Sage Leaves, Card XXI: The World, December 24, 2024

Welcome to Sage Leaves, a compendium of wisdom for those seeking to heal ancestral wounds using Tarot as an assistant. In this issue, we will explore the archetype of The World and relate it to the Heroine’s Journey, as well as explore how it is read when it appears in a reading conducted for transgenerational healing. It seems appropriate that we end our exploration of the Major Arcana with The World card as she dances on the threshold to a new year that has many of us, frankly, terrified of what the future holds. Please remember that while many will use Tarot as a predictive tool, any attempt to predict the future, with tarot or any other tool, will become immediately inaccurate and will only become more so as time passes between the forecast and the actual future. Next week, we will begin an exploration of the suit of Swords as related to the Heroine’s journey. Happy holidays, whatever you celebrate!

Table of Contents

• Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The World

• The Role of The World Card in The Heroine’s Journe …

• The Impact of The World Card in Transgenerational …

• Energetic Influences This Week 12/24-12/30

Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The World

The World card in Tarot represents completion, integration, and the achievement of unity, embodying Carl Jung’s concept of individuation. In Jungian psychology, individuation is the process of integrating the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche to achieve wholeness. The World card reflects the culmination of this journey, symbolizing a state of balance, fulfillment, and cosmic harmony where the Self—the archetype representing the totality of the psyche—is fully realized.

The imagery often associated with The World card enhances its archetypal significance. A central figure, commonly dancing or standing triumphantly within a wreath or ouroboros (a snake eating its tail), represents completion and the eternal cycle of renewal. This aligns with Jung’s use of the mandala as a symbol of totality, representing the unity of the inner and outer worlds. The four corner figures, usually a lion, bull, eagle, and human (corresponding to the fixed zodiac signs), symbolize stability across all dimensions of experience: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. These elements collectively convey a sense of harmony, balance, and interconnectedness.

Jung’s archetype of the Great Mother or Anima Mundi (World Soul) is also reflected in The World card. The Great Mother represents creation, nurturing, and the interconnectedness of all life, tying the individual’s journey of self-discovery to the larger collective unconscious. The card’s imagery and symbolism remind us that personal fulfillment is deeply connected to the universal flow of energy and cycles of existence.

In a practical sense, The World card suggests the completion of a significant chapter in one’s life. It indicates a moment when inner growth and external accomplishments align, creating a sense of mastery and wholeness. From a Jungian perspective, this is the realization of the Self, where the individual transcends personal limitations to embrace a broader perspective that includes the collective human experience.

Ultimately, The World card serves as a profound reminder of the cyclical nature of life. While it marks the end of a journey, it also invites the seeker to step into new cycles of growth and renewal. This card encapsulates the essence of psychological and spiritual completion, celebrating the journey while embracing the interconnectedness of all existence.

The Role of The World Card in The Heroine’s Journey

The World card represents the climactic moment of completion and fulfillment in the Heroine’s Journey, signifying the integration of her experiences, lessons, and self-discovery. This card encapsulates the essence of wholeness and achievement, making it a pivotal symbol for the final stages of the Heroine’s transformative path.

In the Heroine’s Journey, the protagonist undertakes a cyclical voyage that delves deep into the self, often exploring shadow work, reclaiming lost aspects of identity, and transcending societal norms. The World card appears as a triumphant culmination of this inward and outward journey. It reflects the heroine’s ability to reconcile the dichotomies she has encountered: light and shadow, inner and outer worlds, and personal desires versus collective responsibility. This integration is emblematic of Carl Jung’s concept of individuation, where the heroine achieves balance between the conscious and unconscious aspects of her psyche.

The imagery of The World card—a central figure often dancing or standing in harmony within a laurel wreath or ouroboros—represents both personal mastery and connection to the universal flow. For the heroine, this stage of her journey involves not only recognizing her own power and potential but also embracing her interconnectedness with the world around her. She understands that her growth contributes to the larger collective narrative, and she accepts her role as both an individual and a part of the greater whole.

A key aspect of the Heroine’s Journey is the heroine’s return to the ordinary world, transformed by her experiences and equipped with newfound wisdom. The World card embodies this return, showing that she has completed the cycle of her quest and is ready to share her insights with others. Unlike the Hero’s Journey, which often emphasizes external conquest or victory, the Heroine’s Journey focuses on relational and emotional fulfillment. The World card aligns with this perspective, as it celebrates harmony, connection, and the integration of inner and outer realities.

The presence of The World card also suggests that the heroine’s journey does not truly end. While it signifies a resolution, it also points to the cyclical nature of life and growth. The heroine is prepared to embark on new adventures, armed with the understanding that endings are also beginnings. This perpetual cycle resonates deeply with the Heroine’s Journey, where transformation is ongoing, and each completed chapter enriches the next.

Ultimately, The World card signifies the heroine’s transcendence and her capacity to exist in harmony with both herself and the universe. It honors the culmination of her struggles, the wisdom she has gained, and her readiness to embrace new possibilities, making it an essential symbol of fulfillment in the Heroine’s Journey.

The Impact of The World Card in Transgenerational Healing

The World card holds profound significance in a tarot reading focused on transgenerational healing. As the final card of the Major Arcana, it symbolizes completion, integration, and the achievement of wholeness, making it an ideal card for addressing and resolving inherited patterns, traumas, and cycles within a family lineage.

In the context of transgenerational healing, The World represents the culmination of efforts to reconcile familial wounds and create harmony across generations. Its appearance in a reading suggests that the querent is in a pivotal position to bring closure to unresolved issues that have persisted through their ancestral line. This could include patterns of emotional suppression, repeated relational dynamics, or systemic traumas that have echoed through the family. The World ’s energy of integration implies that the querent has the tools, awareness, and emotional readiness to break these cycles and facilitate healing.

The card’s imagery—a central figure surrounded by symbols of unity and harmony—emphasizes the importance of embracing the interconnectedness of the past, present, and future. The World card invites the querent to recognize that they are both the product of their ancestors’ stories and the architect of their descendants’ narratives. This realization empowers them to take responsibility for transforming inherited wounds into wisdom, creating a legacy of healing and balance.

From a Jungian perspective, The World card resonates with the concept of individuation. It signifies the integration of conscious and unconscious elements, suggesting that the querent is moving toward a state of wholeness not only for themselves but for their entire family system. By addressing shadow aspects—unconscious patterns or suppressed emotions inherited from ancestors—the querent can achieve a deeper understanding of their lineage and release what no longer serves.

The World card also carries a message of closure and resolution. It indicates that the healing journey is reaching a meaningful conclusion, where old wounds can finally be laid to rest. This may involve forgiving past generations, reclaiming ancestral strengths, or honoring the sacrifices and struggles of forebears. The card’s energy supports the idea that closure does not erase the past but rather transforms it, creating a foundation of peace and empowerment for future generations.

On a practical level, The World encourages active steps toward healing, such as exploring family history, engaging in rituals to honor ancestors, or working with therapeutic modalities like family constellations. It may also suggest sharing the fruits of one’s healing journey with others, whether through storytelling, mentorship, or creating meaningful traditions that foster connection and growth.

Ultimately, The World card in transgenerational healing signifies the successful resolution of ancestral challenges and the integration of inherited wisdom. It affirms that the querent’s efforts not only heal their own life but also ripple outward to bring harmony to their family lineage. As a symbol of unity and fulfillment, The World inspires hope, guiding the querent to embrace their role as a bridge between past and future, and as a catalyst for lasting transformation.

Energetic Influences This Week 12/24-12/30

This is a reading for the energetic influences at play for the week of December 24-30 2024. I drew Ace of Pentacles, 9 of Pentacles, Page of Cups, Queen of Cups, Page of Swords, Temperance, and 3 of Swords. Now we will explore each of the cards laid for each day of the week for a guide to energetic influences for the week of December 24-30, 2024.

This week begins with the grounding energy of the Ace of Pentacles on Tuesday, as Jupiter’s retrograde square to Saturn sets the tone for reflection and reevaluation. You’re presented with a golden opportunity—a seed of potential for growth in material or practical aspects of your life. This card encourages you to take stock of your resources and set a strong foundation for the future. Amid Jupiter’s expansive retrograde and Saturn’s grounding influence, you are reminded that success comes from balancing optimism with structure. What new beginnings are calling for your commitment?

On Wednesday, the 9 of Pentacles shifts the focus to self-sufficiency and enjoyment of your accomplishments. You’re invited to appreciate the fruits of your labor and acknowledge how far you’ve come. There’s an energy of refinement and independence here—a moment to stand in your personal power. Jupiter’s continued retrograde asks you to find gratitude in what you already have while considering what’s next. Are you taking time to enjoy your achievements while planning wisely for the future?

Thursday brings the gentle and imaginative Page of Cups as Mercury squares Saturn and opposes Jupiter. This energy encourages curiosity and emotional openness, even amidst the tension of conflicting planetary influences. You might feel pulled between the rigidity of Saturn and the expansive visions of Jupiter. The Page of Cups suggests that a message or insight could arrive—possibly through intuition or creativity. Stay receptive and embrace vulnerability. What emotions are surfacing, and how can you honor them?

The emotional depth deepens on Friday with the Queen of Cups, as Mercury’s continued tension with Saturn and Jupiter intersects with Venus squaring Uranus. This Queen calls you to connect with your inner emotional world and nurture yourself and others with compassion. Amid the planetary turbulence, you are reminded to lead with empathy and trust your intuition. Are you creating space to process your emotions or offer support to those around you?

Saturday’s energy shifts with the curious and alert Page of Swords as Venus’s square to Uranus brings unexpected changes. This Page encourages you to stay sharp and adaptable, ready to embrace new ideas or uncover hidden truths. You might encounter unexpected information or have an opportunity to challenge outdated ways of thinking. What questions are you being called to ask, and how can you approach them with clarity and curiosity?

On Sunday, the week’s only Major Arcana card, Temperance, reappears as a calming and centering influence. This card reminds you to strive for balance and moderation, particularly after a week filled with emotional and intellectual challenges. Temperance invites you to align your inner and outer worlds, blending conflicting energies into harmonious flow. With its recurring presence over recent weeks, it emphasizes the importance of patience and equilibrium in navigating life’s complexities. How are you integrating lessons learned this week to find balance in your life?

The week concludes on Monday with the 3 of Swords, often read as a card of heartbreak and release. Threes are active and agile, and swords remind us that words have the power to cut deeply. The 3 of Swords is a sharp reminder that we should guard our tongue and and to not accept other words as our truth. This card encourages you to confront and process unresolved emotions. Following the steadying influence of Temperance, you are better equipped to face past pain and begin your journey to healing old wounds. Jupiter’s retrograde suggests that this is a time for inner work and reflection rather than forward action. What grief or disappointment needs acknowledgment, and how can you release it to make space for renewal?

This week’s spread weaves a narrative of growth, self-awareness, and emotional processing. It begins with tangible opportunities and personal achievement (Ace and 9 of Pentacles), urging you to ground yourself and appreciate what you’ve built. Midweek, the Page and Queen of Cups invite emotional exploration and connection, balancing the practical with the intuitive. As the Page of Swords brings intellectual curiosity and sharpness, you’re encouraged to embrace change and new perspectives.

Temperance, the week’s central archetype, emphasizes balance as the key to navigating the planetary tensions and recurring themes of moderation and integration. The week closes with the 3 of Swords, not as a final defeat but as a necessary release that prepares you for future healing and growth.

Through these energies, the narrative urges you to stay present, process emotions, and find harmony in the face of challenges. How will you transform your struggles into strength as you step into the next phase of your journey?