What does this card mean?
In Tarot cardology, 'The World' is a powerful card from the Major Arcana suite. It symbolizes completion, accomplishment, wholeness, and fulfillment, indicating that all is coming full circle in one's life. It’s a card that radiates the wholesome serenity that comes with reaching a higher level of existence, embodying the culmination of all the hard work, series of challenges, and heartfelt efforts made so far.
'The World' card typically features a dancing figure in the center. This figure is often understood to be the “soul” or “consciousness” in its most enlightened form. The figure is framed by a four-cornered wreath, representing the four elements that make up the world- Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, pointing toward the perfect relationship and harmony of all the aspects of the universe.
Often depicted with four heavenly creatures - a lion, bull, eagle, and a human - these creatures represent the four evangelists of the Bible, designated to exude specific characteristics in harmony. The lion symbolizes strength and courage, the bull reflects reliability and hard work, the eagle showcases far-sightedness and ambition, and the human signifies intellect and adaptability, representing characters one should balance within oneself.
This card's magnificence lies in its significance. It signifies completion, integration, and accomplishment, stemming from tireless efforts and endurance. It’s like the dawn of a new day after a tough night or the sweet fruition of victory post-sacrifices. A key lesson from 'The World' is realizing that the journey of success isn't straightforward, but a cycle of constant perseverance and determination.
'The World' can also depict enlightenment and understanding, suggesting the querent has acquired profound life wisdom. It’s the light at the end of a long journey, signaling spiritual growth and self-fulfillment, encouraging them to celebrate their accomplishments and cherish the experiences learned along the way.
Additionally, 'The World' symbolizes a time for reflection. Just as one would reflect back on their achievements upon reaching a significant milestone, this card encourages the querent to consider their journey, recognize their progress, and appreciate their growth. This card radiates an aura of positive expectancy, promising a rewarding experience.
Importantly, 'The World' symbolizes the concept of wholeness. This card suggests that one has successfully synthesized their inner and outer selves, their conscious and subconscious, and their physical and spiritual selves. It indicates that they’ve discovered their place in the world and found contentment with who they are.
While 'The World' brims with positive connotations, it also nudges the reader toward the understanding that every ending is a new beginning. Life is cyclical. There's no culmination; there's always something new and exciting to discover, learn, grow into, and achieve.
In relationships, 'The World' card suggests a relationship has reached its ideal state, feeling mutually supportive and emotionally satisfying. In career readings, it indicates the achievement of long-term goals or the successful completion of a major project.
In conclusion, 'The World' is a powerful symbol of achievement, fulfillment, and eternal cycles of growth and development. It's a signpost that you have reached or are about to reach a significant milestone or goal and that you've integrated lessons along the journey. It encourages us to believe that the world is indeed our oyster, always presenting endless opportunities to learn, grow and manifest our deepest desires.
Above all, this card teaches the quintessential truth that through dedication and persistence, we can indeed create the ‘world’ we want. In this sense, 'The World' card serves as an inspiration, a beautiful reminder of our potential to make our dreams become reality. In its spiritual perspective, 'The World' tarot card signifies the journey of the soul from the earthly realm to the divine, celebrating the joy of living and spiritual evolution.