The Wheel of Fortune Meaning: Ancient Wisdom
In this symbol we have again followed the reconstruction of Eliphas Lévi, who has furnished several variants. It is legitimate to use Egyptian symbolism when this serves our purpose, provided that no theory of origin is implied therein. We have, however, presented Typhon in his serpent form.
The symbolism is, of course, not exclusively Egyptian, as the four Living Creatures of Ezekiel occupy the angles of the card. And the Wheel of Fortune follows other indications of Lévi in respect of Ezekiel’s vision, as illustrative of the particular Tarot Key.
With the French occultist, and in the design itself, the symbolic picture stands for the perpetual motion of a fluidic universe and for the flux of human life. Also the Sphinx is the equilibrium therein. The transliteration of Taro as Rota is inscribed on the wheel, counter-changed with the letters of the Divine Name – to show that Providence is implied through all.
But this is the Divine intention within, and the similar intention without is exemplified by the four Living Creatures. Sometimes the sphinx is represented couchant on a pedestal above. Which defrauds the symbolism by stultifying the essential idea of stability amidst movement.
“The Illustrated Key to the Tarot” written by L. W. de Laurence
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