The World

 

The World Tarot card represents the culmination of a long journey, a journey that is both personal and universal. This card, numbered XXI in the Major Arcana, marks the completion of the Fool’s journey, also known as the Hero’s Journey. Throughout this journey, we encounter different characters and challenges, each teaching us valuable lessons about life, ourselves, and the world around us.

As we traverse the path laid out by the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, we meet The Fool, who embarks on this journey with a sense of innocence and wonder. Along the way, we encounter figures like The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, and The Emperor, each representing different aspects of life, from creativity and intuition to power and authority. We are challenged by The Devil and face the inevitability of change with The Tower. We must confront our inner selves with The Moon and find balance with Temperance. Each of these steps requires introspection, decision-making, and often, the letting go of what no longer serves us.

By the time we reach The World, we have navigated through a myriad of experiences—ups and downs, successes and failures, moments of clarity and times of confusion. We have questioned authority and learned the value of independence. We have made mistakes, but more importantly, we have learned from them. We have endured periods of waiting, sometimes painfully long, only to discover that this patience leads to greater understanding and new insights.

The World Tarot card symbolizes the completion of this journey. It is a card of graduation, a major promotion, or the attainment of a significant milestone. The central figure on this card is a naked woman, wrapped in a purple sash, standing on one foot as if she’s about to take a step. This pose suggests that while we have reached a point of completion, we are also on the cusp of a new beginning. The wreath that encircles her symbolizes the number zero, bringing us full circle back to The Fool, and reminding us that life is a continuous cycle of learning and growth.

As we step into this new realm or dimension of our lives, The World card urges us to carry the wisdom we’ve gained with us. We are reminded to approach new experiences with a “beginner’s mind,” as The Fool does. This mindset allows us to avoid the pitfalls of pride and ego, which can lead us to make the same mistakes again or to become “old fools,” repeating old patterns without learning from them.

The World is also a card that speaks to the future. It cautions us to think carefully about the consequences of our actions today, as they will have a lasting impact on events going forward, possibly affecting future generations. It advises us to think ahead and ensure we are fully prepared for any new roles or responsibilities we take on. Jumping into something without the necessary preparation could cause chaos and disrupt the harmony we have worked so hard to achieve.

Ultimately, The World indicates that we are ready for the next step. We have been processed, refined by our experiences, and now a world of possibilities lies before us. As we step forward, we are encouraged to remain in a space of learning, observation, and mindfulness, ensuring that we continue to grow and evolve on this never-ending journey of life.