Meaning of the Tarot card The World

Description

Some frequent keywords are:

Fulfillment ----- Completeness ----- Integration ----- Personal realization

Involvement ----- Peace of mind ----- Prosperity ----- Accomplishment

Satisfaction ----- Contentment ----- Success ----- Good feelings

Finding vocation ----- Happiness ----- Wholeness ----- Harmony

A naked woman or hermaphrodite hovers or dances above the Earth surrounded by a green wreath, being watched by various creatures. In older decks, these are usually a human face or head, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, the symbols of the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This is a reference to the all-emcompassing knowledge of the Bible, the Word of God. Later decks avoid such blatant Christian symbolism, or ignore it altogether, choosing to explain these observers as representatives of the natural world, or the kingdom of beasts. In some decks the wreath is a basilisk (crowned snake) biting its own tail - this basilisk is also sometimes called an Ouroborous. In some decks, this card is also called 'The Universe'.

Interpretation

It's Thanksgiving Day. You've just finished a delicious meal, and there's a hot mug of coffee in your hand. Friends and family are arguing about the latest fiasco, the baby's cooing at you from across the table, and your feet are rubbing the belly of a devoted mutt. You're happy, fulfilled and truly thankful (at least until you have to start the dishes!). For this moment, the World and everything in it is yours: complete and as it should be. We all recognize this feeling. It can come at any time or place and is always welcome. We can feel it at home raking the leaves or on the world stage accepting the Nobel Prize. It can seem quiet and simple, or wild and glorious. What is this feeling, and where does it come from? Card 21 can help us find out. 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 realize 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. The World represents an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning with the fool. The figure is at once male and female, above and below, suspended between the heavens and the earth. It is completeness. The woman is surrounded by th ewreath representing water, hawk-air, lion-fire, ox-earth and male figure as a spirit. The five elements.