The World Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The World Keywords 

• Upright: fulfillment, completed cycles, harmony, openness, travel, success, embodiment
• Reversed: stagnancy, hesitation, incomplete cycles, delays, blockages, close-mindedness

The World: Description and Symbolism

As the last card of the Major Arcana, the World emphasizes themes of achievement and wholeness. A green wreath creates an ellipse on the card, symbolizing success, wealth, and abundance. The wreath also resembles the number ‘0’, representing the beginning and end of cycles. The card’s blue background symbolizes the search for peace and clarity through new pursuits.

In the center of the card, a woman is depicted dancing. Her calm expression and open arms symbolize her openness to new experiences. The woman holds a wand in each hand, representing the balance she has mastered between earthly and spiritual forces. Her actions are inspired by a harmony between her conscious and unconscious mind. The two red sashes tied around the wreath form infinity symbols, representing the many potentials to take passionate action. The world dancer is capable of manifesting the outcomes she desires.

There are four figures in each corner to correspond with the fixed signs of the zodiac:

• Bull: Taurus (earth)
• Lion: Leo (fire)
• Eagle: Scorpio (water)
• Angel: Aquarius (air)

The representation of these four astrological signs and their respective elements emphasizes the theme of oneness with the Universe. As fixed signs, these figures also symbolize cultivating stability through life’s changes. The world dancer is secure and confident in her use of these four universal principles, finding peace and harmony through different experiences. 

A purple sash is draped around the woman’s body to represent divine wisdom. It creates a spiral, further supporting the World’s theme of life cycles. The woman dances freely, no matter what may come her way. The lessons she has learned have prepared her for future success, allowing her to be fully present in her surroundings.

Note: This description is based on the depiction of the World in the Rider Waite-Smith tarot deck.

The World – Upright Meaning

The World card appears as a positive sign of achievement and lessons learned. You have endured many trials and tribulations to get to where you are, so now it is time to celebrate. This card emphasizes the ability to wholeheartedly enjoy new experiences and commitments. You deserve to give yourself credit for the progress and success you have achieved in your given situation.

When the World appears, it may also signify a period of trying new things. New opportunities may be opening up to you at this time, inspiring you to get out of your comfort zone. It is a wonderful time to see where life takes you and start a new venture.

Love Meaning – The World Upright

The World card suggests that you are about to achieve an uplifting outcome in love. Perhaps you have had a feeling your partner will propose, or you have finally found someone with whom you feel compatible. You could also be celebrating a shared success with your partner, like buying a house or having your first child. As a sign of completed cycles, the inner work you have done is likely to lead to fulfilling outcomes in your relationships.

As a relationship dynamic, the World card represents a mutually fulfilling partnership. Your relationship is built on unconditional love and understanding. You feel safe to share your joys and wins with your partner, which keeps you inspired in all your pursuits.

When reading for how someone feels, the World represents someone who sees a promising future with you. This love interest feels that you both will have room to grow in this connection and is excited to embark on new adventures together.

Career and Finance Meaning – The World Upright 

In a career context, the World suggests you could be celebrating a recent accomplishment. Perhaps you finally got promoted or received the scholarship that you applied for a while ago. Your hard work has built up to this moment, so you deserve to celebrate. 

The World card can also signify that you feel satisfied with the state of your work and finances. The lessons you have learned have brought you long-term peace and satisfaction. It wouldn’t hurt to invest in an exciting new pursuit, like traveling or starting your own business, to see what other opportunities might open up for you.

Health Meaning – The World Upright

When the World card appears in a health context, it suggests that you are feeling upbeat and rejuvenated. Your pursuits and connections are fulfilling you now, giving you more energy to say yes to fun experiences. You are encouraged to surround yourself with loved ones and seek out exciting experiences to maintain this high spirit.

Spirituality Meaning – The World Upright

In a spiritual context, the World card reassures you that you have made significant progress. There have been many lessons to learn on your journey, and you have successfully integrated them at this time. You have completed a cycle in your spiritual growth, opening you up to new adventures.

The World Card As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The World represents feelings of openness and full-bodied joy. You feel fully present in your experiences and connections at this time, which is bringing immense satisfaction.

The World Card As Actions Meaning – Upright

When the World card appears as actions, it represents a sense of freedom and groundedness. You fully trust your intuition and ideas at this time, which motivates you to explore new possibilities.

The World – Reversed Meaning

When the World appears reversed in a reading, it may suggest that you have unfinished business to attend to. There may be one last task or piece of closure needed to achieve your goal. This card reassures you that you are almost at the finish line – you just have to stick it out to find the missing piece.

Another interpretation of the reversed World card is that you have yet to give yourself credit for your accomplishments. Perhaps you have been working towards a goal for so long that it is hard to believe you achieved your vision. You are gently reminded to get out of your head and fully experience the present moment. You deserve self-validation and recognition for the cycle you completed, so don’t brush over this success. 

The reversed World could also represent a period where you feel closed off to new experiences. Rather than focusing on the one situation that has been on your mind, you are encouraged to get out into the world. Meet new people and find inspiration for your next project! You are not as stuck as you might feel at this time.

Love Meaning – The World Reversed 

When the World card appears reversed, you may feel discouraged in your relationship. You have made significant progress in understanding your needs and advocating for them, but there could be something missing. It would be a good time to have a deep conversation with your partner to ensure you are on the same page. This card suggests that you are close to successfully learning a lesson within your connection, but some conflicting feelings could be getting in the way.

The reversed World card could also signify that you have been feeling disconnected from the idea of love lately. Be careful not to close yourself off from fulfilling connections out of fear. Your doubts and hesitations after a difficult lesson or healing period could be getting in the way of your joys. You are encouraged to lean into fun experiences to rejuvenate your spirit at this time.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed World card represents someone who is actively tying up loose ends. Give this love interest time before pursuing a connection.

Career and Finance Meaning – The World Reversed 

When the World appears reversed in a career context, you may be tying up loose ends to achieve your goal. Perhaps there is debt you would like to pay off before making an exciting investment, or a few details to sort out before securing your dream job. You are reminded to keep your head up as you close out this cycle. You are close to the finish line, but you will have to remain consistent.

The reversed World card could also signify that you have not let a recent accomplishment seep in. Reflect on the deeper fears and emotions that could be making it difficult to celebrate your success. It would be a good time to lean on your support system to remind you of how far you have come.

Health Meaning – The World Reversed 

In a health context, the reversed World card suggests you may be going through a period where you feel less motivated to see a goal through. This self-doubt could be slowing you down in other areas, so consider making time for a hobby that brings you peace. You are encouraged to focus on grounding self-care practices at this time. 

Spirituality Meaning – The World Reversed 

When the World appears reversed in a spiritual context, it suggests that you are just a couple of steps away from learning a lesson. You have done the inner work to make significant progress up until this point. It may require meditation or reconnection with nature to clarify what is missing. Once you take the time to look within, you will discover the steps you need to take to complete this cycle.

The World Card As Feelings Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed World card represents feelings of hesitation and guardedness. Be gentle with yourself as you search for the clarity you need to feel at peace.

The World Card As Actions Meaning – Reversed 

The reversed World card represents stagnancy and incomplete cycles. You may be in the process of integrating a lesson you have learned or tying up loose ends. Remain hopeful, as you are close to achieving your desired outcome.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the World refers to a cycle that you have previously completed. You have learned many lessons that led to success, giving you a sense of freedom and wholeness. Your past sense of fulfillment is informing your current situation.

Present Position

When the World appears in the ‘present’ position, it suggests that you are actively reaping the rewards of your hard work. You have made significant progress to reach this level of achievement, so now is the time to celebrate.

Future Position

The World card in the ‘future’ position predicts that you will feel fulfilled and free as a result of your present efforts. You would be wise to stay consistent now to achieve this future outcome.

Yes or No Meaning of The World Card

• The World Upright: Yes
• The World Reversed: No

When the World card appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. You are likely to achieve a fulfilling outcome in your given situation due to the lessons and cycles you have already endured.

When the World appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. An incomplete cycle or lesson is preventing a desirable outcome in this situation.

Advice and Message of The World Card

The World card reminds you to acknowledge your achievements. You have learned lessons and endured enough experiences to pave a clear path for yourself. In fact, you have already accomplished what you set out to do. This card gives you the advice to lean into the newfound joys and freedoms you’ve earned through your hard work.

Summary of The World Tarot Meaning

When the World appears in a reading, it is time to celebrate a completed cycle. You have mastered the feelings and challenges within a particular area of your life, allowing you to feel free and fulfilled. When the card appears reversed, you may be one step away from achieving success in your given situation. So long as you continue to trust the inner balance you have cultivated, you will soon find fulfillment from your endeavors.