The World is one of the 22 Major Arcana cards in a tarot deck. It is card number 21, considered the card of completion and achievement. The World card exemplifies success, fulfillment, and wholeness. It encourages us to celebrate our achievements and anticipate new beginnings.
The World card depicts a woman (or a hermaphrodite, depending on the deck) dancing within an oval wreath. In her hands, she holds two wands or batons. Around the wreath are four figures (a lion, a bull, an eagle, and a man), which are symbols of the four fixed signs of the Zodiac—Leo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
The dancing figure represents fulfillment and success, while the wreath signifies the cyclical nature of life and the world. The four figures represent the harmony between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life.
In the upright position, the World card represents the achievement of a goal or the completion of a cycle. This card congratulates us on our hard work and urges us to celebrate our successes. The World card encourages us to embrace the wholeness of our experiences and anticipate the new beginnings that follow every ending.
When the World card appears reversed, it serves as a warning against unfinished business or unfulfilled goals. While the World card upright indicates achievement and completion, the reversal cautions against stagnation and fear of change. The reversed World card asks us to confront any unresolved issues and bring them to closure.
The World card signifies the completion of a significant phase or cycle in your life journey. It suggests a moment of achievement and fulfillment, where you can reflect on your accomplishments and lessons learned. The World card also hints at the commencement of a new cycle, encouraging you to step into the future with optimism and readiness.
In spiritual terms, the World card represents the attainment of a higher level of consciousness or a state of enlightenment. It indicates a time when you are in harmony with the spiritual and physical worlds, experiencing a sense of unity and wholeness.
In a career context, the World card signifies a time of achievement and recognition. It could indicate the successful completion of a project, the attainment of a career goal, or promotion. The World card also suggests the start of a new professional journey or venture, urging you to embrace change and seize opportunities.
In relationships, the World card reflects a phase of fulfillment, stability, and mutual success. It could indicate a relationship that has reached a mature and satisfying stage or the start of a promising new relationship. In its reversed position, it may suggest unresolved issues or unfulfilled expectations in a relationship.
When the World card appears reversed, it may suggest a lack of closure or completion. This could be a task you’ve left unfinished or a goal you’ve not yet achieved. It’s a call to take action, tie up loose ends, and bring matters to a close.
The reversed World card can also indicate a fear of change or resistance to the end of a cycle. It asks you to face your fears and embrace the change that is inherent to life. Remember, every ending is a new beginning in disguise, and every setback is a setup for a comeback.