Death Keywords
Death, transition(s), endings (and beginnings), delays, release, illness, transformation, change(s), resistance (to change/transformation), letting go, stagnant
Death Numerology
13
Death Astrology Zodiac
Scorpio
Death Tarot Suit
Major Arcana
Journal Prompts for The Death Tarot Card
– What changes/transitions/etc are calling me into action and/or are necessary at this time?
– What cycles/patterns/etc are ready to end and/or come to a close?
– What steps can I take to embrace any changes/transitions/etc underway?
Death Tarot Card Meaning
Death, in the tarot, presents as a skeleton-knight in shining black armor, a red feather/streamer upon his helmet. He rides a pale, white horse with red eyes. The horse has a hoof raised, as though to emphasize that he is in motion. The sun sets behind two towers in the background as Death arrives. He grips the reins of his horse in one hand; in the other hand, he holds a black flag with a white rose (known as The White Rose of York) decorated upon it. The rider’s stature and presence emphasize his dominance over everyone in the image (a king, a bishop and two “villagers”–likely a child and parent) regardless of race, religion, class, etc.
*Based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck
Death Upright
It can be a little scary when you first encounter the Death card in a tarot reading. The image alone is not exactly a comforting one, but when you unravel the layers and take a look at the deeper meaning(s), it helps to see how this archetype could be working on your behalf.
In fact, Death is one of the most powerful, and some may even say, positive, cards in the deck.
In general, the Upright Death card symbolizes and ushers in endings and energies dealing with a significant change, loss, transformation, turning points, transition, etc. Additionally, it can be a strong indication that there is a greater journey and/or process underway when this archetype shows up. As such, Death is a messenger that major shifts are happening and/or must happen in order to get through this particular moment in time.
Rest assured that when Death appears, a rebirth and/or renewal of some kind is almost certainly underway. Along with it, the possibility of new beginnings lay ahead. While “rebirth” is a positive association in regards to the Death card, remember that the new cycles are forming as the old cycles shut down and close out.
Keep in mind that Death is what it is. In order for something new to come into being, something else must be released, shed, etc. That being said, Death upright meaning encourages you to be mindful and to take your time with whatever it is that you are managing. In other words, honor the transition. Consider this as an opportunity for you to embrace the process; and to trust that regardless of any fears and/or doubts, you will eventually get through and to the other side.
When the death card appears, you may be experiencing and/or about to experience a loss, setback and/or ending. Should this be the case, understand that the lessons you learn and take with you, in lieu of any hardship, are what matters most. Although no one wants to go through anything unfortunate, try to focus on what you can learn from the situation and how you can grow and/or do better moving forward.
The Death card can also indicate that it is simply time for change to take place. See this as a signal that you are ready to move on, but for that to happen, you should tie up any and/or all loose ends first. If you have been thinking of making changes in any area of your life, consider this as validation that you should go for it.
Regardless of whether this deals with your attitude, love life, finances, work goal, family, etc, realize that in order to move forward, you may need to deal with and/or face uncomfortable moments but you will get through it. This major arcana card says – be willing to let go and/or make significant changes within yourself and/or your circumstances before trying to move on to the next chapter. Do your best to complete things and not leave them unfinished and/or unresolved.
Death Reversed
When Death appears in the reversed position, it can be an indication of resistance and/or an unwillingness to let go, change, transform, etc. No matter how much you might want to ignore or avoid the situation, the fact is, you can no longer deny the outcome and/or whatever it is that you have been dancing around.
The reversed Death tarot card may be urging you to realize that you could be perpetuating outdated and/or negative beliefs, behaviors, patterns, etc that need to be addressed and dealt with accordingly. It may be time for you to recognize and accept that you are and/or have been blocking yourself and preventing your own growth by refusing to evolve.
If anything, this energy could also be calling you to come to terms with any self-sabotaging, self-limiting patterns, attitudes and/or ways of being. It isn’t always easy to come to terms with our own negative habits, but once you do, all it takes is the first step in the right direction. When you become aware and take responsibility for yourself it is much easier to see how you have been, and may still be, acting counterintuitively in regards to your bigger goals.
However difficult, uncomfortable and/or scary change may be, one way or another time and life will move on–with or without your say so. It may help to see the reversed Death card as the Universe’s way of telling you that things cannot and will not go back to being the way it was before. Do your best to grieve and acknowledge any heavy emotions but trust and remember that life does go on. On the plus side, if you can embrace the lessons at hand and allow the journey to guide you, you never know what new, exciting experiences and opportunities await you.
You may be feeling stuck and/or unable to move forward, perhaps you want to but don’t know how. Consider the reversal of this major arcana tarot card as an invitation for you to simply let go and let flow. There may not be a clear cut or straightforward answer, sometimes surrendering is all that it takes and all that you can do anyway. Trust that while things may still be unclear and/or uncertain, you will find your way and clarity will follow–one way or another. 
