Laurel wreath in tarot
The laurel wreath crowned victors in ancient Rome and poets in the Renaissance, and the victory wreath has remained an image of honour. In Smith's deck the dancer of the World moves inside a great oval wreath of leaves tied with red ribbons. The rider of the Six of Wands wears a wreath and carries another on his staff, and the crowned sword of the Ace of Swords is hung with leaves on either side. In readings a wreath means achievement, recognition and completion. On the World it is also a doorway: the wreath marks the boundary through which the next cycle begins.
Cards that show laurel wreath
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The World
The World: The oval wreath
A tall green wreath of leaves encircles her, like a laurel crown. Laurel has long marked victory and achievement. The oval shape suggests a doorway or an opening as well as a frame.
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Six of Wands
Six of Wands: The laurel wreaths
One wreath crowns the rider's head; a second, tied with a red ribbon, hangs from his wand. Laurel crowned victors in ancient games and in Roman triumphs. One wreath is worn and one is shown to the crowd: success that is both personal and public.
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Two of Cups
Two of Cups: The woman's laurel wreath and mantle
She wears a green laurel crown, a white gown and a long pale-blue mantle, with red shoes. Laurel is a sign of honour and achievement, and her blue and white suggest calm and sincerity on her side of the exchange.
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Seven of Cups
Seven of Cups: The wreath and the skull
A green laurel wreath rises above a cup on whose bowl a small skull is drawn. Laurel is a victor's crown; the skull is a reminder of mortality. Success and its cost appear in the same vessel.