First things first, don’t be afraid if you’ve pulled the Death Tarot card!
Along with the Tower and the Devil, Death is one of the most feared Tarot cards in a Tarot deck. This is normal since most people fear dying, and any card representing such a thing would naturally be viewed as negative.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be so. Every Tarot reader says that ‘death’ represented by this Major Arcana card is almost always a symbolic one, symbolizing the end of situations and connections that no longer positively serve us.
If you’ve drawn the Death card in a Tarot reading, resist the urge to reshuffle the deck. A powerful message is being presented, and it’s time to listen to what is being said.
Without further ado, let’s explore the Death Tarot card meaning in great detail.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- The Death card in a Tarot reading signifies a powerful process of spiritual transformation and renewal. Embrace change and stop repeating negative patterns.
- This card encourages letting go of outdated patterns, beliefs, or situations. Release what no longer serves you to make room for new beginnings and possibilities.
- Lastly, this card suggests approaching change with courage and openness. If you resist change, you will stagnate. So, accept whatever life throws at you and start your spiritual healing today.
Death Tarot Card Keywords
Before diving deeper into the upright and reversed Death card meaning, let’s see the most important words connected to this Major Arcana card.
| Upright | Ending of a cycle, transitions, getting rid of excess, powerful movement |
| Reversed | Resisting change, fear of new beginnings, repeating negative patterns |
| Yes or No | Yes |
What Does the Death Tarot Card Mean?
The Death card signifies transformation, change, and letting go. Upright, this card signifies positive transitions and the release of old patterns. Embrace the opportunity for personal growth and renewal. Reversed, it warns against fearing change or getting stuck in negative patterns.
Resist stagnancy, and instead, allow the natural cycles of life to unfold for spiritual and personal development.
Death Tarot Card Description
The image displayed on the face of the Death card shows a Grim-reaper-like skeleton riding on a white horse. He wears a suit of armor and is holding a black flag with a white floral pattern and the Roman Numerals XIII (thirteen). His posture and suit show his dominance and inability to be defeated.
The skeleton’s surroundings are just as important to the overall meaning of the card.
The different genders, classes, and ages of those shown affected by Death remind us the final ending is the one thing over which money and power have little influence.
In the background, a boat sails down towards the sun, which symbolizes new beginnings and hope. It serves as a reminder that transformation can happen all the time. Just as the sun sets, it also rises, and it’s a cycle that never ends.
Upright Death Tarot Card Meaning
One of the reasons that the Death card is such a powerful one in the upright position is because it carries so many different meanings. For many readings, the upright Death Tarot card signifies completing a chapter, putting the past behind you, and cutting out what is unnecessary.
It can also signify a transition or middle ground between one phase of life and the next. The key is to welcome the Death card in a Tarot spread instead of avoiding it. What path is number thirteen trying to point you toward? After all, there is no new beginning without an ending.
Upright Death Tarot Card Love Meaning
Death and love in Tarot readings spell trouble, especially if you’re wondering if you should stay or go. But the Death card doesn’t have to represent a current relationship.
In fact, in a Love Tarot reading, this card can also suggest a need to let go of a past love or hurt that is affecting the future. This is especially true of single people who want to start dating again.
If your relationship is toxic or you and your partner aren’t compatible, it might be time to accept this and move on.
On the flip side, if you truly believe you have found your soulmate, you must both bury your past and embrace a new beginning not tainted by yesterday’s troubles.
Upright Death Tarot Card Career and Money Meaning
Embrace the change the Death Tarot card predicts in your career and professional life! If you’re unhappy at work, in your current field, or with your financial situation, you don’t have to ‘take things lying down.’
This may mean leaving your job, filing for bankruptcy, focusing on credit repair, or selling a home. You have control over your life and the way you react to every obstacle that comes your way.
The Death Tarot card in a Tarot reading urges you to eliminate what isn’t necessary, do what you can, and embrace what can’t be avoided. It seems like it’s time for an ending and a rebirth in every area of your life.
Upright Death Tarot Card Health Meaning
Don’t panic! The Death Tarot card rarely ever represents physical death, even in a health reading. Instead, it represents big changes that need to be made if you want to bring yourself to a point of optimal health.
Are there things you can do that might seem difficult but will improve your current condition, such as eating better or refraining from drinking alcohol? If so, start making these adjustments.
Spiritual readings that include the Death card involve letting go of old ways of thinking. If you want to live authentically, you must put aside thoughts and patterns that no longer serve you. Make spiritual growth a top priority. Read, meditate, and study universal laws.
Reversed Death Tarot Card Meaning
The Reversed Death Tarot card is similar to the upright Death card; it still involves a path of sweeping change. However, there is an added component when the card falls upside down: a great deal of resistance.
Although we might like to think that we ‘embrace change,’ how do we react when we lose a job, when our spouse asks for a divorce, or when our children get sick? Does a financial setback or a major car issue send you into a tailspin?
If the Death card appears in reverse, ask yourself: what am I avoiding letting go of? Have I lost hope? Meditate on the answer, and your path of least resistance will appear.
Reversed Death Tarot Card Love Meaning
In romantic life, Death reversed warns against resisting change in relationships. It signals a tendency to hold onto stagnant connections due to comfort, obligation, or fear of being alone.
While there’s a chance to revive old relationships, singles are advised to break free from negative patterns. The card suggests that personal issues like low self-esteem or unresolved wounds may hinder fulfilling partnerships.
To find true love and respect, it encourages addressing these obstacles, fostering a relationship where both individuals can grow and thrive together.
Reversed Death Tarot Card Career and Money Meaning
Death reversed suggests resisting changes at work, like sticking to a job that’s not great despite an unhealthy environment or lower pay. Change is a natural part of our careers and lives, and it’s better to welcome it than push it away. Holding onto an old routine can lead to decay and drain.
It might also mean old problems coming back to work. Ask yourself if you’re holding yourself back—are you being too hard on yourself or feeling like you don’t belong? Figure out what you need to let go of to break free from these not-so-good patterns at work.
Regarding finances, Death reversed represents a loss of money. You may need to make changes in your spending during this temporary period, but letting go of things you see as essential could be challenging.
Rather than resisting these changes, try adapting and learning from the experience. Embrace the shift in how you handle your finances and reevaluate your values during this time. It might make coping with the situation a bit easier.
Reversed Death Tarot Card Health Meaning
Reversed, the Death card in health suggests resistance to necessary changes in your well-being and mental health.
You might be holding onto unhealthy habits or avoiding crucial lifestyle adjustments. It’s a reminder to embrace positive transformations, release old patterns that hinder your health, and be open to new approaches for your well-being.
Avoiding change may lead to stagnation, so consider letting go of what no longer serves your health to welcome a revitalized and improved state.
Important Death Tarot Card Combinations
The Death card represents the ending of a cycle and is a symbol of transitions. Also, when paired with other cards, the card normally indicates the end of an era. Below, you can find the most important Death card combinations.
Death and the Lovers or the Hierophant
When Death is paired with either the Lovers or the Hierophant, relationship changes are imminent. Many times, this signifies a break-up or divorce. Even if you stay together, things will not stay the same.
If the ending is not something you want, remember that pain is only temporary. The ending of one relationship is often followed by an even better one if we choose to accept and let it be.
Death and the World
This combo with the World Tarot card stands for completion. Something that you have been pouring a lot of time and energy into will soon come to an end.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. It’s simply time to move on to much greater heights. The closing of a chapter is the very first step in that process.
Death and the Devil
The Devil and Death cards–what a pairing! The Devil often symbolizes addiction. When connected to Death, the Devil can represent triumph over such struggles. Although this can be related to drug abuse, there are many other scenarios.
For example, these two cards might signify overcoming an illness or breaking the chains of a toxic relationship. It might also mean stopping a bad habit such as smoking, overeating, or gambling.
Death and the Moon
If you’re looking for a message from Death and the Moon, this is it: there is light at the end of the tunnel. When things are really difficult or change seems to be inescapable or unbearable, try your best to keep your thoughts focused on what you want, not the reality.
Doing so might seem counterproductive, but it will allow you to make decisions based on what brings you joy instead of pain. In the end, having faith over fear will allow you to manifest your greatest desires.
What Does the Death Card Mean: Yes or No?
Some Tarot experts would rule Death in a yes or no reading as a no card, but I don’t think the answer is this: ‘cut and dry.’ It truly depends on the question at hand.
If you’re asking about a difficult relationship or work situation, the answer is, ‘No, cut your losses.’
However, if you are seeking guidance about a possible new beginning, such as leaving your job and starting your own business, the answer is a more positive one.
What is the Death Tarot Card Advice?
Death in Tarot advises embracing necessary changes and transformations in your life. It encourages you to let go of old patterns, habits, or situations that no longer serve your growth. In other words, you should welcome these changes with an open mind and heart as they pave the way for renewal, personal development, and positive outcomes.
What Does Death Mean in Tarot in a Relationship?
In a relationship, the Death card in Tarot signifies a significant transformation. It may indicate the end of an old phase or the resolution of long-standing issues. While this might seem daunting, it’s essential to view it as a positive evolution.
The card encourages letting go of unhealthy patterns, allowing the relationship to undergo a renewal process.
It advises embracing change, as it can lead to a more profound connection, personal growth, and the potential for a stronger and more fulfilling bond.
Closing Thoughts
Don’t fear the reaper! His sickle may look extreme and scary, but the Death card in a Tarot reading doesn’t foretell physical death. It actually helps people grow and brings positive changes.
You will go through a big change that will yield positive results. So, don’t destroy Death in your Tarot deck. Instead, welcome it along with similar Tarot cards, such as the Devil; they can help you grow and become better.
Does our interpretation of this Major Arcana card resonate with you? Our community (and I) love to hear your thoughts, so please take a minute to let us know in the comments below!
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