As the final card of the Major Arcana, The World signifies the culmination of a journey and the fulfilment of goals. It marks the successful completion of long-term endeavours, allowing you to transition into new beginnings with confidence and satisfaction.
The World card often represents significant achievements, such as the successful completion of projects, and can also indicate the prospect of overseas travel, broadening your horizons both literally and figuratively. This card symbolises the closing of an old chapter and the exciting commencement of a new one, embodying the cyclical nature of life's continuous evolution.
Additionally, The World card features the four fixed signs of the zodiac—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius—highlighting stability and the integration of various aspects of life into a harmonious whole.
The World Keywords
Upright Keywords | Reversed Keywords |
Completion, endings, beginnings, cycles, overseas travel, success, projects finished, fulfilment, global awareness | Avoiding an ending, delays, unfocused energy, shortcuts, refusing ends, incomplete projects, and lack of celebrations |
Imagery & Symbolism
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, symbolising 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 held by the figure symbolise the power and achievements manifested by the individual. They represent the culmination of efforts and the tangible results of one's will and determination.
Wreath: Encircling the figure, the wreath is a powerful symbol of the continuous cycle of life, success, and renewal. It signifies that with every ending comes a new beginning, embodying the concept of eternal completion and rebirth.
Purple Cloth: Draped around the figure, the purple cloth signifies spiritual attainment and mastery. Purple, a colour traditionally associated with royalty and spiritual wisdom, highlights the individual's journey towards higher understanding and enlightenment.
The World Tarot Card Meanings
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.
REVERSED
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.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
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.
REVERSED
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.
CAREER, JOB & BUSINESS
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.
REVERSED
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.
FINANCES & MONEY
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.
REVERSED
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.
WELLNESS
UPRIGHT
When The World appears in a wellness reading, it can be a positive card to represent being close to recovery and optimal wellbeing and fulfilment. It's a card of success, achievement, and victory, and suggests any actions you take towards achieving good wellness will soon pay off.
REVERSED
The World can indicate nearing the end of a wellbeing 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 wellness.
PERSONALITY & ARCHETYPES
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.
POSITIVES & ADVANTAGES
The World tarot card embodies a multitude of positive aspects and advantages. Firstly, it serves as a beautiful symbol of travel, indicating opportunities for exploration, adventure, and expansion beyond current boundaries. Moreover, it signifies success across all aspects of life, reflecting achievements in career, relationships, and personal endeavours.
Those who embrace the lessons of The World card may find themselves mastering spiritual principles, attaining profound insights, and ascending to new levels of awareness and consciousness. It represents the culmination of a journey, where individuals stand as professional masters of the lessons they've learned, ready to embark on new chapters filled with possibility and growth.
NEGATIVES & DISADVANTAGES
Despite its positive connotations, The World tarot card also carries certain negatives and disadvantages that warrant consideration. It can serve as a sign of endings, suggesting the need to leave behind long-term jobs, relationships, or situations that no longer serve one's highest good. This transition may be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty or loss.
Additionally, The World card may caution against the temptation to take shortcuts or evade necessary closures, emphasising the importance of facing endings with grace and integrity. Furthermore, it can indicate struggles in achieving goals or progress, symbolising the potential need to reassess plans and take a longer, more deliberate route to success.
THE WORLD TAROT CARD MEANINGS:
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