This is my initial interpretation of The World card.

Tarot Deck: Universal Waite Tarot

At first glance, The World is reminiscent of the Wheel of Fortune. In the Wheel of Fortune is key X (10), midway through the Tarot journey, the seated angel, winged lion winged bull and winged angel were all reading, symbolic of learning. In The World, the same four astrological quadrants in that card, have now fully developed. They represent the four quadrants of astrology, elemental properties and Tarot suits:

Eagle (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) :: Water :: Cups
Lion (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) :: :: Fire :: Wands
Bull (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) :: Earth :: Pentacles
Angel (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) :: Air :: Swords

The eagle, lion, bull and angel appear from the clouds. The cloud formation is more defined than it was in the Wheel of Fortune and reminds me of the Aces in each Tarot suit, which show a hand holding the object that represents the corresponding suit.  more...