Death
Out with the Old, In with the New
Death is Major Arcana number 13, who helps The Fool give up everything they have gained so far in order to be ready for what’s to come. It is the source of change in the Tarot deck, so that every time we draw cards they are in a different order and mean slightly different things. The Tarot interpretation of Death almost always involves change in some form, usually inevitable and often painful, but with an upside or re-growth on the other side.
Death Card Meaning
The Death card is about how it is necessary to get rid of the old in order to make way for the new. Everything comes to an end eventually, but every ending is also a beginning. This card is about moving past situations that are played out, turning the page, and getting rid of whatever you don’t need to be carrying with you.
Symbolism in Death
Death is symbolized by the sickle, scythe, clocks, and the phoenix. Death is commonly associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio in the context of Astrology, as both have to do with poison and change. It is also strongly linked to the planet Pluto and the birthstone Peridot, which have to do with transformation and destruction of the past. In addition to its number 13, the Death card also has much in common with the number three, as both relate to growth.
Death Reversed Meaning
Death reversed means holding onto something for too long, avoiding a much-needed change, time grinding to a halt, or falling in to a deep depression. It often indicates stagnation or a lack of progress being made, usually due to a distraction or misplaced energy.
Previous card: The Hanged Man
Next card: Temperance
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What does the Death card represent in a Love or Relationship reading?
It is time for something to change. Whether that means the end of the relationship or just a shift in its dynamic is up to you, but when this card appears you know that something cannot continue on the way that is currently is, at least without causing serious negative consequences. Look to the other cards in the spread for more information about what the problem is and what adjustments will be most useful for addressing it.
What does the Death card symbolize in Career and Finances?
This card is telling you that are clinging to an old way of doing things that isn’t working for you anymore. Maybe it once served an important purpose, but now you’re doing it out of habit or obligation, despite getting anything out of it. Death is telling you to think about what you are spending your energy or time on regularly that isn’t yielding good results, figure out why it’s not working, and then armed with that knowledge determine a better place to direct your effort.
What guidance does the Death card have for everyday life?
You might be stuck in a rut or routine that isn’t working for you. It might be force of habit or social pressure that causes you to continue, possibly without even thinking it through or considering alternatives. Each day contains tons of tiny decisions that often don’t feel like decisions at all, especially once we are used to making them a certain way; but Death is reminding you to question all of these decisions, because one or more of them is blocking your progress in some area of your life.
Does Death represent you right now?
Click to reveal the card below – if it’s Death, then this card’s energy is strongly influencing your right now! If not, it may be a message that Death wants you to hear…
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