The World
The World
In the World, we see the culmination of the journey we began as the Fool. The symbols in the corners are the same symbols we see on the Wheel of Fortune. The laurel wreath is a victory symbol. It's tied up with the ribbons of eternity. (Remember the symbol above the Magician's head?) The Fool has found his balance and becomes Hermaphrodites. The wands are the powers of involution and evolution. The head of the figure and the hands form a triangle. The legs form a cross. This is the triangle above the cross, the opposite of the symbol on the Hanged Man. This represents Spirit surmounting the Material. This card completes the process started in the Lovers: The merging of the self-conscious with the subconscious and the blending of these two with the superconscious, representing the final state of Cosmic Consciousness. The planetary ruler is Saturn, the symbol of time. The rune is Ing. This card reinforces universal understanding and global awareness. If you want to build a new world, externally and internally, this is the card to use.The card of the World signifies fulfilment, the end of the journey, the final completion of the cycle of time. We have arrived and have accomplished our purpose. The Fool's journey is completed in the World, his wisdom and experience is now complete. The four beings representing the gospel writers of the New Testament appear again in the corners of this card and their presence here reminds us of the Wheel of Fortune. The World card is very much associated with the Wheel, the cyclical progression of time and our human experience. The dancing figure in the centre of the wreath wears a purple robe signifying royalty and bliss. She rejoices with us in the completion of the journey and celebrates not only this completion but also the new beginnings it promises.
This card unites all the forces of the world. Everything that has been leading up to a climax is about to be realised. There will be fulfilment of your desires. Success in your interests will be obtained. You will experience temporary blocks to your progress with nothing really going on, or you may be unemployed at the present time, but things will improve considerably, and you'll have more work than you can handle (or want). Your in-laws will be a burden you won't want to deal with, or a separation in the family will cause unhappiness.A major element of happiness is wholeness - the sense that everything is working together in harmony. Not in a static way, but with dynamic balance. Involvement is also important. To be happy, we must feel connected -engaged with what is around us. There is also accomplishment - knowing that we have goals and are moving toward them successfully. When all these elements come together, we feel fulfilled and blessed. The World represents these moments and all that goes into them. In readings, it is a very positive sign that you are in a position to realise your heart's desire. What that is for you depends on the situation, but it will always feel great. Remember, though, that Card 21 is a symbol of active contribution and service. To hold the World in our hands, we must give of ourselves to it. That is the source of true happiness.
Culmination. You need to attain a degree of understanding that enables you to graduate to a higher level and enjoy real success. This rare time of culmination must be identified and honoured. As the old cycle ends, inappropriate habits must be left behind.
Success has not been won. Fear or change in your work or home. Refusal to learn lesson of life in the rest of the Major Arcana. Payback for evil deeds.
Form a circle with a group of friends. Hold hands and slowly move in a clockwise direction, dancing and swaying to this chant, "Winter, spring, summer, fall, the wood is dancing dance for all." Complete the circle twenty-two times close your eyes. visualise the earth in the centre of your circle, bathed in white light receiving the love and the healing energy from your group. Know that we all are blessed with the sacred duty of being caretakers of our mother earth.