Learning Major Arcana - Death (13)

Introduction to Death
Death is often misunderstood as a card representing literal death, but in Tarot, it’s much more about transformation and change. It symbolises the end of one phase of life, making way for a new chapter to unfold. This card invites you to embrace the natural cycles of life, where endings lead to beginnings, and old things must be released to make room for growth. When Death appears in a reading, it’s a signal that something in your life is coming to an end, but this ending is often necessary for the next stage of your personal development, emotional growth, or spiritual evolution.

Imagery and Symbolism of Death
The imagery of the Death card typically depicts a skeletal figure riding a horse, holding a flag or a scythe. This figure is not necessarily malevolent; it is merely the harbinger of necessary change. In the background, you may see people, animals, or symbols of things being left behind—often depicted as being in the process of transformation or renewal. The card may show a sunset or dawn, symbolising that after the darkness, the light will come. The horse that the figure rides represents the unstoppable nature of change, charging forward regardless of any resistance.

One of the most important aspects of the Death card is the imagery of rebirth. While it may seem that something is coming to an end, the card invites you to remember that endings are merely the natural precursor to new beginnings.

Upright Meaning of Death
When Death appears upright in a reading, it indicates that an important chapter of your life is coming to an end. This could be a relationship, a job, a belief system, or an emotional cycle. However, it’s important to note that while something is ending, it is also making space for something new and transformative. The Death card encourages you to let go of what no longer serves you, even if it feels painful or unsettling at first. It’s a reminder that holding on to the past can prevent you from embracing new opportunities. The Death card invites you to move forward with faith and courage, knowing that what awaits is often better suited for the next phase of your life.

This card can also signify a transformation in your inner self, where you are shedding old habits, fears, or attachments, and evolving into a more authentic version of yourself. Death calls you to face the truth of what no longer aligns with your soul’s growth and to release it without regret.

Reversed Meaning of Death
When Death appears reversed in a reading, it often suggests that you are resisting change or refusing to let go of something that no longer serves you. You might be clinging to an outdated belief, relationship, or situation out of fear of what lies ahead. The reversed Death card signals that there is stagnation or denial occurring—change is inevitable, but you may be struggling to accept it. This resistance to the natural flow of life can hinder your growth and prevent you from fully embracing the opportunities that are available to you. In some cases, the reversed Death card may indicate that you are prolonging an unhealthy cycle or staying in a situation out of comfort or fear of the unknown.

The reversed position may also point to a delay in transformation. You could be in the process of change but are holding yourself back or not allowing the full transformation to unfold. This card asks you to evaluate what you’re holding onto and whether it’s time to release it in order to experience the rebirth that’s waiting for you.

Death in Love
In love readings, Death often points to a significant change or transformation within the relationship. This could mean the end of a relationship that no longer serves either partner, or it may indicate a major shift within an existing relationship, such as a new phase or level of commitment. While the ending of a relationship can be painful, the Death card reminds you that sometimes it’s necessary for both individuals to grow and evolve separately.

Alternatively, Death can indicate that the relationship is undergoing a transformation, moving past old patterns, and evolving into something deeper and more meaningful. It can signify a fresh start or a rebirth of passion. If you are single, this card could suggest that you need to let go of past emotional baggage or past relationships in order to open yourself up to new love.

Reversed Meaning of Death in Love
When reversed in a love reading, Death may indicate resistance to change in the relationship. Perhaps there’s a fear of letting go of the past, or one partner is unwilling to embrace the transformation that is needed for the relationship to grow. There may be an unwillingness to accept that the relationship has run its course, or you could be clinging to old dynamics that prevent real progress.

The reversed Death card may also point to a relationship that is stuck in a cycle of stagnation, where both parties are avoiding necessary changes. This card urges you to be honest with yourself about whether the relationship is serving both of you or whether it’s time to release what’s holding you back.

Death in Feelings
In terms of feelings, Death suggests a deep emotional transformation. You may be going through a period of letting go of old emotional wounds or attachments. This card can indicate that you are shedding feelings that no longer serve you, making way for healthier and more authentic emotions to emerge. You could be experiencing a rebirth of your emotional life, letting go of fear, anger, or sadness that has been holding you back.

If you’re feeling stuck or emotionally stagnant, Death can be a sign that you’re in the midst of a necessary emotional cleanse. While this may feel difficult at times, trust that the transformation is for your highest good. It’s about accepting that certain feelings must come to an end in order for new emotions and experiences to emerge.

Reversed Meaning of Death in Feelings
When Death appears reversed in feelings, it often suggests that you are resisting an emotional transformation or avoiding letting go of certain feelings or attachments. You might be holding onto old wounds, regrets, or grudges that prevent you from moving forward emotionally. This resistance can create emotional stagnation, keeping you stuck in patterns of thinking and feeling that no longer serve you. The reversed Death card encourages you to take a deep look at your emotional life and ask yourself if you’re avoiding necessary change or emotional healing.

Death in Career and Finances
In career readings, Death signifies a major change or transformation in your work life. This could be the end of a job, a career change, or a shift in your professional direction. While this change might be difficult at first, it often leads to new and more fulfilling opportunities. The Death card in career can also indicate that it’s time to let go of an outdated way of working or thinking in order to make room for growth and innovation. If you’re feeling stuck in your career, this card is a reminder that sometimes you need to embrace change and transformation in order to move forward.

In terms of finances, Death can indicate that old financial habits or patterns are coming to an end, making way for new ways of handling money. This may also suggest a financial reset or the need to let go of financial attachments that are no longer sustainable.

Reversed Meaning of Death in Career and Finances
When reversed, Death in career and finances can point to resistance to change in your professional life. You might be clinging to a job or a financial situation that is no longer working for you. The reversed card suggests that you may be avoiding a necessary change or transformation in your career or financial habits. There could also be a sense of stagnation, where you're not allowing yourself to evolve in your professional life. The reversed Death card urges you to take a hard look at your career and finances and ask yourself if you're holding on to something that’s preventing your growth or success.

Death in Advice and Guidance
As advice, Death urges you to embrace transformation and let go of what is no longer serving you. It’s about accepting that certain things must end in order for new beginnings to take their place. Whether it's an old habit, a belief, a relationship, or a job, releasing what no longer fits your life can create the space you need for growth. The Death card encourages you to trust in the natural cycle of life and to allow yourself to evolve, even if it feels uncomfortable. Change, though sometimes painful, is often the key to unlocking a more fulfilling future.

Reversed Meaning of Death in Advice and Guidance
When reversed, Death advises you to stop resisting change. It may be time to release old patterns or situations that are keeping you stuck. Holding onto the past or refusing to let go of what no longer serves you could be preventing you from moving forward. This card asks you to reflect on what you’re avoiding and whether it's time to take the necessary steps toward transformation. Embrace the idea that in order to evolve, some parts of your life must come to an end.

Death in Health
In health readings, Death signifies the end of an old health pattern and the beginning of a healthier, more balanced way of living. This card could indicate the need to let go of old habits or unhealthy behaviours in order to embrace a new, more vital lifestyle. If you’ve been struggling with a health issue, Death suggests that this could be a time of healing or recovery, as the old energies give way to something new. The Death card can also symbolise a complete reset in terms of how you care for your body and mind.

Reversed Meaning of Death in Health
When reversed, Death in health can suggest that you are resisting change in your physical or mental wellbeing. Perhaps you’re holding on to unhealthy habits, patterns, or mindsets that are preventing you from fully recovering or healing. The reversed card may also indicate that you’re avoiding the necessary changes required for improved health. It’s time to look at what you’re resisting and ask yourself if it’s time to let go and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Death in Spirituality
In spirituality, Death represents a profound spiritual transformation. This card marks a significant shift in your spiritual journey, inviting you to release old spiritual beliefs, attachments, or practices that no longer resonate with your current path. Death in spirituality can indicate that you’re moving to a higher level of consciousness or that you are letting go of old fears, doubts, or attachments to materialism. This card calls for a shedding of the old self in order to step into a new, more enlightened version of yourself.

Reversed Meaning of Death in Spirituality
Reversed, Death in spirituality may indicate that you’re resisting spiritual growth or are stuck in old belief systems. There could be an unwillingness to let go of outdated practices or perspectives, which is preventing your spiritual evolution. The reversed card invites you to examine what you’re holding onto and consider whether it’s time to allow your spirituality to transform and expand.