Bohemian Gothic Tarot

X THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Lighter or more conventional meanings

Fate and fortune, both good and bad * An unexpected turn of events * Accepting that not everything can be controlled * Destiny * Cycles of change, ups and downs.

Darker, shadow or more hidden meanings

Trying to use occult or "forbidden" means to control your fortune * Feeling that you are somehow doomed to a run of bad luck, feeling you're not in control of what's happening * Resisting the ups and downs of fate, even though you know this is futile.

The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that many things in our lives seem to be pure chance - or inescapable destiny, depending on your beliefs. While it's comforting to think that we can plan everything, we know that the reality is that many unpredictable events come along, and we can only prepare to some extent. When The Wheel comes up in a reading it often tells us that our luck is about to change, for better or worse. We might not be able to prevent this, but we can at least prepare, and learn to accept the ups and downs of fortune.

Interestingly, one of the things that makes tarot reading so fascinating is the idea that we may be able to foresee and anticipate events. Many modern readers emphasise that they don't aim to foretell fortunes but rather to help the querent brainstorm and explore their options, but the idea of prediction is still central for many. Personally I feel we often discount or down play this aspect of readings too glibly - let's allow a little magic to remain in the cards.

The Bohemian Gothic Wheel of Fortune shows a young woman consulting a an elderly reader who, we can assume, is a fortune-teller of the old school. The scene is set in the late evening, it's possible that the young woman did not want to come during daylight hours for risk of being seen. The older woman looks as though she is uttering some stern warnings and advice. The young woman looks thoughtful, but also calm and collected. Clearly whatever she is being told she isn't the type to panic.

On the wall behind them is a wall-painting showing a winged skull, reminding us that time flies and life is short. This might seem rather grim, but then again, we can take it as a reminder, not a threat, and in fact it's a rather beautiful image in its own right. All in all, this is a contemplative image that tells us that whatever is to come, we should be calm, thoughtful and well-prepared.

Some further ways to consider this card

What is the young woman's story and why has she come to the tarot reader? Looking at the expressions on the faces of these women, what do you think the reader is telling her?

The young woman is dressed fashionably and carries a large box over one arm. What do you think is in the box, literally or symbolically? Is she carrying some kind of secret or is it just something boringly mundane?