed by roses of corresponding colors.
Shadow
Usually the Destiny card promises good fortune, since Jupiter's sign is expansion. However, finding itself in a shadow position, this card may have somewhat different meaning. It may inform us of the necessity to follow the natural course of events or call us to gather courage and cast aside caution to fully utilize the opportunities provided to us. Perhaps we need to find our point of support and calm our emotions to gain clearer understanding of the situation. Destiny in shadow position may also mean that events are getting out of our control and it seems we are no longer able to influence them. This applies not only to negative emotions; perhaps we are captivated and enchanted by a wonderful new acquaintance or event that happened in our lives. Sometimes Destiny in shadow may herald coming disappointment, and then we must prepare for it by strengthening our spirit and reminding ourselves that the wheel will soon make a new turn bringing us luck and joy if we remain true to ourselves and grateful to fate for all we already have. Other interpretations of Destiny's shadow position, depending on the question asked, may be suppressed emotions, lack of opportunities, or excessive fatalism.
Visual Description
A dark ornate wheel dominates the center of the image, its spokes forming a circular, almost floral pattern with a small numeral "4" at its hub. A black bird (crow or raven) perches on the top of the wheel while winding vines and branches form a tangled background. Around the wheel bloom roses of many colors — yellow, white, orange, red, green, blue, purple and pink — placed above and below the circle. At the bottom is a Cyrillic title reading "СУДЬБА" and a small watermark "© rozamira.tarot" in the lower right corner.
Tarot of Vampyres
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