The World - Tarot Card Meaning

The World is the last of the Major Arcana Tarot cards, and while The Fool represents the start of a journey, The World represents the end. You have finally achieved your goal and deserve a moment to celebrate. But don’t get too comfortable, you are about to start the whole process over again, just on a bigger and more challenging scale.

Upright Tarot Card Meanings - In Brief

In the upright position, The World suggests that you have just completed a major project or cycle in your life, and you are reaping the rewards of all the energy you have put in. It is a time to take stock and celebrate, as it is only a matter of time before the whole cycle starts again and you take on your next challenge.

Reversed Tarot Card Meanings - In Brief

In the reversed position, The World suggests that you are seeking closure over a personal matter, but you might be struggling to find it. The card reversed generally suggests that you are struggling in some way, perhaps with focus, commitment, or dedication.

Number - 21

The World card is linked to the number 21, a lucky number that is usually a sign of new beginnings and new opportunities on the horizon. It suggests that you have accomplished something big and grown as a result, and now you are ready to take on something even bigger.

Element - Earth

The World card is linked with the element of Earth. This reflects that while you are in a moment of celebration, you are still feeling grounded. You are aware of what it took to get where you are and the price you have paid for your rewards. You aren’t looking for a fleeting celebration, but rather to create strong foundations on which to build the next thing.

Planet – Saturn

Saturn rules The World card. Saturn often speaks about limits, but it is not a card that places limits upon us. Rather, it helps us understand where one thing ends and a new thing begins, and what it takes mentally and emotionally to move between the true. It can be hard to let go of things that we worked hard for and fully inhabit our next adventure.

The World - Tarot Card Description

While The World card appears differently in different decks, most pull on the symbology represented in the Rider Waite deck.

A naked woman is wrapped in a regal purple coal and is floating inside a laurel wreath. These are images of victory from the Roman world. She looks behind her to the past, but she is clearly moving forward into the future. She holds two wands, replicas of the wand held by The Magician. This suggests that today’s victory is the fruit of seeds planted back then.

The wreath encircles the woman, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and how endings and successes are also always beginnings. The wreath is surrounded by four animals, a lion, bull, cherub, and eagle. These represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac, Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio.

These four corner points, which reflect similar symbols on the Wheel of Fortune card, represent the mechanics of the universe and the fixed things within life and nature that guide us between our individual journeys.

The World - Upright Tarot Card Meaning

When The World appears in the upright position, it means that you are at a moment when you can celebrate victory. You might be glowing with a sense of wholeness, achievement, and fulfillment, and it is well deserved. There is no question that you have worked hard to get to where you are today.

It suggests that now is the time to reflect on what you have achieved and what it took to get here. Reflect with gratitude and incorporate the lessons learned into your life experience. Avoid feeling nostalgic about the thrill of the struggle and put off that “coming down” that often follows a big success.

You are ready to start on your next big challenge but don’t jump in too fast. Don’t say yes to whatever comes your way, find the time to discover the right path forward for you. And let yourself celebrate, at least for a little while.

What to do?

When The World appears upright in a Tarot reading, the universe is giving you a pat on the back. You have accomplished something that you have been working hard for. It might be difficult to admit that the what'sjourney is really over. But The World assures you that you have achieved your goal. Celebrate, and then start thinking about what next.

The World - Reversed Tarot Card Meaning

When The World appears reversed in a Tarot reading, it often means that you need some kind of personal closure to let go of something and move on. You might need closure from a relationship that didn’t work out. Or you might need something to help you let go of a goal that is no longer realistic, or is no longer healthy for you but you are struggling to let go of after so long.

The World can also appear reversed when you are stuck in a rut or hit a brick wall. You may have been working consistently towards something, but you’ve given up or lost focus. You need to do something to reenergize yourself and find what you need to get over the finish line.

What to do?

When The World appears reversed in a reading, it usually means that you need to work on yourself. It usually means finding a way to close a door on something that no longer serves you, or figuring out what you are acting as your own worst enemy and standing in your own way.

The World Tarot Reading

When The World appears in a Tarot reading, in the upright position, it means that it is time to celebrate. You have finally achieved a goal that you have been working hard for. Enjoy your moment in the light. Take the time to look back on what you have achieved and experience gratitude and really imbibe the lessons learned. It is important to let yourself have closure before you move on to the next thing.

In the reverse position, The World suggests that something is holding you back from achieving your goal. It is probably something that you need closure on so that you can move forward. Remember that you need to create your own closure and you can’t rely on someone else to give it to you.