What does the card Death mean in the Tarot?

Death is something that scares all of us humans. Maybe because it is something we cannot avoid and brings us negative feelings of sadness and end; the truth is that we try to avoid it at all costs. However, in Tarot, this major arcana has a different meaning than the one we know. The Death card is a positive card, which does not indicate physical death, but changes, renewal, rebirth.

If this card comes up during your Tarot reading, be prepared, because your life will undergo a giant transformation.

Fundamentals of the letter Death

In Tarot, the card Death is represented by the number 13 and is part of the major arcana. Marked by transformations, this card has a positive meaning when you study its symbolism.

Representative of change, Death is a necessary detachment from the past so that the present and the future may undergo renovation, rebirth. However, before we learn more about its meaning, we should know its history and symbolism.

History

The figure of Death has been represented for years, in the most diverse forms, but one thing is common among all of them: when Death appears, it brings the end of a cycle and drastic changes in the scenario or in a person's life.

Van Rijnberk, author of the book Le tarot - histoire iconographie ésotérisme (from French, The Tarot - history, iconography, esotericism), studied the separate parts of the card Death and made the connection of the number 13, which represents the card, with a saying that was very popular in the Middle Ages: "When 13 people sit at the table, one of them will soon die.

This saying, which has become a superstition, goes back a long time, beginning in the time of the emperors and including Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper, in which 12 disciples sat down with Jesus and one of them killed him, proving that the saying also had Christian influences.

The Bible and history books make countless mentions of Death. It always appears when some important change will happen, when one cycle ends and another begins. Various other beliefs and religions portray it in similar ways.

For this reason, in Tarot, Death is much more than just the end, it escapes from the idealization of something bad. In the cards, it is the messenger of good things, necessary and even revolutionary.

Iconography

The card Death is represented by a skeleton covered with a kind of skin and seems to sail, using its sickle as an oar, in a sea of bodies where the head of a woman and that of a crowned man appear.

For those who are new to the study of esotericism, or even for those who seek consultation with the Tarot, this card is frightening because of the way it was drawn, but what matters is the message it conveys. According to the symbolism, Death has a meaning of great transmutations, rebirth. It shows that in order to have something new it is necessary to put an end to what has been, whether it be the past or some moment in your life.life.

The number 13, analyzed symbolically, represents the unit after the duodecimal or the number 12, the ten that occurs right after the end of a cycle. We have 12 hands on the clock that complete a 60-minute cycle, we have 12 disciples, 12 signs.

The number 13 represents the necessary death of something in order for a rebirth to take place and a new cycle to begin, and this number perfectly represents Death.

The Major Arcana

There are 22 major arcana in the Tarot deck, and when they come out during a consultation, they represent the spiritual lessons you must learn in order to follow your life. The other cards, the minor arcana, represent events happening now.

Starting with the card The Fool and ending with The World, each Arcane has a meaning. If you draw The World, it means you have learned your lesson and closed the cycle. Until you reach it, each Arcane will lead you to an important learning experience.

Known in some Tarot cards as "The Card without a Name" for fear of pronouncing its real name, Death, the card of the end of one cycle for the rebirth of another, is the turning point of your life. You need to learn to let go of what's holding you back and move on. Whenever a Major Arcana appears, pay close attention to the message.

Scorpio related card

Considered the most feared combination of the Zodiac Tarot, Death + Scorpio is a powerful duo. These two give a new meaning to the word change, in which one increases the strength of the other, so that everything goes well.

Death presents the circumstance and Scorpio teaches how to accept it, one shows that it is necessary to leave behind and the other shows what freedom feels like. It is from this constant change that rebirth happens and everything is renewed.

Scorpio is a water sign, and although it is free, it gets shaken by physical and emotional transformations. Death comes to teach, but learning can be painful at times. Before smiling, Scorpios need to learn to understand and go through the pains of life. After the bad phase comes a new beginning, full of opportunities and a world to explore.

Meaning of the card Death

There are several meanings attached to the card Death. Most of the time, the meanings change according to the set of cards that come out during its reading.

However, there are the main Tarot responses to this card, the ones that come out most consistently and that demonstrate the basic essence of the card Death, and these meanings are far from something about actual death. Check out what the card Death can say to you.

Sudden changes

As we let go of the negative view of the image itself, the card Death comes to signify life, rebirth, that moment when we realize that the old needs to go to make way for the new. In this line of thought are the sudden changes in life. We are not always ready or like changes, but they need to happen in order for us to evolve as a person.

This process of letting go can be painful, because we are attached to what has been, but if you analyze it, you will realize that maybe the old is more harmful than a promising future. Accept the change and understand that this process is necessary.

Creation and destruction

For a rebirth to occur, something must be destroyed and created with a new vision, a new look, more mature and ready to begin the new cycle. This is what happens with the card Death. The destruction here does not mean death or the loss of someone, this destruction is linked to the end of the cycle, to the past that we need to leave behind. It may be painful, but it is necessary.

Therefore, creation and destruction are part of the process of rebirth and the liberation of your no-self, ready for a new journey.

End of Cycles

After the destruction process of the painful moment of saying goodbye to something that, many times, despite your love or emotional attachment, does you more harm than good, you complete this phase of life and end the cycle.

We, as changeable people, go through various endings throughout life. Whenever we are ready to mature, to start a new journey, or when we have learned the lesson of that cycle, we show that we have finished a stage and are now ready to move on, ready for a new cycle.

And as much as we don't know the time of the end of the cycle, we feel that change is coming. Even if we don't want it, we feel the moment to organize our thoughts and move on.

Detachment and openness for the new year

There are people who are attached to everything in life: to the past, to people who are no longer by our side, to memories, among others. They suffer much more when the time comes to turn the page.

And, as everything has its other side, there are other people who are more detached, free spirits, who feel the moment of maturity, who know when it is time to end a cycle and start a new one. This group includes those who are represented by the card Death, the Scorpians.

The sign of Scorpio lives life intensely with all that it can offer, but they are detached and always ready for the moment of a new cycle in their lives, often starting this new cycle themselves, because they feel that the old one no longer provides them with learning or good energies.

All this letting go and ending of a cycle creates openness for the new year. Starting a new year along with a new cycle, carrying the lessons learned, and leaving behind what should be left behind is one of the best feelings of human growth.

Spiritual and transcendental vision

The spiritual and transcendental view perfectly translates the meaning of the card Death. This view proves that the card is not seen as something painful or tragic, but as a passage of a cycle in a positive way.

Taking the meaning of real death to the spiritual world, we have death as a way of passing through the limits of life. Self-knowledge, a process we develop during life, helps us to transcend the barriers that hold us back and reach a new cycle.

The card Death represents the liberation of our being from material and even sentimental things that hold us back and prevent us from maturing.

Death in Love

The card Death, like the various cards that make up the Tarot, has a different meaning depending on the purpose of the reading or the set of cards that come out for you.

The general meaning of the card is rebirth, the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. These remain and can be completed according to your current situation and consultation request. Check out what the card Death can tell you regarding love.

For committed people

If you are in a relationship, the card Death will not have a positive meaning. This card represents the end and the beginning of a new cycle, respectively, so in a relationship it warns you that the time has come to break up with your partner.

Your relationship probably doesn't do you as much good as it used to. You can't get along, you fight constantly, and your goals are no longer aligned as a couple.

The advice is to make sure there is nothing more that can be done. Dialogue is the key to everything, so have a conversation to talk about everything you are feeling, everything you are hoping for, and show that you are open to trying to improve the relationship. If you are sure you have done everything you can, then it is time to end this cycle.

This moment is inevitable after all the effort made. It will be sad and difficult for some who still believe in a possible solution, but if everything has been tried, it is time. The vulnerability of feelings will be a consequence, but think that this is a moment of evolution towards a better and more positive cycle.

For singles

For singles, the card Death brings positive news. A new love will come into your life in the new cycle you are in. You have matured and learned the lessons of the past, now is the time to be happy.

However, be careful not to fall in love with just anyone. Use all your self-knowledge and look for the qualities you are looking for in your new love. Talk to, observe, and understand the person.

Enjoy the moment and trust your choice, but always prioritize yourself. Don't project ideals or wishes on the other, remember that this person didn't come to be molded, but to build a beautiful story together.

Death in Work and Financial Life

The work and financial situation, when we think about the card Death, becomes a worrying moment for those who receive the card, but calm down. Always remember that the readings are changeable, the same card can mean several things depending on the other cards that come out in the consultation.

Here we will talk about the card Death in its individual meaning, that is, what it says about these two situations.

For employees

If you have received the card Death in your Tarot reading and are employed, perhaps the moment you have always strived for has arrived, that long-dreamed-of promotion.

Or you could be looking to change jobs, go to another place that values you more, or you could be aiming for a higher position that is available in another company. For either revelation, everything will work out. This card brings positive energies to employees. It indicates the beginning of a new stage in professional life.

For the unemployed

For the unemployed, the card Death means that good things are coming. There is a good chance that a job will come up, but you have to fight to get what you want.

You know what you are capable of, so show it to others. Don't be afraid, make an effort and try to improve yourself professionally, either by looking for a job in several areas or by getting a job that values you. Learn new things. You can do it, you just have to believe in your potential.

Financial Situation

If you have asked for financial advice and this card is in the deck, it means that dark times are coming.

Of course, the other cards that come out can change this reading, but Death says that you will need to review your spending on unnecessary things, to dry up as much as possible to get through this time of trouble. It won't be eternal, but be prepared for this moment.

Combinations with the Card Death

There are several combinations that can be made with the card Death, and it would be difficult to talk about all of them, so we have chosen some of the most common combinations that come up in Tarot readings.

Positive Combinations for the Card Death

The card Death itself has its positive sides, but when combined with other cards, the positive side becomes even better.

The combination Death + The Emperor is a bit contradictory, since Death speaks about change, and The Emperor about stability and security. However, the union of the two makes us understand that change is inevitable, but we must accept it with our heads held high, with the certainty that you are ready for whatever comes.

The combination Death + The Force is pleasant and positive. The Force brings the meaning of a perfect ending to a very complicated problem, and meeting the change of the card Death, this combination shows that you have incredible strength and will overcome this problem in a triumphant way, you will put an end to what sucks your energy.

The third and last positive combination is Death + Wheel of Fortune. Both cards mean change, so this one is even more inevitable. You can't escape both, but you can accept this change and know that whatever is making you suffer will end. Here we have a prediction of relief and rest.

Negative Combinations for the Card Death

Unfortunately, every good side has its bad side, and some combinations are not very positive for those who receive them. The combination Death + Judgment is complicated. Separately, the card The Judgment is a card that indicates resurrection, the moment when we are ready to say goodbye to what has passed and start a new cycle.

However, when combined with Death, it means that something important is coming to an end, and it will probably hurt, but you need to understand and accept it. Go through the "mourning" and awaken to a new beginning.

The combination Death + The Tower is a slightly lighter negative combination, both of which indicate a decisive change in your life, something that will last for a long time.

It may seem negative, but if you look at it from the positive side, you will understand that change will come anyway, and this will tell you that the time has come that you have been longing for, to be able to let go of what holds you back. It will hurt, because change is always hard, but it will prepare you for the next journey.

A Little More About the Letter Death

Besides the subjects mentioned so far, Death has a lot to talk about. Here are some topics that come up in readings or are requested by people. Maybe the answer you are looking for is here. Check out what else the card Death can mean.

Death in Healthcare

Relax, you don't have to think that the card Death, in health, literally indicates death. Always remember that the core of the card is change and transformation. Here it is a positive point to receive it in your reading.

Death comes to tell you that you need to let go of some habits that are bad for your body, and be optimistic about the path you need to take. Change your diet, exercise, take care of your sleep, prioritize you. It is difficult to make this change, but think that it is for your own good, and move on.

Inverted card

When the card Death is facing up, it signifies change and transformation in your life. It shows that, no matter how painful it may be, you are open to change. However, when this card is inverted, something is not going well. You are reluctant to accept change.

Trying to gain from the transformations without wanting to let go of the past will not work, it is just a waste of energy. The past will come to an end and you will need to accept it. The more you resist, the more painful and painful it will be.

Think about yourself and let go of certain habits that bind you to the past, that are preventing you from evolving, missing opportunities, and leaving your life stagnant. In this position, Death asks you to move on and accept the transformations that life has to offer you. When you open your eyes, you will understand the importance of letting go of what is holding you back.

Death in the Yes or No Drawing

Some people ask the Tarot for advice, advice with direct answers, yes or no. Each card has its answer.

In the case of the card Death, the answer is no. You need to transform your life, change that area or situation you have in mind. For every new cycle, it is necessary to let go of the past and be free for new opportunities. There are things in life we cannot control and evolution is one of them. Accept it.

Challenges of the card Death

What the card Death proposes is extremely challenging for us humans. We are not used to giving something up in order to have something else, no matter how much better it is than the previous one. Sudden changes, leaving the past behind, are painful acts for those who live in memories and are attached to moments. Transformation, renewal, and rebirth are very challenging words.

Changing jobs and trusting in what is yet to come. Leaving a relationship behind, no matter how bad it is, while you still have feelings. Understanding that certain people will no longer follow you on the new journey. These are some of the situations we experience with this letter. Just believe in the future, it is waiting for you.

Tips

We are beings that need to be changeable and transformable to survive the world itself. Living is not easy, so believe in your potential. If something is difficult, then think about the future, better things will come.

Know that all of this is necessary. We need to evolve as a person, as a physical and spiritual being, and for this we need to know the time to move on. In everything that happens, think of yourself.

Can the card Death indicate a good time to practice self-knowledge?

To accept and understand the transformations and changes proposed by the card Death, you need to understand yourself.

So try to listen to yourself more, try to know your tastes and desires, analyze what is best for your life and what no longer fits into it. This process is long, it is a construction with time and with the changes that will come.

But the moment you get to know yourself, you will know what is good for you and what is not, whether in friendships, work, family, love, health, etc. For everything in life, get to know yourself. From self-knowledge you will find yourself in the world.