21 - The World
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Completion, consummation, endings and beginnings, victory, fulfillment |
| Reversed Keywords: | Failure, lack of closure, incomplete cycles, stagnation |
A naked woman floats at the center of this card, partly covered by a light purple scarf or piece of a robe. She holds a wand in either hand. She is surrounded by a green wreath tied with red ribbons at the top and bottom.
At the corners set against clouds are the head of a man, eagle, ox, and lion, representing the four elements or the four evangelists.
The background is a light blue, with no landmarks. This suggests that the figure depicted is floating in the sky itself. Her pose could be interpreted as dancing.
As the final card in the Major Arcana, the World embodies endings - and what comes after.
In Readings: Upright
The World is all about things coming to a close and being complete. In the upright position, this completion is a satisfying and happy thing. Goals have been accomplished, elements are in balance, and blessings are abundantly present.
When the World appears in a reading upright, the subject is at or nearing the true and proper end of a cycle. This culmination is a victory, a delivery of reward, or the satisfying end of an ordeal.
If we are interpreting the Major Arcana as the Fool's Journey, this is the end of the road. The Fool has learned all that there is to learn in their World. Now, it's time to let the World turn on its axis and begin anew, becoming the Fool once more to continue the cycle of growth.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Ace of Pentacles: The culmination of a goal gives rise to a new, even loftier goal.
King of Swords: You've reached the end with an impressive efficiency.
Five of Wands: Even at the end, some things will remain unresolved. Such is the human nature.
Six of Swords: The destination is, indeed, the point of the journey.
In Readings: Reversed
When in reverse, the World remains incomplete. That satisfying ending hovers out of reach. The moment of finality is far off, and there may be a sense of frantic anticipation of that ending. Perhaps it isn't time yet.
Dissatisfaction plagues this card. Whether the subject has stopped progressing or their progress isn't fulfilling to them, there may be a temptation to give it all up before the finish line. Failure seems imminent.
If this is an ending, it isn't a particularly good one. There are loose ends being left behind. The sense of coherency in the World has been lost somewhere along the way.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Lovers: You'd love to make it official, but circumstances keep getting in the way of the conversation.
Page of Swords, reversed: The ultimate goal remains out of reach because you're not ready to get there yet.
The Fool, reversed: You'll never get anywhere if you keep starting over out of boredom.
Six of Cups: Maybe accepting help will get you there.
Other Perspectives
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