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People who don’t know much about Tarot will most likely know one thing; that there is a Death card in the deck! The Death card is often feared and misunderstood. Our connotations with the word ‘death’ do not give us much hope for any positive tarot meaning with this card. However, the thirteenth card of most traditional Tarot decks is not as negative as first thought!
Let’s look at what the Death card really means, and what it suggests for your life.
Keywords for the Death Tarot Card
Upright keywords:
- Transformation
- Change
- Rebirth
- Renewal
- Endings
- Transitions
Reversed keywords:
- Anxiety
- Resistance
- Stubbornness
- Fear of Change
- Repeating Mistakes
Symbolism and Imagery of the Death Tarot Card
Like The Tower card, the imagery of the Death card can be pretty shocking. Most traditional Tarot cards depict a skeleton riding on a white horse. He is often seen as representing the Grim Reaper or a messenger of death. He is wearing a suit of armor and carries a black flag. The black flag shows a white rose.
The energy of the character is strong, with the armor suggesting that death can never be overcome. He will always be there, undefeatable. The contrast between the black flag and the white horse and rose is to be noted. It shows the two sides of life. The destruction in with the peace. Life and death are together as one.
The card does not just depict the character of Death. It also shows us those that are affected by it. Children, royalty, women, and men are all bowing to death. It spares no one. There is a river leading towards sunset in the background of the card. This shows us the hope of renewal and how life will always go on, even when we think it is all over. Every day the sun rises and every day the sunsets. There is birth and death all around us.
Upright Meaning of the Death Card
The Death card is a card of transformations. Everyone has so many lives in one lifetime. There are so many chapters to life and we are never the same person forever. Change is inevitable and necessary, and when the Death card pops up you know that a big change is imminent.
With death comes newness and rebirth. It is time to shake off the old you and embrace your new life, whatever it may be. The Tarot is asking you to let go of things that were holding you back and say goodbye to habits and behavior that were not serving you. It is time to put your past behind you and embrace the future.
Death is a powerful card, but do not feel afraid when it appears in your reading. In fact, I believe death to be one of the most positive cards of the major arcana. New opportunities, adventures, and possibilities are in front of you, and all negativity can be left behind. However, you yourself must remember to leave it behind.
The change that Death brings is outside of your control. It can be a sudden and unexpected change, but one that will ultimately lead you to where you need to be. Embrace the new direction that your life has taken and have fun!
Upright Death Love Meaning
If you are in a relationship, the death card might not be one that you wish to see in a love reading. Because of its strong energy of transformation, the Death card will often predict an ending to a relationship. It suggests that things are going to change, but the change needs to happen in order for you to grow.
However, this change does not always mean that you and your partner will break up. The transformation in your love life might be in regards to your relationship and how it is progressing. A new step in your relationship is on the horizon.
The Death card also signifies the importance of letting go of love mistakes and pain that are not helping your situation right now. Either you or your partner will go through a transformation of some sort that will eventually allow your love to grow and flourish.
If you are single, the Death card suggests that you must let go of things that are holding you back from finding true love. It is time for a new way of living and a new way of loving, so embrace it!
Upright Death Career and Money Meaning
When it comes to a career and money reading, Death will often show up if someone is unhappy in their job and debating a change of career. A job that may give you stability and a decent income may feel safe, but if you are not truly happy it is not worth it. A boring and stressful job can really affect your spiritual and emotional well-being.
The Tarot cards are sending you a message. They want you to know that the universe is behind you and if you want to change your job, you should! It may be a bit of a rocky road to get there, but you will soon realize that you made the right choice. There will be so many new opportunities out there that will really excite you!
Upright Death Home and Family Meaning
If you get the Death card in a home and family reading, don’t panic! I know the name of the card might send your head in a spin, worried about your loved ones. However, the Death card just means that you are facing a transformation in your home life. What transformation will it be?
Perhaps you will find a new home soon and a fresh lease of life somewhere brand new. If you are feeling stuck right now, the Death card is telling you that you will get a new start soon. Think about what you want out of where you live and the people around you, and if you could be happier.
Renewal of old friendships and family ties might be on your way, so keep your mind and heart open when getting invites to events from people you haven’t seen for a while!
Upright Death Health Card
The Death card does not suggest physical death, not even in a health reading, so don’t worry! When a Death card pops up in a health reading, it is normally because you are struggling and having a run of bad health. The card is showing you that big changes will occur and you will soon begin to feel much better!
When it comes to your health, the Death card is telling you that you need to make the decisions and act in order for this change to come. Go and get the help you are needing in regards to a health condition, and work on your overall wellbeing. Soon, you will feel transformed!
Reversed Meaning of the Death Card
When reversed, the Death card suggests that you are reluctant to change and are stuck with some really bad habits. Change is approaching but you are stubborn and ignoring what is happening. You may be anxious about the transformation you are putting off, but ultimately it will get you to where you need to be.
You should never resist the cosmic pull of the universe. It is normal to be afraid of the unknown, but the universe is directing you to where you need to be. You need to let go of things that are holding you back and embrace the transformation and change that is approaching.
You are still clinging to negative thoughts or attitudes that are holding you back, and you are not letting go of things that you need to leave in the past. This means that you are stuck in limbo, not able to move on but not able to go back to your old life. Change is a huge part of the world, and without change, life would not flourish.
The reversed Death card is telling you you must embrace the transformation that is calling you.
Reversed Death Love Meaning
When the Death card is reversed in a love reading, the Tarot is calling you to take a look at your love life and figure out what you are resisting. A reversed Death card will often appear when you are clinging onto a bad relationship and not calling it quits even though you know it will be better for both parties involved. If you are not happy in a relationship, there is no point in staying with this person. Ultimately, you are just wasting both your time and their time, and life is too short for this!
If you are single, a reversed Death card is telling you that you must let go of negative attitudes towards love and sex. Bad habits have harmed your relationships and instead of facing them and overcoming them, you are choosing to ignore them. You need to work on yourself and evolve in order to find the loving relationship that you deserve.
Reversed Death Career and Money Meaning
When reversed in a career and money reading, the Death card is telling you that you are not growing in regards to your work. There are opportunities all around you to progress, but you are ignoring these changes.
Perhaps you are scared of throwing yourself into new projects and job opportunities, but the reversed Death card is telling you that this fear is not serving you. Perhaps this is down to self-esteem issues. Do you worry that you will fail if you try? Perhaps the comfort of your current job situation feels safer than embracing the change that is occurring. But, this will not help you in the long run. Address your self-esteem issues and put yourself out there in regards to your career!
Reversed Death Home and Family Meaning
The reversed Death card is all about resisting change. So, when this appears in a home and family reading, ask yourself what is it that you are resisting?
There is a transformation happening in your home life, but you seem to be refusing to accept this. Perhaps you are needing to move to a new place or begin a new life somewhere fresh, but you just seem to be sticking to the past.
You may think that living in the past is keeping you safe and secure, but it actually is very harmful. We must change and grow, and moving on is how we are able to. Life is all about transformations and progression, and without this, we cannot truly find our happiness.
Reversed Death Health Meaning
If a reversed Death card appears in a health reading, take this as a sign that you need to do the things that you have been putting off. Need to go get help for your stress but have never got around to it? Perhaps there is something about your physical health that is concerning you just a little bit but you don’t see it as that worrying.
It is time to be proactive in regard to your health and do things that will help your overall well-being. This may be kicking bad habits or getting advice from professionals.
Death Tarot Meaning: FAQs
I hope this article has helped you understand the Death card, and why it might actually be a good card to receive in a reading!
Let’s look at some FAQs that people have in regards to the Death Tarot card.
Question: What Does the Death Tarot Card Mean?
Answer: The Death Tarot card is all about transformation and change. When it appears in a reading, it suggests that you are saying goodbye to your old life and opening the door to a new one.
Question: Is the Death Card a Yes or No Card?
Answer: The Death card is a no card. It is asking you to not make the decisions yourself, but to follow the energy of the universe and where it takes you.
Question: Does the Death Card Mean Physical Death?
Answer: No! The Death card never means physical death. It refers to the ending of one chapter in life and the beginning of another one.
Question: Is the Death Card a Bad One To Get in a Reading?
Answer: There are no ‘bad’ cards in Tarot, and the Death card actually has a pretty positive meaning!
Question: What Does the Death Card Mean in a Future Position?
Answer: When you get the Death card in a future position, be excited about new beginnings and opportunities. It suggests that you are about to start a new adventure in life. Make sure you embrace every step of it!
Let The Death Card Guide You Towards New Beginnings
So many people fear the Death card, but as we can see, it is actually an amazing card to receive in a reading! The energy of this card is super strong and suggests that you are undergoing a transformation from one life to another.
It is time to let go of things that were holding you back, and embrace the change that is occurring. You are being guided by the universe to new beginnings and new opportunities.
Continue reading:
Temperance Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed