The Pictorial Key to the Tarot

X. Wheel of Fortune
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X
Wheel of Fortune
In this symbol I have again followed the reconstruction of Éliphas Lévi, who has furnished several
variants. It is legitimate--as I have intimated--to use Egyptian symbolism when this serves our purpose,
provided that no theory of origin is implied therein. I 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 itself 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. The Sphinx is the equilibrium therein. The transliteration of Taro as Rota is inscribed on the wheel,
counterchanged with the letters of the Divine Name--to shew that Providence is imphed 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.
Behind the general notion expressed in the symbol there lies the denial of chance and the fatality which is
implied therein. It may be added that, from the days of Lévi onward, the occult explanations of this card
are--even for occultism itself--of a singularly fatuous kind. It has been said to mean principle, fecundity,
virile honour, ruling authority, etc. The findings of common fortune-telling are better than this on their
own plane.
file:///C|/My%20Documents/Spiritoality/Books/The%20...y%20to%20the%20Tarot%20-%20A.E.%20Waite/pktar10.htm [15/07/2001 23:10:25]