Keywords
Upright: Endings, beginnings, shift, transformation, change.
Reversed: Resisting change, unable to move on.
Archetype: the Grim Reaper
Astrological Association: Scorpio
Overview
Death is a transition to a new state rather than a permanent ending. In its essence, if not in its form, life is immortal. We must “die” to the old in order to be born anew. Our old self must die in order to grow, move, and live.
Card 13 almost never has anything to do with physical death. This is a truism in tarot practice. A responsible reader will be extremely wary of interpreting the Death card in this way.
Usually, the death in question is symbolic or metaphorical, not physical. Our bodies do not die just once. It occurs on a regular basis, and not just in the physical realm. We must let go of the present moment in order for the future to take shape.
A Closer Look at Death
Description
Death is shown riding a white horse and brandishing a black and white flag. Because the bones are the only parts of the body that survive death and decomposition, the rider is depicted as a skeleton.
He is wearing armour. He is invincible and unconquerable. No one has ever been able to defeat death. He is riding a white horse, the color of purity. Death is the ultimate purification. Everything dies and is reborn clean, new, and pure. Even the bishop is paying him deference. Not even men of God can defeat his scythe. Death spares nobody.
His banner is black, implying the absence of light. The white rose, on the other hand, represents purity, longevity, and beauty. A rising sun can be seen in the background of the card, which is a symbol of immortality. Every night, the sun appears to die, but is resurrected bright and new the next morning. The ferry that takes the souls across the River Styx is visible in the background.
Scorpio (the sign of sex and death) is associated with the Death trump. The number 13 is sacred because there are 13 moons in a year.
Meaning
The Death card does not always signify the end of life, as popular literature suggests. Rather it is a card that signifies “universal” finality, completeness, and transformation.
The Death card does not always signify the end of life, as popular literature suggests. Rather it is a card that signifies “universal” finality, completeness, and transformation.
Upright
Death indicates that a project is nearing completion and has completed a natural evolution. It could imply making significant adjustments, or that significant changes will occur and we must be ready for them. The Death card challenges us to consider how we feel about endings. Are we the type of person who clings to things, is overly attached, or obsessive? Or do we readily let go – perhaps too easily – and fail to recognize the value in things?
Reversed
Death reversed is about stagnation and resistance to change. The individual refuses to accept or make the changes necessary to usher in a new phase of life and reach the next level. In this context, the card encourages us to be open to new experiences.
The Symbolism of Death
Many people are afraid of this card, and rightly so, for it carries a strong energy. It rarely refers to a physical death, but rather to a transition, a process of release and transformation that we must allow to take place if we are to progress.
- The black rider: Death is personified as the skeleton in black armour, bringing to mind the image of the Grim Reaper with his scythe.
- The white horse: This represents strength, vitality, and hidden desires. White symbolizes completion, purity and a fresh start.
- Death’s banner: The enormous flower with five petals in the shape of a downward-pointing pentagram makes one thing abundantly clear – it’s harvest time. There is a time to sow and a time to reap.
- The king without a crown: This represents the end of temporal power.
- The bishop without a staff: Not even the clergy are safe from being trampled underfoot by Death.
- The ship of souls: An image from Egyptian mythology that can be seen in various religions. It is the boat that transports souls in the underworld. Here, it is also a symbol of life’s stages.
What Death Means in a Reading
Meaning for Love and Relationships
Upright
If you’re looking for new love, you need to make sure you are over your previous relationships completely. In order for something new to enter your life, you must change your beliefs, habits, and behaviors.
Before you can find the love that’s meant for you, you must let go of your past, including your expectations of what the “ideal” relationship looks like.
Since the Death card represents finality, it’s not a good sign if you’re concerned about the state of your existing relationship.
Reversed
In a love reading, the Death card reversed indicates that you are resistant to change.. You may be clinging to a relationship that has long passed its prime because you are reliant on your partner or because you fear being alone. Or you might be staying with someone you don’t love because you feel obligated.
A long-dormant relationship may resurface and revive. If you’re single, Death reversed is a strong sign that you need to let go of harmful behaviors before you can attract something positive into your life. If you have low self-esteem, you will need to boost your self-confidence.
Meaning for Career
Upright
There will be major alterations and involuntary changes. Prepare for the worst-case scenario, but hope for the best.
This is a card about changes, so even if things go bad (you are fired, fail to get a promotion, etc.), it won’t last forever. Everything will work out in the end, but perhaps not in the way you desire or anticipate.
Allow new things to grow in your life by letting go of what isn’t serving you. Before you can move on to something better, the current situation must be dead and buried.
Reversed
Death reversed, like its upright counterpart, indicates that it may be time for a job change or a new direction. You may be resistant to change because you fear losing your sense of security. Even though your job is unfulfilling, you may enjoy the routine.
Have you been engaging in habits that have kept you from going where you want to go? Take the time to find out what needs to change in you to get you to where you want to be. Then make it happen.
Meaning for Health and Well-Being
Upright
Is it true that the Death card can mean physical death? Yes, on occasion. But it is rare. It depends on the circumstances of the reading.
Death is one of life’s few guarantees. What matters most, though, is how we live, and this is the message of the Death card.
Death is one of life’s few guarantees. What matters most, though, is how we live, and this is the message of the Death card.
Every minute of every day is a fresh chance. Don’t drag your old baggage around with you. Start anew and leave your past where it belongs – in the past. Make the most of this period in your life.
Let go of things like guilt, body shame, and that bag of Doritos. They don’t serve you. Instead, concentrate on your transformation. You are the alchemist of your own life, and you are the one who is ultimately in control.
Reversed
Death reversed in a health context can indicate that you are rejecting addressing your health problems. Be proactive in seeking out therapies and treatments. Perhaps your health problems are physical manifestations of a deeper issue that you are not addressing.
Have you been avoiding check-ups because of anxieties about a specific illness? You need to get it over with.
Meaning for Finances
Upright
There will be a significant shift in the near future. And you’re almost certainly unprepared for it.
Instead of taking a large risk right now, get your finances in order. Are you debt-free and have enough savings to last the next six months? Work toward that objective, not some far-fetched fantasy. You’ll be able to manage practically everything thrown your way, even once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and investments, if you have that level of financial security.
If you’ve made major financial mistakes in the past, accept them and move on with integrity. You can improve your relationship with money and take control of your finances today.
Reversed
Financially speaking, when the Death card appears reversed in a Tarot spread, it indicates that a financial decline of some sort is likely. You will need to rethink how you manage your resources.
Reconsider your spending habits. Are there any areas where you’ve been wasting money? Maybe you’re trying to get out of debt, but you’re overspending out of habit? Be responsible and let go of unhealthy financial habits.
Timing
Death suggests a significant event may occur within the next 30 days.
Significant dates are October 23 to November 22.
Yes or No
The Death card suggests a major transition that leads to a new beginning. It is frequently linked to some kind of loss, failure, or destruction. This card’s overall tone is dark and unfavorable. The answer to your question is No.
Death is frequently associated with an ending that will usher in significant change. It marks the end of an era and the closing of a door. There may be sadness and reluctance, but also relief and a sense of completion.
Death also implies a return to fundamentals. The presence of death has a way of refocusing you on the important things in life. This card serves as a reminder to eliminate the unneeded.
Death can also imply that you will meet an unstoppable force. Death itself is unavoidable, and there are some circumstances that cannot be avoided. When these situations arise, the best course of action is to ride the waves of fate and see where it leads.
