The Universe card in Tarot and you
What do you think about when you go out at night and look up to the stars? You know this: Twinkling stars stretch into the unknown as far as we can see with our own eyes and you are here on Earth somewhere within the Milky Way Galaxy. How do you perceive yourself in relation to this vast Universe? You may wonder: “Why am I here”? This is probably the biggest and most important question to answer in expanding your understanding of Tarot. By contemplating The Universe card (The World card in some decks), we plunge into the immense enigma regarding why there is life on Earth. How and why did living beings appear here? Is there life out there on a similar planet? Does the Universe of galaxies, stars and planets have a beginning or an end or has it always been there, forever and ever? Are there parallel Universes? According to today’s scientists, when we look through a far-reaching telescope, we are able to observe over 4 trillion galaxies among the billions of stars.
What about us in relation to this immensity? From our own orbiting space station, we can’t literally see ourselves riding in a car on the freeway, but we know there are at least 7 billion humans riding on Earth, along with multitudes of flora and fauna, and they are all responding to the 4 seasonal changes as the Earth rotates on its axis. Can you see yourself as a little bright speck riding along on this blue “marble”? “Yes, you say, on a physical level.” Scientists talk about the Earth-ball being held in place in orbit of our Sun through gravitational forces and electromagnetism. They theorize that the Universe is held together by 4 forces: gravity, electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force —but then there is dark matter—an unknown influence that, perhaps, is a kind of energy power sustaining the whole Universe. Ok, in view of all this “heady stuff,” let’s take another approach and find out what this has to do with Tarot cards.
“Astronomy compels the Soul to look upwards and leads us from
this world to another.”
Plato, “The Republic”
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| B.O.T.A deck |
To grasp the meaning of The Universe card in Tarot, we must first look at the metaphysical aspects of the card in its archetypal context. This infers something far bigger than our embodied selfhood. Not everything is rooted in just our physical existence. In some older Tarot decks, such as the Rider-Waite deck, we also find the archetypes of Justice, Temperance and Judgement included along with The Universe card. The meaning behind The Universe card prompts the querent to go beyond the Ego-personality of “me, me, me,” in order to find a new expanded higher sense of oneself. R. Maurice Bucke, in his book, “Cosmic Consciousness,” (E.P. Dutton & Co. 1901; 1923) proposed that this was the next evolutionary stage for humans in overcoming selfishness and other self-interested undesirable traits. The Universe card signifies the attempt to attain spiritual awareness and experience a vital life beyond one’s domestic duties, the job, and everyday menial tasks. For example, we experience this idealism when we explore the unlimited possibilities of creative energy. Enhanced by our activity in the arts: poetry, painting, creative writing and other inventive projects, we go beyond the boundaries we use to protect ourselves, in order to move freely and find a higher sense of reality.
By contemplating The Universe card, we can discover a new awareness of spiritual concepts and investigate universal Ideas such as Beauty and Truth, Harmony and Goodness. By developing an exalted consciousness imbued with mystical illumination, we can experience a transformation of oneself, or even a healing. The figure in The Universe or World card of older decks is depicted dancing in joy, no longer bound by the limitations of this earthly plane.
Within The Universe card of “Tarot of Cosmic Consciousness,” we see a vibrant abstract figure
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| The Universe TOCC |
painted in rainbow colors surrounded by a swirling Universe of stars and galaxies. The goal in studying this card is to be in touch with your higher Self and, through stages of self-development, find the power to change your life. By transcending the five physical senses through religious practices, meditation, prayer, yoga, or the arts, etc. we can perceive a new reality: Unity – “Oneness” with the Universe.
“…the dancer is in constant motion in harmonious relationship to the elements of the world. The solid ground of her foundation is within her and, as she moves from that deepest source, she is able to creatively commune with the Universe surrounding her.”
Madonna Compton, “Archetypes on the Tree of Life,” (Llewellyn Publications 1991)
Richard Tarnas in his book, “The Passion of the Western Mind,” talks about Plato’s metaphysical theory of Forms where the physical world is seen like a shadow of a perfect, timeless realm of abstract Forms. Eternal Forms which are everlasting and represent a true reality based on archetypal principles (See Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”). These are perfect eternal unchanging archetypes that symbolize the true essence of Forms such as Beauty, Goodness, and Justice, in the highest sense.
“… a particular object in the world can best be understood as a concrete expression of a more fundamental idea; an archetype which gives that object its special structure and condition.
Beauty is not an attribute of art but its essence.”
Richard Tarnas, “The Passion of the Western Mind” (Ballantine Books 1991)
When receiving this card in a reading, it signals an opportunity for you to get in touch with your higher Self through illumination and enlightenment. Then you may be heading toward the ecstasy of “Nirvana” or the “Harmony of Heavenly Bliss.”
“In order to achieve success and happiness, each of us must discover one’s own talents and apply them; it is no good burying them in the sands of wishful thinking.”
Madeline Montalbano, "Prediction Book of the Tarot" (Blandford Press 1983)
Questions to ponder while working with The Universe card:
1. What has been your personal ambition? Do you seek a higher consciousness?
2. What hopes do you have for the future? Nirvana? Enlightenment?
3. Will your hopes and ambition be rewarded with success? What are your goals?
4. What steps can you take to see your dreams and visions fulfilled?
5. What are your personal talents? The arts, dancing, writing, mathematics, etc.?
6. Have you dealt with life changes as you’ve grown or aged? What have you learned?
7. Have you found happiness and a sense of security? Have you overcome the obstacles to success?
(For further reading, refer to my other blogs on The Universe: 4/19/2012; 4/19/2020; 4/18/2023)
