The World

The World: integration, options, completion, wholeness, connections, earth
Key Words: Value, Success, Achievement, Fulfillment, Enrichment, Satisfaction

The World is the last card in the Major Arcana. This is the representation of all the archetypes together, in the completion of a long journey. It represents the coming together of all the elements, the four directions, the 7 days, 52 weeks and 365 days to manifest the change of one year’s time.

The World represents both endings and new beginnings. There have been lessons learned within this cycle and it is time to move forward. This card means a graduation or victory. It is telling you that you are now complete as you are. It is time to move beyond thoughts of a personal nature and look forward to what you can offer others.

Key Symbols:

Angel: Angels represent messages from the divine. Angelic messages can be received from another person or from our own dreams. Angels guide, care and protect us. The messages we receive from them are of the highest good.

Bull: The bull is found in the zodiac as Taurus. He represents the element of earth, strength, virility, power, luxury and wealth.

Circle: is another symbol of completion, perfection and infinity.

Eagle: representing the element of air, the mind and the intellect. The eagle is seen as a symbol of power, truth and authority The eagle is said to represent St. John and divine inspiration.

Legs: The leg formation here: one leg straight and the other crossed at a right angle is symbolic of a cross-roads that we all reach, and our ability to choose what we desire for ourselves. This leg positioning is also seen in the Hanged Man card. Where the Hanged Man uses for suspension to uncross (or yielding to the dilemma), the World card is its opposite. The crossing indicates that we have used our diversity (even our peculiarities and quirks) to our advantage. We are at the cross roads and we are complete. There is no need to suspend ourselves, we may now take action knowing we have already achieved our ultimate desires.

Lemniscate: Also known as the infinity symbol, symbolizes the endless, infinite nature of energy. It symbolizes the knowledge that energy cannot be created or destroyed. This symbol in this card refers to the infinite nature of humanity. We are forever immortal, and our spirit only progresses into ever increasingly higher levels of transformation. It is also an emblem referring to the infinite nature of our thoughts and what we think leaves an impression on the Universe. We are all connected, we are all infinite. The figures in the four corners of the card represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac, Leo, Taurus, Scorpio and Aquarius. This is symbolic of all the stars coming into alignment on our behalf and all things coinciding for our ultimate reward. When we look closely at this rendition of the card, we can see the symbol of the yin yang (note the formation of the purple ribbon around the female figure). Further observation of the card shows us a Lemniscate, or an infinity symbol (the red ribbon at the crown of the female figure). This assures us that we are infinitely rewarded for the positive efforts we take to improve ourselves and those around us. The two batons in the female’s hand are another symbol of balance. They’ve also been noted as sacred scrolls of knowledge. Within the laurel wreath are stars of light indicating attainment of enlightenment or cosmic consciousness.

Lion: The lion is represented in the zodiac as Leo.  He symbolizes the king or king of the beasts and he is the symbol of strength, courage and pride. He is associated with the sun and the element of fire.

Nude: Nudity is a symbol of being open and receptive, vulnerable, exposed and/or free. It is considered being available to receive messages from the spirit realm. In some cases, it can represent sexuality.

Wand: Wands are the symbol of the element of fire. They represent inspiration, life force, motivation, power and desire. They are a phallic symbol. They represent an extension of our subconscious and are a connection between the spiritual and material.

Wreath: This is a laurel wreath, and has been a symbol of victory since the first ancient games upon mount Olympus where the victor was crowned in laurels. A sweet smelling laurel is also a symbol of protection, peace and purification and is associated with the god Apollo. It is a message that the favor of the Gods is upon us, and that we shall be the victor in this stage of our lives.

Key Questions
When the World Tarot comes up:

What is my ultimate desire?
Do I believe that now is my time for glory?
Am I ready to accept my highest achievement?
How will I receive the accolades for my hard work?
Can I envision the upcoming reward for my toiling?
Do I have faith that all things are coming together for my highest and best good?

The World:
Major Arcana
Chakra: Third Eye Chakra, Crown Chakra
I Ching: Ji Ji
Runes: Jera, Mannaz, Ingwaz
Number 21 (see number 3)
Element: Earth
Planet: Saturn, Earth
Rules: Capricorn
Colors: Red, Blue, Green
Crystal: Opal, Larimar, Unakite, Onyx, Jet, Lapis Lazuli, Kunzite, Rhyolite

Characteristics: Organized, serious, practical, high-achiever, ambitious, worrying. Complete, perfect, honors, awards, recognition, triumph. The last card in the Major Arcana, the number itself represents the coming of age, when a person reaches their 21st birthday. Surrounded by a laurel leaf in the shape of the  Vesica Piscis, a girl is accompanied by 4 figures or Tetramorphs – human/hybrids that rule the four elements and four corners of the Earth. The man, the eagle, the lion and the ox are all winged figures watching over the victory of the spirit of the girl below. Two wands accompany her in each hand symbolizing balance and symmetry. It implies the perfect balance of opposites – conscious/unconscious, matter/spirit, harmony/balance.