“The figure in the World dances outside of time and space within a wreath of victory, holding two wands symbolizing balance,” Vanderveldt tells mbg. “This card is a big up-level; it’s an absorbing of lessons and wisdom that brings a person into a new understanding of their life and their role in it.” The figure pictured on the card in the traditional Rider-Waite deck is naked, she notes, which expresses complete humanity and the embodiment of balanced divine feminine and masculine qualities. “It’s an encapsulation of the dance of life—sometimes mysterious but ever moving and cycling,” Vanderveldt adds. The World is also associated with Saturn, “the taskmaster of the zodiac,” Vanderveldt says, so it’s also about hard-won lessons, growth, and the satisfaction that comes with it. “It may not have been easy or pretty getting through it, but on the other side, you’re at a new stage of life—wiser and ready for a new phase.” “The World really asks us to revel in these times of fulfillment, soak them up, and find peace within yourself,” she says. “It feels like a milestone and can bring with it a new chapter.” Vanderveldt says this isn’t necessarily a sign your relationship is doomed, but rather it invites you to make a change. “There may also be something from your past that needs to be lovingly released to move forward,” she explains. “Your potential lies in a willingness to approach it in a new way.” “This culmination will bring with it fresh opportunities and chances to start something new,” she says, adding to be sure to enjoy what you’ve achieved, as well as “the feeling of accomplishment and learning that you’ve striven for, before moving forward.” Some things to consider asking yourself if this happens include, Are you happy with the way things are going? What’s the best way you can balance striving and achieving with receiving and appreciating? “Your world is what you make it,” Vanderveldt adds. “Examine what you know to be true about your strengths and what you want from your career or money.” The World asks you to pause and spend time in the celebration, she says. “As a society, I think we’ve come to feel like the completion of something indicates an awkward, in-between time, so we ask what’s next? But this is what we’ve actually been working toward; this is the reward.” So enjoy it, and don’t feel like you have to rush on to the next phase! Vanderveldt suggests asking yourself these questions, adding this card in reverse is “an opportunity for self-examination and growth.” Either way, don’t forget to pause and acknowledge how far you’ve come on your journey before you jump into whatever is next on your path.
