The World
Major Arcana
The World
Completion and accomplishment
Upright Meaning
In love and relationships, The World signifies ultimate fulfillment, harmony, and a deep sense of connection. For those in a relationship, it often indicates reaching a significant milestone like marriage, a deeper commitment, or a profound sense of soulmate connection. It suggests that both partners have grown individually and collectively, achieving a state of complete understanding and mutual respect. For singles, The World is an incredibly positive omen, suggesting that you are ready to attract a partner who truly complements you, or that a significant, fulfilling relationship is on the horizon, potentially with someone from a different background or culture, expanding your world. It can also mean completing a cycle of healing old wounds, making you ready for a healthy, complete partnership.
Reversed Meaning
The World in a career reading is a card of monumental success, achievement, and recognition. It signifies the culmination of long-term projects, the successful completion of a major phase, or achieving a highly sought-after goal. You may experience widespread recognition for your efforts, possibly even on an international scale. This card suggests that you have mastered your craft and reached the pinnacle of your professional journey, feeling a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in your work. It can also point to opportunities for global travel, international collaborations, or a career that allows you to connect with people from around the world. It's a sign of a fulfilling and complete professional chapter, ready for new, even more expansive ventures.
Symbolism
The World tarot card, the final card of the Major Arcana, represents completion, fulfillment, and ultimate achievement. At its core, the card depicts a central, dancing figure, often perceived as androgenous or a representation of anima mundi, the soul of the world. This figure is draped with a purple scarf, symbolizing spirituality and regal wisdom, and holds two wands, signifying balance and the manifestation of creation. The figure is encircled by a large green wreath, tied with red ribbons, forming an ouroboros-like symbol of infinity, eternity, and the cyclical nature of life. This wreath also symbolizes victory, wholeness, and the boundaries of a sacred space. Around the four corners of the card, we see the four living creatures from the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation: the bull (Taurus, representing earth/materiality), the lion (Leo, representing fire/strength), the eagle (Scorpio, representing water/emotions, often replacing the angel), and the angel (Aquarius, representing air/intellect). These figures represent the four elements, the four suits of the Minor Arcana, the four directions, and the four evangelists, signifying the integration of all aspects of existence – the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The blue sky in the background suggests clarity and openness. The dancing figure, with one leg crossed, embodies joy, liberation, and a celebration of life's journey, having overcome all challenges and integrated all experiences. It signifies reaching a point of universal understanding and becoming one with the cosmos, experiencing true enlightenment and profound satisfaction. This card is the culmination of the Fool's journey, indicating a successful voyage and the beginning of a new cycle from a place of wisdom.
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try daily readingDetailed Symbolism
The World tarot card, the final card of the Major Arcana, represents completion, fulfillment, and ultimate achievement. At its core, the card depicts a central, dancing figure, often perceived as androgenous or a representation of anima mundi, the soul of the world. This figure is draped with a purple scarf, symbolizing spirituality and regal wisdom, and holds two wands, signifying balance and the manifestation of creation. The figure is encircled by a large green wreath, tied with red ribbons, forming an ouroboros-like symbol of infinity, eternity, and the cyclical nature of life. This wreath also symbolizes victory, wholeness, and the boundaries of a sacred space. Around the four corners of the card, we see the four living creatures from the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation: the bull (Taurus, representing earth/materiality), the lion (Leo, representing fire/strength), the eagle (Scorpio, representing water/emotions, often replacing the angel), and the angel (Aquarius, representing air/intellect). These figures represent the four elements, the four suits of the Minor Arcana, the four directions, and the four evangelists, signifying the integration of all aspects of existence – the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The blue sky in the background suggests clarity and openness. The dancing figure, with one leg crossed, embodies joy, liberation, and a celebration of life's journey, having overcome all challenges and integrated all experiences. It signifies reaching a point of universal understanding and becoming one with the cosmos, experiencing true enlightenment and profound satisfaction. This card is the culmination of the Fool's journey, indicating a successful voyage and the beginning of a new cycle from a place of wisdom.
💕 Love & Relationships
In love and relationships, The World signifies ultimate fulfillment, harmony, and a deep sense of connection. For those in a relationship, it often indicates reaching a significant milestone like marriage, a deeper commitment, or a profound sense of soulmate connection. It suggests that both partners have grown individually and collectively, achieving a state of complete understanding and mutual respect. For singles, The World is an incredibly positive omen, suggesting that you are ready to attract a partner who truly complements you, or that a significant, fulfilling relationship is on the horizon, potentially with someone from a different background or culture, expanding your world. It can also mean completing a cycle of healing old wounds, making you ready for a healthy, complete partnership.
💼 Career & Work
The World in a career reading is a card of monumental success, achievement, and recognition. It signifies the culmination of long-term projects, the successful completion of a major phase, or achieving a highly sought-after goal. You may experience widespread recognition for your efforts, possibly even on an international scale. This card suggests that you have mastered your craft and reached the pinnacle of your professional journey, feeling a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in your work. It can also point to opportunities for global travel, international collaborations, or a career that allows you to connect with people from around the world. It's a sign of a fulfilling and complete professional chapter, ready for new, even more expansive ventures.
🌿 Health & Wellness
Regarding health and wellness, The World points to holistic well-being, recovery, and a sense of completeness. If you've been dealing with health issues, this card suggests a full recovery and a return to vibrant health. It encourages a balanced approach to health, integrating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. You are likely feeling more vital, energetic, and in tune with your body's needs. This card can also signify reaching a significant health or fitness goal, such as completing a marathon, successfully adhering to a healthy lifestyle, or finding a sense of inner peace that profoundly impacts your physical state. It's about achieving a state of harmonious health.
✨ Spiritual Growth
Spiritually, The World represents enlightenment, cosmic consciousness, and the integration of all spiritual lessons. You have reached a profound understanding of your place in the universe, feeling connected to all beings and the divine. This card signifies the culmination of a long spiritual journey, where you have successfully integrated your shadow self, embraced your true essence, and found profound inner peace. It's about realizing that you are a complete, perfect being, a microcosm of the universe. This state of spiritual mastery allows for a deep sense of belonging, joy, and liberation, preparing you for a new cycle of spiritual exploration from a place of immense wisdom and awareness.
Common Questions
What does The World card mean when it appears in a reading?
The World card typically signifies completion, fulfillment, success, and integration. It marks the successful culmination of a cycle or project, bringing a sense of achievement and universal understanding. It suggests you have reached a significant milestone and are ready to celebrate your journey.
Is The World a positive card for relationships?
Yes, The World is highly positive for relationships. It indicates harmony, deep commitment, soulmate connections, and reaching significant milestones like marriage or a profound union. For singles, it suggests readiness for a fulfilling partnership and attracting someone who truly complements them.
What does The World imply for my career or goals?
For career and goals, The World signifies ultimate success, recognition, and the completion of major projects. It suggests you have achieved mastery in your field, potentially gaining international recognition, and are ready to embark on new, even more expansive ventures from a position of strength and fulfillment.
How does The World relate to spiritual growth?
Spiritually, The World represents enlightenment, cosmic consciousness, and the integration of all spiritual lessons. It signifies reaching a profound understanding of your place in the universe, feeling connected to all beings, and achieving a deep sense of inner peace and spiritual mastery.
Does The World always mean an ending?
While The World represents completion, it doesn't necessarily mean a final ending in a negative sense. Rather, it signifies the joyful culmination of a significant cycle, bringing a sense of fulfillment and readiness. It often marks the end of one journey and the joyful, wise beginning of another, more evolved cycle.