Discover the Meaning of The World Tarot Card

Written by August Croft
Published: February 24, 2024
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Often considered the final card of the Major Arcana, the meaning of The World tarot card is vast. This particular card has many significant interpretations, especially when considering its effect on other cards in a tarot spread. But what should you know about The World tarot card when it manifests in your own tarot reading or experience?

Today, we’ll go over everything you need to know about this card, including some of the hidden meanings of The World. Not only will we discuss what this card means in an upright position– but we’ll also address its reversed meanings and some helpful advice it might have in store for you. Let’s begin. 

The World Tarot Card: An Overview

the world tarot card

The World tarot card has many meanings, including themes surrounding completion and satisfaction.

©https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Illustrated_Key_to_the_Tarot_p._83.png – Original / License

The meaning of The World tarot card rests in completion, cycles ending or beginning again, and the connections we share despite our capacities for change. Fulfillment and higher meanings are connected to The World. When reversed, a lack of fulfillment and meaning in life pervades this card and the entirety of the tarot reading where it appears.

The World is a special tarot card for many reasons. Given that it typically ends the Major Arcana, The World represents endings. The Fool either begins or ends the Major Arcana depending on your preferred tarot deck, lending weight to The World’s meaning. We return to or are reborn as The Fool, a card representing innocence and more.

Just as The World represents completing cycles, it holds within it many other themes of completion. For example, this tarot card is often associated with the fixed signs of the zodiac: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These four astrological signs also represent the four elements, a natural correspondence with The World.

Ultimately, harmony, fulfillment, and renewal are important themes of The World. But how do these themes expand and deepen when interpreted in a tarot card reading?

Meaning of The World Tarot Card in a Reading

the world tarot card

The World tarot card can mean different things when drawn either upright or reversed.

©Pedal to the Stock/Shutterstock.com

If you’re just beginning your journey into tarot cards and their interpretations, here’s what you should know if The World appears to you in a spread. Remember the importance of interpreting your tarot cards in either an upright or upside-down position, as the meanings tend to differ vastly!

The World Upright Meaning

When drawn right side up, The World represents harmonic alignment and the completion of something important. This position of The World is typically favorable, as it means something fulfilling has likely occurred in your life. Likewise, The World tarot card is a sign of efforts being recognized, of hard work paying off. It’s a card of acknowledgment and gratefulness, themes you may already feel in your life should you draw this card in a reading.

If The World manifests to you in a reading surrounding questions of love and career paths, it is a sign of contentment and completion. Seeing this card could mean now is the time to pursue the next steps or proceed into the next cycle of your life. Whether pursuing a new career or promotion, expanding upon your love life, or more, The World is a welcome sign to go for it!

The World Reversed Meaning

Reversed or upside-down card meanings are as important as upright ones. When interpreting The World tarot card from a reversed stance, themes of fulfillment (or lack thereof) still apply. Regardless of the question asked when pulling this card in a tarot spread, The World in a reversed position holds meanings of disconnection, dissatisfaction, and incomplete feelings, especially in light of cycles or situations ending around you.

When interpreting a reversed The World card for love or financial questions, stagnation, and uninspired feelings are likely meanings. It could be an excellent time to reevaluate what brings you fulfillment, especially regarding your partnerships and career. Likewise, The World reversed asks us to closely examine our expectations and how we might find a better, more holistic approach to our personal contentment and satisfaction in life.

While this card reversed may feel like a negative card to draw, no tarot cards are meant to be interpreted this way. A reversed The World card plays an important role as an advisor or reminder, a card designed to help us question what truly brings us comfort, harmony, and fulfillment in life. Remember: even when one cycle ends, we have the opportunity to achieve even more as the next cycle begins! 

Advice From The World Tarot Card

the world tarot card

The World tarot card may ask if your current path is fulfilling or meaningful.

©Tanya Antusenok/Shutterstock.com

Ultimately, The World is a tarot card full of rich, important meanings. As it completes the Major Arcana, we also complete important cycles or periods of our own lives. If you see The World in a tarot card reading, contemplate what aspects of your life bring you fulfillment, happiness, and satisfaction. Even if these aspects are part of an ending cycle, The World may help you interpret or view your life’s path more positively!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © VeraPetruk/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images


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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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