The World XXI

Keywords & phrases

• Fulfillment, joy, ecstacy
• Universal abundance
• Completion, completedness
• Integration
• Connection, connectedness
• Centre, centeredness
• Harmony
• Full circle
• Beginning & end
• Microcosm, macrocosm
• All creatures great & small
• Evolution
• Travel

First impressions

There is clearly a great deal of intricate symbolism in this card, reminiscent of The Wheel of Fortune, but I really only have eyes for the nearly naked figure in the centre. The impression is one of joy, freedom and openness – dancing with the Universe.

What is happening in the card?

The World XXI is the final, the ultimate card in the sequence of the Major Arcana. This is the last stage of the Fool’s journey.

A beautiful androgynous, figure, naked but for a long flowing sash or veil, hovers or floats in the air. Left leg bent behind the right in a pose that is reminiscent of The Hanged Man, but reversed. They are framed within an oval-shaped wreath held to together at the top and bottom by red ties. In each hand is a baton or Wand.

In the four corners of the card we see the heads of four mythical creatures, an angel, an eagle, a lion and a bull, floating in cloud. They represent the fixed signs of the zodiac – Aquarius, Scorpio, Leo and Taurus.

The figure could be dancing.

How can we relate to this card?

This is the ultimate card in the Tarot deck. The last card in the line-up of the Major Arcana that brings us back to the beginning, to zero and The Fool 0 emerging to embark on a new journey.

With The World we have come full circle.

When The World appears in reading it brings a sense that all will be well. That what should end will end and what should begin will begin. Situations will evolve and we will evolve along with them, growing as individuals and as a part of a greater whole.

The World relates to cycles both personal and of society and the planet herself.

My personal experiences of this card

The World card is a beautiful card and I always welcome it in any reading. Even if the surrounding cards relate to a tough situation, The World brings me comfort that all will be well. It encourages me to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It also reminds me of the connectedness of all things and that I am a small, but perfect part of something much, much bigger. Part of the whole.

Events, situations & readings

In a relationship spread:
As it relates to relationships, The World indicates a deep and fulfilling connection. Perhaps the happy completion of a phase in a relationship or the beginning of something new. This card bring joy. And ecstacy.

In a work, business or finance spread:
In a work or career reading, The World suggests success, fulfillment, satisfactory completion. It’s an auspicious card to have when embarking on a new venture.

In a personal development spread:
The World suggests reaching a new level of understanding of self and of the world you live in. A new starting point from which launch into the next phase of your journey, the next adventure.

People & interaction with other cards

When The World appears with the Judgement card, or with Death it points to an awakening or rebirth of come kind. Something must ‘die’ or be released in order to make way for the new.

In a reading with The Wheel, The World emphasises the cyclical nature of life.

With The Empress and 3s the focus is on the new – a new cycle, path, journey, creation. The 10s would indicate completion in some area of life.

The World and The Devil show up together when there is a need to recognise and accept the parts of ourselves that we do not love in order to effect change and to grow.

Questions, prompts & insights

What are you completing right now? And what new path are you stepping out on?

What are you creating right now?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.

The other featured image of The World is part of an ongoing creative Tarot project by Still Small Voice Tarot combining digital collage and AI generative art.