The World
Words describing The World: Completion, fulfillment, success, integration, achievement, wholeness, unity, harmony, balance, transcendence.
How to interpret The World in tarot
Past
Three of Wands (upright)
Present
Eight of Wands (reversed)
Future
The World (reversed)
The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)
The World tarot card represents completion, fulfillment, and the achievement of goals. It signifies the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one, marking a time of celebration and recognition for the accomplishments and hard work.
Upright Meaning
When The World appears in a reading in the upright position, it signifies a time of completion and fulfillment. This card represents a sense of wholeness and harmony in one’s life, and the recognition of all the hard work and effort that has been put into achieving a goal or completing a journey. It can also signify travel or new opportunities that will lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Reversed Meaning
When The World appears in a reading in the reversed position, it may indicate a sense of incompleteness or a lack of closure. This card suggests that you might be struggling with finishing what you started or closing a chapter in your life. It can also signify a fear of change or a reluctance to move on from a situation, even when it’s time to do so.
Example Interpretation
If The World appears in a reading alongside cards such as The Ten of Pentacles and The Six of Wands, it could mean that you have achieved a significant goal or completed a long journey. This combination of cards indicates that you have worked hard and overcome obstacles to achieve success and recognition. It is a time to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of your labor, as well as to prepare for new opportunities and adventures that lie ahead. By recognizing your accomplishments and embracing change, you can continue to grow and thrive in all areas of your life.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The World card in the tarot deck represents the completion of a journey, the attainment of wholeness and fulfillment. It is often associated with the archetype of the ”Hero’s Journey,” where an individual conquers challenges and returns home with newfound knowledge and wisdom. This card also embodies the archetype of the ”Ideal Self,” representing the highest version of oneself that has achieved balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
Behavioral Patterns
When this card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the individual is at a point of completion or achievement in their life. They have successfully overcome challenges and have reached a state of balance and fulfillment. This may manifest as a feeling of contentment, satisfaction, and confidence. The individual may also exhibit behaviors of self-discovery, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose.
Integration and Shadow Work
To work with the energies of The World card, one must reflect on their journey and identify what led them to this point of completion. This may involve acknowledging and accepting both the positive and negative experiences that have shaped them. It is also important to recognize any patterns or behaviors that may have hindered their growth and to integrate them into their understanding of self. Shadow work may also be necessary to confront any deep-seated fears or insecurities that may be holding them back from fully embracing their ideal self. Through this process, one can achieve true balance and fulfillment in all areas of life.