"The World"

What has traditionally been known as "the World" points to the presiding intelligence, or Wisdom, which upholds life on this and all worlds. A more precise title for this might be "the Soul of the World," also applicable as a symbol of personal empowerment and freedom. He stands between heaven and earth as the Cosmic Brother of Souls, the messenger of God and our protector from the karmic forces we have set loose upon the Earth in our immaturity and ignorance.Where the Empress energy secures and fertilizes our terrestrial lives, The World invites us into cosmic citizenship -- once we come to realize our soul's potential for it. Just as the Chariot stands for success in achieving a separate Self, and Temperance represents achievement of mental and moral health, the World announces the awakening of the soul's Immortal Being, accomplished without the necessity of dying.This world, like the Sun, is reputed to have no negative meaning no matter where or how it appears. If the Hermetic axiom is "Know Thyself", this image represents what becomes known when the true nature of Self is followed to creative freedom and its ultimate realization.