Card Meaning

Death symbolizes transformation, endings, and the clearing of the old to make way for the new. It urges you to release attachments that no longer serve you, allowing for growth and renewal. While it often represents difficult changes, it also cautions against clinging to the past or fearing the unknown.

Card Themes

  • Transformation and Endings
    Reflects the clearing of the old for the new.
  • Rebirth
    Symbolizes profound change and renewal.
  • Release and Closure
    Encourages letting go of what no longer serves.
  • Cycles of Life
    Represents inevitability and growth.
  • Resistance
    Warns against clinging to the past or fearing change.

Card Symbolism

  • The Figure
    A skeletal figure in black armor rides a white horse, symbolizing transformation and inevitability.
  • The Flag
    The black flag with a white rose symbolizes purification and the cyclical nature of life and death.
  • The Sun
    In the background, the rising sun symbolizes renewal and hope.
  • The Figures
    Various people bow or fall before Death, representing the universality of change.
Death

UPRIGHT

Death

REVERSED

Upright Meaning

When drawn upright, Death signifies transformation, endings, and the clearing away of the old to make room for the new. It represents the natural cycle of life, where closure leads to rebirth and growth. This card encourages you to release attachments that no longer serve you, whether they are habits, relationships, or ways of thinking. Death symbolizes profound change, often bringing an opportunity for renewal and personal evolution. While it may indicate a period of difficulty or loss, it also promises that a new chapter is on the horizon. This card calls for courage in facing transitions and letting go with grace.

Upright Keywords:
Transformation, Endings, Change, Transition, Release, New chapter, Metamorphosis, Evolution, Renewal, Rebirth

Reversed Meaning

When drawn reversed, Death represents resistance to transformation, fear of change, or an inability to let go of the past. It reflects a period of stagnation where necessary endings are avoided, hindering growth and renewal. This card warns against clinging to outdated relationships, habits, or situations that no longer serve you. It may also indicate a fear of confronting the unknown or embracing new beginnings. Death reversed invites you to release what is holding you back and trust that change is a natural part of life. It cautions against delaying the inevitable or fearing the opportunities that lie beyond the end of a current phase.

Reversed Keywords:
Resistance to change, Stagnation, Decay, Unable to move on, Fear of change, Holding on, Repeating patterns, Delay, Immobility, Depression

Tarot Reading

Love & Relationships

Upright Meaning:
Death upright in a love reading signifies transformation and endings that lead to new beginnings. If you’re single, it suggests letting go of past relationships or emotional baggage to make space for new love. For those in a relationship, it indicates a major shift, such as a transition or renewal of the partnership. The card encourages embracing change for growth in love.

Reversed Meaning:
Death reversed in a love reading represents resistance to change or fear of endings. If you’re single, it suggests clinging to the past or avoiding transformation needed to attract new love. For those in a relationship, it indicates struggles with moving forward or letting go of unhealthy dynamics. The card encourages embracing change to allow growth in love.

Money & Career

Upright Meaning:
In a career context, Death upright represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings. It suggests letting go of an unfulfilling job or career path to make way for better opportunities. This card encourages you to embrace change and trust that what feels like an ending is actually a chance for growth and renewal in your professional life.

Reversed Meaning:
In a career context, Death reversed symbolizes resistance to change, stagnation, or fear of letting go. It suggests clinging to a job or role that no longer serves you, preventing growth. Financially, it warns of missed opportunities due to reluctance to adapt. The card advises embracing transformation and releasing what holds you back.

Health

Upright Meaning:
For health, Death represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings. It suggests leaving behind unhealthy habits or patterns to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This card encourages you to view change as an opportunity for growth and renewal in your health journey.

Reversed Meaning:
The reversed Death in health readings suggests resistance to transformation or fear of necessary changes. It may indicate clinging to unhealthy habits or avoiding treatments that could improve your well-being. This card advises embracing change and allowing new habits or approaches to bring renewal to your health.

Spirituality

Upright Meaning:
In spirituality, Death upright represents transformation, endings, and rebirth. It encourages you to let go of outdated spiritual beliefs or practices to make room for profound growth and renewal. The card reminds you that every ending is an opportunity for a new beginning on your spiritual path.

Reversed Meaning:
In spirituality, Death reversed warns of resistance to transformation, fear of change, or clinging to the past. It suggests that you may be delaying necessary spiritual growth or avoiding letting go of old patterns. The card advises embracing endings as opportunities for rebirth and renewal.

Tarot Cards

Arcana Type

Death is part of the Major Arcana.
The Major Arcana is a set of 22 cards in the Tarot that represents profound life lessons, significant turning points, and deep spiritual archetypes. These cards reflect the journey of the soul capturing themes of growth, transformation, and universal truths. Each card symbolizes pivotal moments in life, guiding seekers through challenges, opportunities, and self-discovery on their path to enlightenment.

Numerology

Death has the numberology number 13.
The numberology meaning of 13 is defined as having death and rebirth, transformation. Represents major life changes and evolution.

Zodiac Sign

Scorpio:
Charming and fair-minded, Libra seeks harmony in relationships and environments. They are natural diplomats, valuing balance and a sense of beauty in all things.

Astrology

Death is ruled by the astrological energy of Pluto.
Powerful and transformative, Pluto represents rebirth, deep change, and the ability to embrace endings as gateways to new beginnings.

Tarot Mystic

Element

Death is associated with the Water element.
Grounded and stable, Earth embodies practicality, security, and the material world. It is connected to growth, perseverance, and the foundations of life.

Chakra

Root Chakra:
Grounded and secure, the Root Chakra represents stability, survival, and connection to the physical world. It is the foundation of safety and strength.

Hebrew Letter

Death is associated with the Hebrew letter Nun.
Associated with life and continuity, Nun signifies growth, resilience, and the ability to adapt and regenerate.

Crystal

Death is associated with the Obsidian crystal.
Protective and grounding, Obsidian shields against negativity and fosters self-reflection. It promotes clarity and deep healing.