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Category: Major Arcana
The Death tarot card, the thirteenth card in the Major Arcana, much like its predecessor, the Hanged Man, invites seekers to embark on a journey of transformation and offers insights into the cyclical nature of life, renewal, and the inevitability of change. The Death card urges individuals to confront the concept of endings, encouraging them to release the old to make room for new beginnings.
Death tarot card: Description
Let’s explore the intricacies of the Death card from the renowned Rider-Waite Tarot deck – an emblem that transcends its ominous façade to unveil profound transformations and rebirth. This card serves as a captivating portrayal of change, renewal, and transformation.
A skeleton, adorned in black armor, rides a white horse, symbolizing the impartial force of change. The horse is draped with a symbolic banner featuring a five-petaled rose, signifying spiritual regeneration and representing the transformative nature of the journey – from bud to bloom to decay and rebirth.
In the background, the Sun sets on the horizon, symbolizing the conclusion of a cycle and urging acceptance of the natural rhythms of life. Three figures, each representing different life stages – a bishop, a child, and a maiden – acknowledge Death as an inevitable force that unites everyone.
To deeply connect with the profound meanings behind each Tarot card, including the Death card, having the Rider-Waite Tarot deck is essential. Crafted by Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite, this iconic deck has become a timeless reference for both Tarot enthusiasts and novices. Its vivid symbolism and meticulous craftsmanship offer a gateway to the mysteries of the Tarot. If you have yet to acquire the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, consider obtaining it here to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Death: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Transformation – Renewal – Endings – Change – Transition – Rebirth – Evolution – Acceptance – Growth – New Beginnings
REVERSED: Resistance – Stagnation – Fear of change – Inability to let go – Delayed transformation – Unresolved issues – Stuck in the past – Refusal to release – Lingering endings – Missed opportunities
Death: Meaning
Here, we will delve into the meaning of the Death card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. However, before exploring its upright and reversed interpretations, let’s consider some insights shared by Jodorowsky in his book “The Way of Tarots”. This bestseller, adorned with captivating illustrations and detailed descriptions of each card in the Marseille deck, offers intriguing perspectives.
While some details and key symbols in the Rider-Waite and Marseille decks differ, the general essence of the Death card remains similar. That’s why we will still consider Jodorowsky’s observations even though he talks about the Marseille tarot deck.
He asserts that the most common mistake regarding the Death tarot card is made by tradition, which superficially attributes its meaning. Certainly, the central figure is the skeleton – the Death – in both the Marseille and Rider-Waite tarot decks, but it is not the only element in the card, and the cards should always be looked at and interpreted as a whole.
Furthermore, another Jodorowky consideration is that this card is not placed at the end of the Major Arcana but just past the halfway point. If it were placed at the end, it would probably refer to the actual end, to death, but it is positioned just past the midpoint of the series. Its placement in the center of the tarot card urges us to consider it as a cleansing process instead of as the end of everything.
Fun fact highlighted by Jodo: a noteworthy detail is that in the Marseille tarot deck, this card has a number but no name, perfectly mirroring The Fool who, conversely, has a name but no number.
To learn more, you can purchase Jodorowsky’s bestseller “The Way of Tarot” by clicking here.
Now that we’ve discovered some fun facts and understood that the general meaning of this card is not only related to death as the end of life, let’s delve into the upright and reversed meanings.
Upright Meaning
In its upright position, the Death card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck unfolds a narrative of profound transformation and renewal. Acting as a harbinger of radical change, this card symbolizes the inevitability of metamorphosis.
Embracing the concept of endings, the Death card becomes a catalyst for individuals to liberate themselves from the shackles of the past, creating space for new beginnings. It serves as a symbolic closure, signifying the completion of a significant phase in life and encouraging the acceptance of the cyclical nature inherent in existence.
As we said before this card is far from representing a dire end. The death tarot card embodies the essence of evolution and growth. It underscores that the cessation of one aspect of life paves the way for a positive and rejuvenating transition, where the old makes way for the new, and profound transformations become the gateway to a brighter future.
Embrace profound transformation and accept that endings can be a gateway to new beginnings.
Reversed Meaning
In its reversed position, the Death card unfolds a narrative of reluctance and resistance to change. This manifestation can take the form of a fear of letting go, a persistent adherence to outdated patterns, or an inherent inability to stride confidently into the future.
The reversed Death card serves as a cautionary sign, urging against the avoidance of necessary transformations that could lead to stagnation and the overlooking of valuable opportunities. Its presence may indicate lingering issues left unresolved or a steadfast refusal to release ties to the past. This reversed state prompts a careful examination, emphasizing the need to identify and address what must be released or transformed. By doing so, one can avoid the pitfalls of lingering endings that act as hindrances to personal development and impede the path of growth.
Don’t resist change: stagnation emerges when transformation is delayed
Death: Love meaning
In the realm of love, the Death card brings unique insights and perspectives. This card signifies transformative experiences in matters of the heart, urging individuals to embrace change within their relationships. It heralds the end of old patterns and the beginning of a new chapter, encouraging couples to release outdated dynamics that may hinder growth.
The Death card’s appearance in a love reading suggests that significant transformations are on the horizon – ones that pave the way for deeper connections and renewed passion. While it may seem intimidating, this card invites a profound shift in perspective, emphasizing that, like in all aspects of life, the acceptance of necessary endings can lead to a more fulfilling and evolved romantic journey.
Death: Key symbols
In the intricate language of the Tarot, each card is a tapestry of symbols that weaves a narrative of profound significance. The Death card, in particular, holds a spectrum of key symbols that transcend its visual imagery, inviting us to delve deeper into the mysteries of existence and transformation.
In this exploration, we will uncover the meanings behind three pivotal symbols embedded in the Death card – the skeletal figure on horseback, the other figures, the five-petaled rose, and the scythe. Each symbol contributes a unique layer to the narrative, enriching our understanding of the cyclical nature of life, spiritual renewal, and the transformative forces inherent in the journey of the Tarot.
The Skeleton on horseback
A pivotal element in the Rider-Waite Tarot’s Death card is the skeletal figure gracefully mounted on a horse. This striking image draws upon the timeless archetype of the Grim Reaper, embodying the impartial force of death – the universal equalizer that extends its influence to every being. The skeletal rider, the personification of Death, pays no heed to distinctions of gender, age, or social standing; it comes to all, be they woman, man, old or child, rich or poor, without regard for status or station.
The stark representation of the skeleton serves as a poignant reminder that everything and everyone must undergo the transformative process of death to make way for the renewal of life in another form. Adorned in black iron armor, symbolizing the metal of Mars, the color black conveys the intentional and purposeful nature of Death’s destruction.
The choice of a white horse as the steed for Death holds symbolic significance. Representing purity, the white horse also serves as a vessel for the journey into the unknown. The color white further symbolizes that Death does not act with malevolence; it is not an embodiment of evil. Instead, Death solely represents transformation – a natural and essential aspect of the cycle of life.
Together, the skeletal rider and the white horse form a powerful symbol of the inevitability of change. This dynamic duo prompts contemplation on the cyclical nature of existence, inviting reflections on spiritual growth and the profound transformations that unfold in the face of mortality.
The other figures
In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the Death card features additional figures bowing before the skeletal rider, enhancing the depth of its symbolism. These figures include a bishop, a child, and a maiden. Each represents different stages of life, symbolizing the universality of death as an inevitable force that transcends age, status, and experience.
The presence of these figures emphasizes the collective aspect of the transformative journey, underscoring that death is a shared experience that unites all. The inclusion of the bishop, child, and maiden serves as a poignant reminder of the impartiality of the transformative forces at play, urging us to acknowledge and accept the inevitability of change across the various phases of our lives.
The five-petaled rose
The Death card, in the Rider-Waite, features a symbolic banner adorned with a five-petaled rose. This floral emblem signifies spiritual regeneration, emphasizing the potential for growth and renewal that arises from the transformative forces at play. The rose, with its multi-layered symbolism, adds depth to the narrative, suggesting that beauty and vitality can emerge even in the face of profound change.
The scythe
One of the pivotal symbols in the Death card is the scythe, a potent representation of the harvest and the inexorable passage of time. Held by the skeletal figure, it underscores the transformative nature of Death, cutting away the old to make room for the new. The scythe serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical process of life, where the cessation of one phase is an essential precursor to another.
Death: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
While some interpretations may suggest that when pulled in the upright position, the Death card signifies a “Yes” answer to a yes-or-no question, and conversely, in the reversed position, it signifies a “No”, the reality is more complex. Tarot, with its intricate symbolism and nuanced meanings, doesn’t provide straightforward answers.
The Death card, rather than dictating a simple “Yes” or “No”, beckons us to delve into its rich tapestry of symbolism. In the Tarot, every card is a piece of a broader narrative, inviting us to explore the complexities of our inquiries. The Death card, with its transformative energies, prompts us to consider the deeper layers of our questions and the profound shifts they may represent in our lives. To truly understand the Death card and its implications in a reading, it’s crucial to approach Tarot as a tool for introspection and guidance, navigating the complexities of life’s journey.
To learn more about yes or no tarot readings, read on Is Yes and No Tarot Reading Accurate?.
