Updated: Feb 4
With being the last of the Major Arcana, The World signifies completion and ending. The results after a long journey are completed, and we can now move on to new beginnings. A significant overseas travel card, and a card of successful projects. This is a card for closing an old chapter and entering into a new one. This card holds the four fixed signs of the zodiac.
The imagery of The World card in tarot typically features a central figure, often a woman, enclosed within a large circular wreath or mandala. In each corner of the card, there may be representations of the four fixed signs of the zodiac: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
The central figure holds two wands or batons, symbolizing a sense of balance and mastery. Surrounding the wreath are four elemental symbols, representing the classical elements of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. Sometimes, additional symbolic figures like an angel, an eagle, a lion, and a bull may be present at each corner. The imagery of The World card conveys a sense of completion, fulfilment, and the integration of various aspects of life into a harmonious whole.
Fixed Zodiac Signs: The fixed signs in the zodiac represent the four elements. The lion is Leo, a fire sign, the Bull is Taurus, an earth sign, the man is Aquarius, an air sign and the eagle is Scorpio, a water sign.
Hermaphrodite Figure: The centred dancer is both male and female, and represented above and below, as well as being between heaven and earth. Sometimes known as 'Sophia' this figure is also seen as the fifth element of spirit. The Figure looks behind her past, yet her body moves her toward the future. The figure is dancing in celebration and victory.
Wands: The wands being held are representative of what has been manifested by the individual.
Wreath: Symbolizes the continuous cycle of success, completion, endings, and new beginnings
Purple Cloth: Signifies spiritual attainment and mastery.
UPRIGHT
The World appearing in a general reading suggests you have mastered all spiritual lessons in this cycle, and it is time to move on to your next adventure. You are the master of your success and the goals you had are now complete. This is a card of success, abundance, and mastery in its greatest forms.
REVERSE
The World can indicate a feeling of unfulfillment and emptiness regarding your life. There are likely certain cycles, events, situations, or projects that are nearing their end but are delayed in completion. Your energy may be scattered and unfocused, and there may be a lack of honouring achievements and celebrations. Alternatively, The World can indicate taking shortcuts or not taking the necessary steps needed to achieve your goals.
UPRIGHT
The World appearing in love or relationship-related readings can signify endings of relationships and beginnings - this does not necessarily mean breakups, but can instead be significant for the next steps in a relationship. The World can signify receiving closure about a situation or event related to relationships. However, most commonly The World signifies completing one stage of a relationship and moving on to the next in a positive way. This is a significant milestone and can represent long-term commitments and relationships.
REVERSE
The World can suggest a feeling of unfulfillment in your love life. It may be that you or your partner are not ready to take the next step concerning your relationship, or are evening possibly fearing or avoiding the next step. This can result in delays in relationship progress or possibly even being stuck in the past.
UPRIGHT
The World appearing in a career, job or business-related reading can signify finished projects and goals being successfully met. The World can sometimes indicate overseas careers or travelling for work, particularly long-distance. Alternatively, The World can indicate positively leaving careers and jobs to expand and bring new beginnings.
REVERSE
The World can indicate avoiding the next step in your career. You may have been presented with opportunities to take your career to the next level, but are fearing to take the next step, or there are delays in getting to the next step. You may also feel unfulfilled in your career and instead are hoping for something more in your professional life. There may be incomplete projects or delays in the completion of projects.
UPRIGHT
The World appearing in a financial reading can suggest you are reaching financial goals and profitable milestones. This is great if you want to achieve a goal to make a big financial purpose, and shows that there is great planning that you have done for this. Before reaching your goals, do not make any big purchases or investments before attainment, as this will cause you to tread on how far you have come financially.
REVERSE
The World can indicate that you are close to completing your financial goals, but there may be delays in getting there. In some instances, you may be financially comfortable, but feel unfulfilled in your personal life. You may also be spending before you successfully reach your financial goals, causing large delays in achievement.
UPRIGHT
When The World appears in a health reading, it can be a positive card to represent being close to recovery and optimal health and fulfilment. It's a card of success, achievement, and victory, and suggests any actions you take towards achieving good health will soon pay off.
REVERSE
The World can indicate nearing the end of a health battle and being close to recovery, but there may be delays or even avoidance of treatment options. Alternatively, The World in reverse can indicate that you are taking shortcuts that are not allowing you to fully achieve good health.
As an individual, The World can indicate someone successful and driven. This individual can set goals and achieve them successfully and also can create a step-by-step plan of action to reach their goals. They celebrate and honour themselves and their achievement, as well as reflect proudly on how far they have come, whilst also preparing for their next ambitious goal.
A beautiful travel card, success in all aspects of your life, and being a professional master of this spiritual lesson. The ability to ascend to new levels of awareness.
This card can signify leaving long-term jobs, relationships or situations. Can suggest a need for closure, taking shortcuts, or avoiding an inevitable end. It can suggest being unable to meet goals or taking a long route.