The World

Alternative Names: The Universe

Number: 21

Astrological Sign or Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth

Key Meanings: Completion, success, reward, and joy

The World card in Tarot is a wonderful card, representing a successful conclusion after all aspects have been accounted for. Things have come full circle. A journey has been completed, and a long-term project has come to an end. The basic symbols of this card are a dancing woman or hermaphrodite, a wreath in the shape of a yoni (almond-shaped circle), two wands, a cherub, eagle, lion, and bull.

Upright Meaning: This is the last numbered card of the Major Arcana. It represents balance and support by unseen forces and symbolizes the end of the spiritual journey begun by The Fool. To embark upon the spiritual journey is to invite unseen forces to interact with us. These creative energies manifest in many ways, and often serve as guides. Guides bring us into grace and show the way. To encounter a guide—and they come in many guises—is to enter another realm, a place of great powers and, sometimes, great secrets. This realm belongs to the invisible world, although its denizens can, like angels, assume human or animal form. To interface with this world is to be impacted in a way that is life-changing. With guides, we enter a world of supreme power—not the power of the material world but of the invisible order that supports and nourishes our world and our lives here. It is the realm of the sacred.

When The World card appears in a reading, it is a signal that you have been guided to the successful conclusion of your spiritual journey. At this, the final stage, you will receive what is rightfully yours because you have earned it. Now you are and feel whole, complete. You are refreshed from your long journey and ready to begin anew at a higher level.

Reversed Meaning: When reversed, the World shows you are ready to move on but feel blocked or don’t feel you are deserving of success. It can also show hanging on to one ambition that eludes you—and if so, it’s time to redefine what you want and adjust your expectations, as you may be clinging on to a dream to the exclusion of all else. Alternatively, you may feel eclipsed by another’s shining light. Overall, however, the negatives here are minor, and you will get what you deserve; it may just take a little longer to become obvious. In the meantime, keep the faith.

About the Deck: “Ciro Marchetti’s Tarot of Dreams” from Tarot.com.