DESCRIPTION

Pamela Colman Smith’s World dancer draws its inspiration from the Marseille tradition. She represents Prudence, the last and “highest” of the four cardinal virtues. Prudence is not to be interpreted as “cautiousness,” but rather an understanding of one’s connection with the surrounding world. Some may refer to the woman as Sophia, meaning “wisdom,” or the anima mundi, the soul of the world. The victory wreath, which represents life itself, is in the form of an ellipse. There’s also a small wreath around her head, which is a symbol of having personal victory over the trials along the journey of life. She’s loosely wrapped within a flowing purple scarf, and does her victory dance after completing the great work. The wreath also represents the womb. She’s about to be birthed as an ascended being. The wreath is also connected to the Fool’s zero, signifying a cyclical end and beginning. The red ribbons at the top and the bottom of the wreath make infinity loops.

The World dancer’s nude form resembles the Star, which corresponds to Saturn-ruled Aquarius. Her two batons resemble the Magician’s baton. The batons symbolize the fire of divine inspiration. These wands are double terminated, functioning like antenna that draw the energy both in and out, receiving and sending from both above and below. The four creatures at the corners of the card are the creatures of Ezekiel who were also present in the Wheel of Fortune card. These creatures represent the elements, gospels, fixed zodiac signs, and the divine name, signifying that everything is in its rightful place. The dancer is gracefully poised on one foot. Her body, mind, and soul are in harmony. From this balanced position, she is attuned to the rhythm of life. The dancer has fully reconciled all of life’s polarities. Conscious and subconscious unite to produce the World and now they’ve perfectly merged their powers together as one.

The World archetype symbolizes the union and reconciliation of opposites. In the state of cosmic consciousness which the world represents, all sense of separateness is gone. There really is only one. The archetypal role captured here is paradise regained. Sometimes this key is named the Universe to emphasize that it truly represents cosmic consciousness. People who express the World archetype usually have a long and arduous journey of life, but it’s one that ultimately leads them to true mastery and joy. They understand how to balance the polarities within them: the masculine and feminine, the shadow and light, the good and the evil. They have a deep desire to understand the mysteries of life and the universe. They devote themselves to the great work with passion and vigor. They become enlightened leaders that don’t just teach from the confines of a temple or an ashram, but who brave the world, live life to the fullest, and teach by example. Siddhartha, after he became the Buddha, is one such example. The World card can be illustrated in sacred unions where there is a perfect harmony of masculine and feminine energies. An example of a sacred power couple would be King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The World key is about experiencing and integrating all 22 archetypes. Those who embody the World archetype are natural visionaries. They find it difficult to be limited, restricted, or restrained in any way, as the visions of their spirit far exceed the limits of physical practicalities. They also realize that they are miracle workers and they can conduct the symphony of life to orchestrate events and people who can help them to manifest their vision. The World archetype has a mission of global transformation, and is inspired to create a new and better world.