UPRIGHT: Change, Endings, Transformation, Transition, Release
REVERSED: Decay, Fear of Change, Repeating Negative Patterns
The Death Tarot Card Description
In the Smith-Waite tarot deck, Death is depicted riding a magnificent white horse, carrying a black flag adorned with a white design. Represented as a living skeleton, Death's bones are the sole remnants of the human body after life. He is armor-clad, symbolizing the notion that Death cannot be conquered. Beneath him, people of all social standings lie in the dirt – a king, pope, and a pauper – reminding us that Death is impartial, regardless of class, race, or gender. No one can bargain with Death. Both the white horse and the white Rose of York on his flag symbolizes purification and suggests that the process of transformation will purify and cleanse the soul.
The Death Tarot Card Upright
The Death card is one of the most feared cards to draw... to people who don't understand tarot. But we seasoned tarot readers know that Death isn't scary. It is merely a transformation, drawing a close on the past so we may move into our future unencumbered. All things must come to a close for better things to arrive. The oldest tarot cards are better visualizations of this notion. In earlier forms of tarot, the Death card was a skeleton in a wheat field wielding his farming scythe. The story behind this card was one of reaping the harvest. Cutting down the wheat in the field was important to survive the coming winter. With the culling of the grains, you could move forward into the winter safely. You had everything you needed without worrying about leaving something behind.
Remember this idea of reaping wheat when you draw the Death card. You must cut the cord binding you to propel your dreams into reality. I won't lie; this change may be abrupt, unexpected, and even traumatic, but it is necessary, and the outcome far outweighs any temporary discomfort. From a social standpoint, it may be time to cull some of the relationships holding you back. This includes romantic relationships. If you're in a relationship you know is going nowhere, it might be time to cut your losses so you can find your destined partner. If you're committed to working things out, you both need to look at what's not working and see if there are any negative patterns to change. A marriage counselor may be your best option. On a more positive note, the change in a perfectly functioning romantic relationship may be changing your status, ending your singledom by becoming engaged or married. Remember, the change doesn't have to be negative. It's merely ending one phase and stepping into the next.
We see the Death Tarot card at play again regarding money and career. If you are unhappy in your current workplace, drawing the Death card may be a gentle nudge that you should start looking for employment elsewhere. This job was a means to an end; now it's time to move. If you've debated striking out as a small business owner, this could be the nudge you've been looking for. If you've pulled the Death card in a money drawing, it could be an indication that your finances are about to change and that you need to sit down and look at your budget. Cut back on what you can to save for the winter to come. Don't fight the changes, but instead, work with them for a brighter future.
The Death Tarot Card Reversed
In its reverse polarity, the Death tarot card can symbolize your reluctance to change. Instead of letting go of negative patterns, you're holding on, even while being dragged down into the mud. Take a moment to analyze your reasoning. Is this situation worth holding onto? Death is inevitable, and no amount of fight in the universe can change what is going to happen. The question is: how much are you forcing yourself to suffer? Let go of the reins and allow yourself to be guided to a better situation.
In love, Death reversed indicates a reluctance to change negative behaviors or ideals. You may be allowing low self-esteem to hold you back from pursuing a beneficial relationship. This lack of esteem could also be attracting the worst type of partners. Or you're stubbornly holding onto antiquated ideas of what you want out of love, and missing out on what's right in front of you.
In a career draw, Death's polarity is a strong indicator that you are holding onto a job that no longer benefits you out of fear. You're so afraid of losing stability that you're miserable. It's time to leave. Start thinking about things you could do right now to be better positioned to go. Are there certifications or training that could help boost your resume? Reducing unnecessary daily purchases and indulgences can help pad your bank account for the move. This card is a reassurance that culling the field now will leave you happier and more comfortable in the future.
