Explore the final phase of the Fool’s Journey in Tarot, from the Devil to The World. Learn how these powerful archetypes reflect your spiritual awakening and self-mastery.
The Fool’s Journey through the Major Arcana is a profound map of human growth, and the final leg—from card XV, The Devil, to card XXI, The World—is where the deepest transformation takes place. This stretch of the journey brings challenges to the core of our identity and beliefs. But with those challenges come breakthrough moments of clarity, joy, and ultimately, enlightenment.
This is the phase of Enlightenment and Mastery—where the Fool must confront shadow aspects, experience radical change, and step fully into their authentic self. Let’s walk through these powerful archetypes and see how they relate to your own path of awakening.
Card XV: The Devil – Facing Temptation and Illusion
The Devil card represents bondage, addiction, and illusion—but often the chains that bind us are of our own making. The Fool encounters the Devil when he must confront unhealthy attachments, limiting beliefs, or destructive patterns.
This card asks a tough question: What is keeping you stuck? It may be an external temptation or an internal fear masquerading as truth.
A friend of mine pulled the Devil during a time when she was in a job that paid well but drained her soul. She realised she was tied to the security of a pay-check, even though it came at the cost of her well-being. The card didn’t judge her—it simply illuminated what needed to be acknowledged.
The Devil’s lesson is liberation through awareness. When we face our shadows without flinching, we reclaim our power.
Card XVI: The Tower – Breaking Down to Break Through
Few cards strike fear like the Tower, with its image of lightning striking a crumbling structure. But the Tower’s destruction is not random—it’s necessary. It represents the collapse of illusions, false beliefs, or outdated systems.
When the Fool meets the Tower, everything he thought was solid might fall apart. But here’s the thing: the Tower clears the way for truth.
I experienced my own Tower moment when a long-term relationship suddenly ended. At the time, it felt like the ground beneath me had disappeared. But in hindsight, it was the beginning of a deeper connection to myself. The destruction was painful—but it was also liberating.
The Tower reminds us that crisis often leads to clarity. What feels like chaos is sometimes the Universe clearing space for something far better.
Card XVII: The Star – Hope and Renewal
After the destruction of the Tower, the Star shines with calm and promise. This card is about hope, inspiration, and spiritual healing. The Fool, now humbled and open, reconnects with faith in the future.
The Star appears when we’re beginning to heal, to dream again, to feel inspired. It’s a gentle encouragement to believe in our own light.
For many, this card signals a return to purpose. One client described pulling the Star while recovering from burnout. It helped her reconnect with her creativity and reminded her that she didn’t have to rush—she just had to trust the process.
The Star says: You are guided. Keep going.
Card XVIII: The Moon – Navigating Uncertainty
The Moon card is about mystery, illusion, and emotional depth. After the hopeful clarity of the Star, the Moon introduces ambiguity. The Fool must walk a path lit only by moonlight, trusting his intuition.
This is where doubts arise. Things aren’t always as they seem. Emotions can be overwhelming. But the Moon teaches us to sit with discomfort and listen closely to our inner voice.
In real life, the Moon can symbolise times when nothing feels certain—career changes, spiritual awakenings, or emotional upheaval. It’s a card of deep subconscious work.
When I was going through therapy, the Moon showed up often. It reminded me that healing isn’t linear, and that clarity sometimes comes only after we wade through confusion.
Card XIX: The Sun – Joy, Clarity, and Confidence
After the darkness of the Moon, the Sun bursts forth. It’s a card of warmth, happiness, and alignment. The Fool, having faced his fears, now steps into his full self with joy and confidence.
The Sun represents those moments in life when things just click—when you feel energised, alive, and at peace with who you are. It’s the breakthrough after the breakdown.
This card invites you to embrace life fully, to shine without apology. You’ve done the inner work—now it’s time to celebrate.
A former colleague pulled this card after launching her passion project. She said it felt like confirmation that she was on the right track—and that her joy was a compass she could trust.
Card XX: Judgement – Awakening and Accountability
The Judgement card signals a spiritual awakening, a call to live in alignment with your higher self. It’s about release, forgiveness, and choosing a new way forward.
For the Fool, this is a moment of reflection and reckoning. He looks back over his journey and sees how every challenge has shaped him. There’s no shame here—only clarity.
Judgement often arrives when we’re stepping into a new phase, shedding what no longer serves us, and accepting full responsibility for our lives.
When I made the decision to stop playing small and step into teaching and mentoring others, Judgement was my guide. It wasn’t about being perfect—it was about being authentic.
Card XXI: The World – Completion and Wholeness
At last, the Fool arrives at The World. This is the card of fulfilment, mastery, and integration. The journey has come full circle. Every lesson, every stumble, every breakthrough has led to this moment.
The World is not the end—it’s a beginning on a new level. The Fool is now the master, not because he knows everything, but because he understands himself.
When The World appears, it’s a moment to pause and honour how far you’ve come. Whether you’ve just completed a personal goal, a long healing process, or a spiritual transformation—this is your moment of wholeness.
A client once celebrated her sobriety milestone with this card. She said it represented not just the end of addiction, but the beginning of a new, empowered life.
Final Thoughts: Becoming the Master of Your Journey
From the Devil to The World, the Fool’s final stage in the tarot is not just about surviving challenges—it’s about transcending them. These archetypes guide us through liberation, collapse, renewal, uncertainty, joy, awakening, and ultimately, completion.
If you’re on this part of your journey, know this: You’re not lost. You’re becoming. Every step, even the painful ones, is part of your evolution.
Tarot doesn’t just tell the story—it helps you live it. So next time you pull one of these cards, ask: What is this teaching me about my own mastery?
The World is waiting. And so are you.
Extra Resources:
- Explore Soul Tarot readings.
- This post may also interest you: What is a spiritual awakening?
- Buy your own Tarot Cards!
Best Wishes,
David.
© D. R. Durham, All rights reserved, 2025.
