The Wheel of the Year Tarot represents a profound synthesis of traditional Tarot symbolism and the ancient pagan calendar, reflecting the eternal flow of life observed in nature. This deck, developed by Maria Caretti and Antonella Platano in 2011, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things with the natural world and its cyclical rhythms. Unlike many Tarot decks that focus primarily on human figures, the Wheel of the Year Tarot often highlights the power of nature itself—bonfires, snowflakes, lightning, and changing seasons—as the primary lens through which to understand human experience.
The central theme of this deck is seasonality. It posits that just as seasons follow one another in an unbroken cycle, human development and life events also move in cycles. The deck encourages individuals to tune themselves to these natural rhythms, moving with the flow rather than against it. This approach is visually represented in the Major Arcana through the inclusion of mythical creatures and natural phenomena, reflecting a Pagan worldview where humanity is inextricably linked to the planet's processes. The deck remains true to the Raider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tradition, meaning that readers familiar with standard RWS imagery can interpret these cards effectively, even without the text, as the seasonal settings enhance rather than obscure the traditional meanings.
The Symbolism of the Wheel of the Year Card
The specific card known as the "Wheel of the Year" in this deck (often corresponding to the standard Wheel of Fortune card in the Major Arcana) is rich in symbolism. It features a golden eight-spoked wheel surrounded by a silver pentagram, set against a clear blue sky with soft clouds. The card evokes the magic of the eight sabbats and the four seasons.
The wheel itself represents the cycle of the year, the turning of seasons, and the concept of fate and luck. The inclusion of the pentagram grounds the imagery in Pagan spiritual practice. The card generally signifies luck, chance, and random events that are actually part of a larger, planned whole. It suggests that while individuals choose their own paths, they remain within a larger circle of destiny.
Interpretations and Divinatory Meaning
In a Tarot spread, the Wheel of the Year card serves as a powerful indicator of change and movement. It is one of the few cards in the Major Arcana that does not feature a human figure, signifying that the events it represents are often beyond the immediate human realm or control.
Upright Meaning
When appearing upright in a reading, the Wheel of the Year brings keywords such as "Cycle of the Year," "luck," and "the use of energy and the magic of each season." It is associated with the Goddess of fortune (Fortuna) and the Goddess of the Moon (Arianrod), with an astrological link to Jupiter.
The card signifies that life is about to speed up. The energy of the Wheel arriving can feel like being grabbed by a tornado; it creates a sense of turning, spinning, and rapid movement. While this can be a good omen, indicating that things are turning around for the better, it fundamentally represents the law of cause and effect. It reminds the querent that change is a natural part of the cycle. If a difficult problem is present, the card suggests that stepping back to see the broader perspective will reveal the answer. It encourages appreciation of the present moment while understanding that both pleasant and unpleasant situations are temporary.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, the keywords shift to "unlucky times" or a "feeling of being separate from the seasons and the rhythms of nature." It may indicate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the "winter blues," suggesting a disconnection from the natural flow of life and energy.
The Deck’s Structure: Seasons and Suits
A unique feature of the Wheel of the Year Tarot deck is the integration of the four seasons with the four suits of the Minor Arcana. This structure provides a deeper layer of meaning for readings, linking specific life areas to the energy of the time of year.
- Winter and Pentacles: The Pentacles suit (Earth element) is associated with the winter solstice and the Holly tree. In the deck's imagery, this is represented by holly in the lower right corner. Holly is a classical Yuletide plant used in herbal medicine to attract luck and offer protection. This suit represents stability, material matters, and the introspection of winter.
- Spring and Swords: The Swords suit (Air element) corresponds to the Spring Equinox. The imagery includes the cherry blossom, a classic flower of spring that represents nobility and a chivalrous spirit. This suit deals with intellect, conflict, and the clarity that comes with new beginnings in spring.
- Summer and Wands: The Wands suit (Fire element) is linked to the Summer Solstice. The imagery features green oak leaves and the camellia blooming stick. This suit represents energy, passion, creativity, and the vitality of summer.
- Autumn and Cups: While not explicitly detailed in the specific chunks regarding the Autumn/Cups imagery, the deck follows a logical seasonal progression. The Cups suit (Water element) generally aligns with the emotional depth of autumn.
The Wheel of the Year in a Spread
When the Wheel of the Year appears in a spread, it acts as a focal point for understanding the timing and nature of change.
- Perspective: It often refers to a vision or perception that has a strong impact on the querent. If one is stuck, the card advises looking at the situation from a higher level, beyond immediate human concerns.
- Surprises: The card symbolizes sudden turns of fate. These are events that one does not anticipate but are inevitable parts of the spinning wheel.
- Cyclical Nature: It serves as a reminder that "everything will pass." If one is currently on top of the world, the card warns that this too shall change. Conversely, in difficult times, it offers the hope that the wheel will turn again toward positivity.
The card emphasizes the law of cause and effect. It suggests that while we have free will to choose our path, the outcomes are influenced by the larger cycles of life. It is a call to accept change as a necessary part of existence rather than fighting against it.
Historical Context and Creation
The Wheel of the Year Tarot deck was published in 2011. It was created through the collaboration of Maria Caretti and Antonella Platano. Maria Caretti brought the foundational idea that everything in the world is interconnected and fluid, mirroring the development of people in cycles. Antonella Platano provided the artistic vision, giving the deck a "fabulous flair" that continues the ideas of her previous works like "78 Doors" and "Universal Goddess."
The deck is part of the "light group" and reflects the power of all four elements. It belongs to the English school of Tarot, maintaining the structure where Strength is number 8 (as in the Arthur Waite deck). The deck is noted for being rich in symbols that may not be immediately obvious, immersing the viewer in a world of mythical creatures, wise rulers, and ordinary peasants, all subject to the influence of nature.
Conclusion
The Wheel of the Year Tarot offers a unique approach to divination by rooting it deeply in the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. By aligning the suits of the Tarot with the solstices and equinoxes, it provides a framework for understanding life's challenges and triumphs as part of a natural, recurring rhythm. Whether appearing upright to signal luck and the acceleration of events, or reversed to indicate a disconnection from natural cycles, this card and the deck as a whole encourage a broader perspective. They remind us that we are part of a larger, spinning wheel of fate, where change is the only constant, and where understanding the flow of energy can help us navigate the inevitable turns of life.