(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The World as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The World as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your world and my world may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
The World is usually number 21 in the tarot deck. In my deck, unlike the Marseilles deck on which it’s based, this card is numbered 22. (It is the 22nd card of the tarot because the first card, the Fool, has no number, but really it’s card #21 and I don’t like that it has #22 in my deck. I do like the Fool to be numberless, ever-present. And I also like the World to be the last card, ever-final. But I’m not keen on a gap in the counting.) Your deck probably calls this card #21, and that’s cool. That’s blackjack — you win! For my deck, #22 can mean precision and balance. Some say it’s the number of the master builder who turns dreams into reality, with strong material and spiritual foundations.
Name
The World is all that exists in its totality, as one, and this card represents the unity of all things — self and nature, body and spirit, in harmony and endless renewal.
Placement
We arrive at the World having learned the lessons of all the previous cards in the major arcana, and with just enough space before it to remind us that we remain a Fool about to step off the path. The World is where our journey ends – in eternity, unity, and triumph, no matter how it meandered along the way.
Traditional interpretations
The World is a happy, triumphant card. It says that everything is in balance and all is as it should be. The card signifies a return to the original divine state, the state of enlightenment and purity sought by all religions. It represents the endless renewal of nature and the soul’s incarnation in earthly paradise. It is unity and perfection; there’s nothing missing here.
The card tells of assured success. The completion of a matter; the resolution of a question; the culmination of events; the end of a cycle. A search ended, a goal reached. It does not indicate overnight success (as if there were such a thing!) but the accomplishment of a goal you’ve steadily worked toward. Well-deserved rewards. Delight in your achievements. A strong sense of fulfillment.
The World can foretell of a change of place – a new job, a voyage or flight, a new home – and it says this change will be a happy one.
Reverse interpretations
The World reversed warns of disappointment, lack of imagination, failure to complete projects, inertia and stagnation. You’re losing momentum; your will is failing; you refuse to learn from life. You must work harder, use your analytic mind and your imagination, and persevere to realize your dreams.
Live in the world; don’t keep trying to impose your fantasies on it. The World reversed indicates fixed ineffective ways, energy lost by circling in outmoded channels. Really learn from life. Act; don’t stagnate. Your fear of change will cost opportunities. The card can warn of a loss of position or possessions, or the delay of an expected triumph. Tread carefully, choose deliberately, and be real. Find joy in uncertainty. Don’t let it hold you back. It’s a great big world out there; join in.
Thematic readings
- In love, fulfilling love. A love that completes you. A love likely to end in a long-term commitment.
- In work, triumph, accomplishment, glory. Efforts pay off.
- In general life, success gained from hard work. The dawn of a period when you can relax and enjoy the rewards before another period of exertion. Embrace the world and your part in the cosmos.
Specific positions
- Current situation: This is a good time to take stock and catch up on neglected areas of life. You have found your direction; all is well. You’re in the right place, in line with your calling. Enjoy yourself, but realize that everything is cyclical. Relish the present but take the opportunity to shore up your resources for the future.
- Past influence: Your part in the greater scheme of things is important. Trust that you are a key part of something greater than yourself.
- Outcome: Fulfilling beginnings. This is the best card in the deck for those waiting for answers. Rewards will come. Greatness is possible.
- Blocked: You may be too sure of yourself. Get real.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- What is your idea of perfection?
- Do you believe that the world is as it should be? Do you worry for the world?
- Are you able to enjoy success?
- Are there neglected areas of your life to attend to?
- Do you feel part of the bigger world?
- Are you doing all you can to enjoy life while you have it?
Keywords to aid Memory
- Fulfillment / Wholeness
- Success / Triumph
- Closure / Completion
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland (also shown in box); Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington.
Catherine Austen 