The World (Tarot card)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The World (XXI) is a Major Arcana Tarot card. It is usually the final card of the Major Arcana.Contents |
[edit] 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'.
[edit] Interpretation
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.[1]
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 the wreath representing water, hawk-air, lion-fire, ox-earth and male figure as a spirit. The five elements. The four creatures/beings in the corners of the card are also referenced in the Book of Revelations, 4:7 - "And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."
[edit] See Also
The World, boss character in House of the Dead 4
[edit] References
[1] - The World from Learning the Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners - Joan Bunning
[edit] External links
The Fool | The Magician | The High Priestess | The Empress | The Emperor | The Hierophant | The Lovers | The Chariot | Strength | The Hermit | Wheel of Fortune |
Justice | The Hanged Man | Death | Temperance | The Devil | The Tower | The Star | The Moon | The Sun | Judgement | The World |
