General Meaning
The World is the concluding and most auspicious card in the tarot deck. The 21st Major Arcana symbolizes the attainment of harmony, satisfaction, success, and a positive period in life. You have been steadfast and have achieved a goal, if not of your entire life, then of a certain phase, and now you are enjoying the fruits of your labor.
This is the culmination of existence, your earthly Paradise, where your most cherished desires are fulfilled and all your aspirations realized. Now, you are free and happy, and you can rest on your laurels, travel, or embark on a new endeavor — the World card foretells success in all that you undertake!
Card Motto
Rejoice - you have achieved peace and inner harmony.
by Marta Winter
Core Card Meanings The World
Description and Symbols of the Card The World
The tarot card portrays a floating, naked woman — a symbol of beauty, youth, and perfection. Her aspirations are lofty and pure, hence the freedom of her flight. She is self-assured and satisfied — everything initiated before this time has been successfully completed; the highest stage of development is reached.
In the woman's hands are rods — symbols of love, wisdom, and dominion over the world. Her figure, wrapped in a flowing scarf, is surrounded by a laurel wreath shaped like an oval or zero — symbols of infinity and completion. In the corners of the World card are four animals from the biblical prophecy of Ezekiel.
Meaning in Upright Position
The upright World tarot card signifies undeniable and unclouded success in life and affairs! The appearance of the 21st card in a spread promises the fulfillment of all desires, positive events, and joy in accomplishments. You are fully receiving material wealth, spiritual growth, recognition of talents, stability, all while your soul is filled with peace, joy, and harmony.
The twenty-first Major Arcana of the tarot testifies — you are doing everything correctly, your soul is open and ready to absorb new experiences. This is where the great power and mystery of your life's success lies!
The World tarot card promises you not only the completion of all affairs but also new prospects. There are no obstacles or shackles; you are now moving easily and effortlessly in any direction, feeling as free as a bird — to such an extent that you can confidently plan an exciting journey, business trips, or relocation.
Key Meanings of the Upright World Card
- Personal rewards, honors, success, fame, true calling, spiritual wealth.
- Realization of plans, harmony and sincerity in relationships, fulfillment of desires, excellent health.
- Completion of started projects and successful initiation of new ones, a series of good events.
- Travel, new horizons, confident progress forward.
Reversed Position
The reversed World card in tarot also carries a positive hue, however, the achievement of goals is still somewhere beyond the horizon... Victory is but a step away, yet something always interferes—unexpected obstacles and hindrances arise from nowhere, affairs slow down and get stuck.
Perhaps, the World card indicates that you doubt yourself and the people around you, overly cautious and too keen on playing safe? Or maybe you are just going with the flow, not putting in even the slightest effort for a result? Remember, positive changes await only those who have goals and the desire to achieve them. Or perhaps, your time of triumph is yet to come, and right now you need to exercise a little patience and wait.
In any case, the reversed World card calls upon you to trust Destiny, to be sincere with those around you and with yourself, to discard all doubts, to focus on plans and strive for their realization. And then you can achieve even more (much more) than you had anticipated!
Key Meanings of the Reversed World Card
- Deterioration of situation, rectification of errors, limitation in actions and resources.
- Stagnation, halt, impasse, void, groundless fears, postponed realization of goals, absence of spiritual growth.
- Inner turmoil, disappointment, anxiety, emotional discord, despair.
- Retribution for past sins, dubious success, imperfection.
Meaning in Love Readings
If the upright World card appears in a love reading, it's a good sign. The relationship is close to ideal, characterized by harmony, peace, trust in each other, and quiet happiness.
Partners feel as one, they are completely satisfied with their current relationship, are not seeking adventures elsewhere, and are not striving to change anything. Comfort, joy, unity—this is a great gift from the heavens! If you're on the verge of a new relationship, the World suggests that it's not a frivolous flirtation but a serious and profound romance with all its ensuing consequences.
In a reversed position, the card's meaning changes to its opposite, indicating a dispelling of illusions and disappointment in a partner.
When Divining for an Admirer or Loved One
In a reading for an admirer or partner, the upright card indicates that in love, your chosen one is practically a god! They are sincere, honest, and can do everything or almost everything, for instance, lift their loved one to the heights of bliss.
The reversed card suggests that in love, your chosen one often faces difficulties, the reason being their inability to open up, to break free from their "shell".
Reading for Money, Career
In business readings, the World card signifies luck and success in your affairs, here and now. You work and relax with pleasure; your financial situation is stable and meets your current needs. It seems like you have found your true calling in life and are in the right place.
This is a favorable period for all kinds of innovations, explorations, and competitions—participants can expect excellent prizes and rewards. Financial matters are resolved successfully, and opportunities for inheritance and buying property are possible.
In the reversed position, the card warns of material limitations and obstacles that need to be overcome to achieve success in your endeavors.
Reading for a Person
When reading for a person, the upright card is interpreted as a very sincere, honest, and open individual who embraces the world openly. They enjoy traveling and socializing, and success accompanies them.
In the reversed position, this is a highly cautious person, finding it difficult to trust situations and people—they tend to see hidden agendas in almost everything.
Reading for Advice
In the upright position, the card advises you to open yourself up to the world and the people around you. Let go of your worries and trust fate!
Appearing in the reversed position in the spread, the card advises you not to give up and to direct all your efforts towards overcoming life's challenges.
Reading for Outcome
If the card appears upright, the forecast for your situation is simply wonderful! As a result, you will achieve everything you aspire to, aided by qualities such as sincerity, openness, and a positive attitude.
In the reversed position, the forecast for your situation is not overly favorable. Difficulties and setbacks may hinder you, but no matter what happens, do not succumb to negativity and do not give up.
Meanings In Combination with All Tarot Cards
Major Arcana Combinations
With card 0, The Fool — Traveling hitchhiking, not understanding what's happening, adventures, and chasing after dreams.
With card 1, The Magician — A young foreigner, success in endeavors, all roads are open.
With card 2, The High Priestess — Obtaining exhaustive information, completing higher education or school, feminine intuition, or insightful young woman.
With card 3, The Empress — A versatile personality, a good hostess, mother or wife, a honeymoon journey.
With card 4, The Emperor — Solidity, excellent career or thriving business, an excellent family man or husband.
With card 5, The Hierophant — Self-improvement, studying religion, entering into marriage.
With card 6, The Lovers — Finding a soulmate, deciding to work in another country, a romance with a foreigner.
With card 7, The Chariot — Engaging in transportation or tourism, overcoming obstacles or resolving disputes amicably, finding understanding with a loved one.
With card 8, Strength — Exerting effort, overcoming oneself, the situation requires intervention, a successful resolution of an issue.
With card 9, The Hermit — Delayed success, long-term plan realization, understanding the world's order or leaning towards humility.
With card 10, The Wheel of Fortune — Emotional and financial upswing, rare luck, a fortunate event or encounter, a chance to travel abroad.
With card 11, Justice — Receiving deserved recognition, a favorable contract or position, dealing with paperwork, a swift departure to another country.
With card 12, The Hanged Man — Stubbornness, rejecting sound arguments, a prolonged process, an annoying hindrance or delay.
With card 13, Death — An unattainable goal, an unnecessary outcome, drawing conclusions.
With card 14, Temperance — Everything is unfolding in its own time, resolving conflicts, possessing a calm temperament.
With card 15, The Devil — Hidden envy, unfavorable surroundings, the danger of giving in to temptation.
With card 16, The Tower — Conflict is possible, unforeseen difficulties, risking someone's favor, a family rupture.
With card 17, The Star — Success in endeavors, the fulfillment of a dream, the realization of talent or recognition beyond the borders of one's country.
With card 18, The Moon — Sorting out emotions, relieving tension, self-improvement, or visiting a psychologist.
With card 19, The Sun — Happiness, self-sufficiency, success in all areas, financial security, and prosperity.
With card 20, Judgment — Significant changes, acting according to conscience, altering one's own perspectives, or softening demands on others.
Wands Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Wands — Any task is manageable, confidence in victory or success, a talented individual.
With the Two of Wands — Discovering new prospects, broadening horizons, engaging in interesting hobbies.
With the Three of Wands — Reconnecting with old business partners, beneficial connections or reliable advisors, expanding one's business.
With the Four of Wands — Acquiring a home, celebrating a wedding, a fortunate romantic union.
With the Five of Wands — Gaining valuable lessons or experience, practical application of theoretical skills, joining a great team.
With the Six of Wands — Becoming an unofficial leader, leading a project, receiving a promotion.
With the Seven of Wands — Defending one's position, showing courage and determination.
With the Eight of Wands — Embracing everything life offers, having well-founded ambitions, signing an important agreement.
With the Nine of Wands — Maintaining control of the situation, being a thoughtful and cautious employee, displaying foresight and prudence.
With the Ten of Wands — A lack of expertise, needing more trust in colleagues or family members, attempting to solve a complex problem independently.
With the Page of Wands — Studying abroad, taking exams or advancing to the next course, an ambitious young woman.
With the Knight of Wands — Conquering new heights, being enterprising, an interesting guy or admirer.
With the Queen of Wands — Independence, the opportunity to travel and grow, having a zest for life.
With the King of Wands — Thinking globally, calculating future success, an intelligent head of the family or company.
Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Swords — Clairvoyance or prophetic dreams, the gift of persuasion, public recognition, and success.
With the Two of Swords — A business agreement, a collective decision, the risk of not recouping investments, testing a new work scheme.
With the Three of Swords — Making a mistaken choice, unrequited love, attempting to remain friends with a former romantic partner.
With the Four of Swords — Needing a break, forced to halt, requiring a new source of energy.
With the Five of Swords — Possessing genius that others don't understand, experiencing a setback, testing one's strength.
With the Six of Swords — Starting from scratch, moving to live in another country, seeking opportunities in foreign companies.
With the Seven of Swords — Managing to avoid trouble, refraining from confrontation or disputes, sticking to one's principles.
With the Eight of Swords — Temporarily stepping back from affairs, facing serious obstacles, being oblivious to betrayal.
With the Nine of Swords — Experiencing ailments, having bad dreams, feeling nervous or groundless suspicions.
With the Ten of Swords — Facing a crisis nearing its end, going through a divorce or being laid off, losing faith in oneself.
With the Page of Swords — Displaying unusual behavior or attitudes, receiving conflicting information, changing positions or beliefs.
With the Knight of Swords — Applying a rational approach, seeking advantages, displaying enduring motivation.
With the Queen of Swords — Independence, foresight, true wisdom.
With the King of Swords — Devising cunning plans, gaining fame and admirers, elevating to a new level, learning from the best.
The World and Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Cups — Joyfulness, optimism, the ability to blend in with any company, mutual understanding.
With the Two of Cups — An intriguing encounter, romantic infatuation, the beginning of a love affair.
With the Three of Cups — Diplomatic mission, a highly significant task, a negotiator or an excellent organizer.
With the Four of Cups — Light melancholy, a need for a breather, an overflow of emotions or impressions.
With the Five of Cups — A desire for solitude, losing interest in work, becoming disillusioned with current relationships.
With the Six of Cups — Nostalgia, introspection, subconscious thoughts, contemplating the future.
With the Seven of Cups — Living with hopes of future success, not noticing real problems, a period of detachment from the world.
With the Eight of Cups — Deciding to end a relationship, a forced farewell, lovers parting ways.
With the Nine of Cups — Empty conversations, dealing with the public, official meetings, working on one's image.
With the Ten of Cups — Quiet family joys, emotional tranquility, a cozy nest.
With the Page of Cups — Seeking reconciliation, resolving matters with a loving touch, a considerate young woman, optimism, and rekindling of alliances.
With the Knight of Cups — Self-composure, a gentle nature, an amiable and kindhearted cavalier.
With the Queen of Cups — Pure kindness, an irrational approach to tasks, compassion.
With the King of Cups — A true guru, a mystical connection to the universe, enlightenment.
Pentacles Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Pentacles — Earned wealth, amassing a fortune through one's own efforts, a significant standing in society.
With the Two of Pentacles — Finding contentment in little, emphasizing spiritual values, facing misunderstandings from conventional people.
With the Three of Pentacles — A streak of luck, joy in the creative process, the fulfillment of plans.
With the Four of Pentacles — Prejudices, biases, narrow-mindedness, or limited thinking.
With the Five of Pentacles — A panic attack, unjustified fears, fear of change or pessimism.
With the Six of Pentacles — Sharing joy, inspiring others, participating in charitable actions.
With the Seven of Pentacles — Reuniting with loved ones or friends, reducing tension, knowing one's worth.
With the Eight of Pentacles — A promising endeavor, a responsible job, progress and concern for the future, a diligent admirer.
With the Nine of Pentacles — Living up to expectations, needing to spend to settle affairs, generosity or favor.
With the Ten of Pentacles — Confidence in tomorrow, excellent financial management, accounts abroad, a close-knit family.
With the Page of Pentacles — Entering a profitable contract, a lucrative deal, earning commissions from sales, an enterprising young woman.
With the Knight of Pentacles — Creating, entrepreneurial spirit, managerial qualities, an enviable suitor.
With the Queen of Pentacles — Success, an affinity with the element of Earth, reliability, and foresight, a prosperous lady.
With the King of Pentacles — Honest intentions, the path to creating something grand, significant profitability, a head of production or a wealthy entrepreneur.
Example Interpretation In a Daily Spread
A Card Has Fallen for You The World? This Signifies:
Today, your secret weapon is sincerity and openness. Thanks to them, you can not only conquer the world but also find the key to anyone's heart. The card of the day promises that you will be surrounded by an aura of charisma, and people around you will be willing to open any doors for you. Don't miss the fortunate opportunities that destiny presents you with on this day, and strike while the iron is hot. This will eventually allow you to fulfill your most cherished dreams.