Death Tarot Card Meaning, 35 Interpretations!

The Death tarot card sits at lucky number thirteen in the Major Arcana. It is preceded by the fickle nature of The Hanged Man and followed by gentle but volatile Temperance.

In the Rider-Waite deck, the messenger of Death takes a familiar form; a skeleton draped in black armor sitting atop the rather biblical image of a pale horse. Bones are a physical manifestation of what remains after death and decomposition.

Spiritually, however, they pertain to the idea of legacy. The armor speaks to the invincibility of both death and the dying— we all must face death in our lives, but there are ways for our spirit to survive it.

The horse’s white color makes us think of purity, while the darkness that cloaks the messenger is a symbol of mystery and mourning. The skeleton carries proudly with him a flag bearing the image of a rose with five white petals— a symbol of life and beauty.

What dark poetry… A mystical flower upon the black flag, warning mortals who dare enter the realm of the dead to tread lightly.

These images work together to evade the idea that death is merely just about life ending, but also rebirth, change, and passage into the unknown. This card is placed, after all, in the middle of the Fool’s journey throughout the Major Arcana, and not at the end.

In the background, a boat floats in a river, reminiscent of Charon carrying souls across the Styx. The sun sheets between two towers, a symbol we will see again in The Moon, calling to mind the idea of dying each night to be reborn in the morning. A body can fail and die; the soul is immortal.

Before the horse, a noblewoman lies dying, a bishop and child begging for her life at her side.

These pleas cannot halt death, though. The rider might be moving at a slow pace but will stop for nobody. Denial and bargaining are oftentimes part of the grieving process. However, only acceptance can bring about closure.

Death is a transformative card. It heralds the end of the naïve innocence of childhood, calls on us to shed unhealthy and unnecessary behaviors or habits, and clears the way to maturity.

When we see the face of Death, we must come to terms with the nature of the human condition, lest we live in doubt and regret, afraid of our own shadow, unmoved by what truly matters.

In earlier versions of the Tarot, the Death card showed the traditional image of the Grim Reaper, a skeletal figure wielding a scythe.

Arthur Waite and illustrator Pamela “Pixie” Smith refined it, in the true spirit of progress, change, and transformation this card upholds, creating an apocalyptic vision that is also, nonetheless, profoundly human.

Like the major changes in life and society that occurred on the verge of the 20^th century, when this version of the Tarot was created, there is a vital lesson to be learned here: this image spurs a radical change in consciousness, a revolution.

Who could remain the same after witnessing the morbid mask of Death? It is the bare truth of impermanence that is illustrated on the Death card, a powerful reminder of mortality and mankind’s ultimate, inevitable fate: memento mori.

It is easy to panic when a card with Death’s dark imagery appears in a reading, but this fear is not necessary. In this comprehensive guide to The Death Tarot card, we journey forward to learn why.

Table of Contents

What does the Death Tarot card mean?

Death does not mean you or anyone close to you is going to die.

Death is one of the most positive cards in the deck! It is a common misconception that death is equal to finality. Think of how things decompose and return to the earth, helping trees and flowers to grow.

Death signifies the end of an era. It ushers in freedom and asks us to cast off the things that no longer serve us. The Universe is telling us it is time to let go and promises a prosperous future to those who embrace change and leave their chains in the past.

There comes a time when our spirits no longer need our bodies. This is what we commonly refer to as death, but depending on your system of belief, you may believe that there is something great waiting for you after your life has ended.

Some may think that what lies ahead is merely returning to the earth and becoming a piece of The Universe! Regardless of your beliefs, our worth as spiritual beings does not dull after our hearts cease to beat. We have left the world changed and made our mark. It is this idea that fuels the Death card.

Whatever situations we may find ourselves in, Death assures us that they will not last forever. Life moves in inevitable cycles. When we allow change to move us, then The Universe pushes us toward the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

Death calls us to evaluate the people, places, and things that surround us. Could they be holding us back from this profound transformation? What keeps us from moving forward?

This card stirs up some bittersweet emotions. Endings and goodbyes are painful, but we cannot carry everything we come into contact with in our lives on our backs.

Nobody has that kind of strength! When we accept the transition and learn to celebrate it, our effort and hurt will be rewarded with rebirth and the renewal of our spirits.

Not so bad, right?

The Death Tarot Card Upright

Death is a journey and as natural as life itself. The card encapsulates a variety of meanings, from swift change and the death of the ego to parting ways or the memory of those who are not with us anymore.

The Death card upright signifies that you are going through radical changes that cannot be stopped.

You have reached the end of one cycle and are ready for the next one. The card might often show up when the seeker’s personality and behavior have been greatly influenced by the death of a loved one in the past.

You (or the person you are doing the reading for) have consciously embarked on a transformative journey. You have decided to change your life and you are so determined to accomplish your goal that, in the long run, nothing may stop you.

While this might refer to an ongoing process, it’s also about sudden change or a substantial decision that will permanently affect the course of your life.

Since our time in this world is finite, our existence ephemeral, the Death card reminds you to do away with all unhealthy attachments produced by an immature ego.

You may be literally parting ways with people and situations that are holding you back, or with behaviors and concepts that won’t help you on the road ahead.

As endings manifest and you are moving forward, remember that you can be diverted and stalled momentarily, you can mourn for what you once were, and you can be hurt, but the rider’s armor suggests you won’t be broken. The structure you have already established will not fail.

Finally, it is a frequent occurrence for this card to appear when reading for a person who has experienced loss in the past. Whether they are currently mourning or have already let go, they are carrying their loved ones with them, always.

“The circle of life has no ending,” said the outcast named “Nobody” in Jim Jarmusch’s film Dead Man. And so it is that even after death the memory of great men and women endures and keeps hope alive in the world of the living.

Death card Keywords:

Endings
Change
Rebirth
Transformation
Transition
New Beginnings
Letting go
Sudden Upheaval
Forward Movement
Cycles
Creation
Mortality
Metamorphosis
Renewal
Release
Powerful Actions
Profound Work

What does the Death card mean when reversed?

When reversed, Death notes that it is necessary for us to move forward from our current position and alerts us that the opportunity is there. However, there is resistance present that leads to the persistence of bad habits and stunts progress.

Think of the woman that lies dead before the messenger in the Reader-Waite imagery. Though the bishop and the child beg for her to be spared, the skeleton is merely the bearer of bad news and has no choice in the matter. You’ve probably heard of the phrase “Don’t shoot the messenger!”

Change in life is inevitable. We waste our time and energy when we go to war against the flow of the universe. It is this discord that Death Reversed brings to our attention.

There is great progress, growth, and transformation waiting just beyond the horizon, but there is something that holds you back. Your struggle is being prolonged by your unwillingness or inability to let go.

This may leave you to feel excluded or left behind when those around you are progressing, and you are locked in a state of stagnancy.

The reverse of this card may also point to large amounts of important personal work being done in private. Change begins from within and you are in training for a period of metamorphosis that waits on the horizon.

Think of it as spring cleaning for the mind. What serves a purpose, and what can be sent to the yard sale?

The Death Card Reversed Keywords:

Resistance To Change
Inner Purging
Unwillingness
Repetition
Dependency
Harmful Patterns
Avoidance
Private Work
Inevitability
Setbacks
Stagnancy
Exclusion
Self-Hindrance
Prolonging Struggle
Hesitance

The Death Tarot Card as How Someone (He/She) Sees You

When the Death card guides someone’s perspective of you, they see you as immortal in some way shape, or form. You could be a risk-taker in various aspects of your life or a person who lives their life to the fullest, savoring each moment, unafraid of their endings. Either way, you are admired for it.

Sometimes we look at someone else’s actions and say to ourselves “I would never do that!” When Death comes to describing how others view us, this is exactly the sentiment that you inspire.

Your bold risks don’t go unnoticed. They could be in the realm of money, connections, creativity, or physicality. No matter how substantial or minute you see your actions to be, there is someone who sees you as brave.

You serve as an inspiration for others to seek the unfamiliar and embrace change. The growth that the risks you take have brought you is very inspiring to those who may feel stuck in their ways.

Death Card Reversed as How Someone (He/She) Sees You

When reversed, the Death card means that others see you as immature and apprehensive.

People may still say “I would never do that” when they hear of your risks, but as opposed to feeling moved to action by you, they may see what you do as repetitive and foolish. On the other hand, they may see you as too timid.

You may find yourself surrounded by people whom you feel have left you behind and now view you as childish. You may be seen as a dead-end. This is no need to despair, though, as Death Reversed serves as a bit of encouragement.

You can show them! Step outside of your comfort zones and put in the work to prepare yourself for change— even if it’s a small change.

If the people that surround you cannot appreciate this work, then they might just be the thing that’s holding you back. Maybe it’s time to clear up the image you have of yourself!

What does the Death Tarot Card Mean in Love?

Death doesn’t have to mean the end of a relationship.

While Death can signify a relationship that is holding its participants back in their lives, it can also note the presence of harmful patterns that are keeping the relationship from growing to its full potential.

Death can sometimes mean the unfortunate need for the end of a relationship. Though this is an upsetting and difficult choice, sometimes it is the only way for partners to grow. Every relationship leaves us changed.

The things we are taught by our partners are valuable gifts that will help us as we move forward. Endings are difficult, but there is a restriction at play between you. There is something better waiting for you.

You don’t need to immediately jump to this card being the kiss of death, however. Sometimes relationships can fall victim to vicious and repetitive patterns.

Perhaps someone is stringing you along or you keep finding yourselves interlaced in the same arguments time and time again. Death says that a conversation is in order to break these patterns. Only then can your relationship move to the next level.

For one seeking a partner, there is something holding you back from the companionship you desire.

Perhaps it’s a fear of rejection or a tendency to gravitate toward people you aren’t compatible with. Whatever it is, Death asserts that it’s time to try something new and embrace a method that might be healthier for you.

What does the Death Card Reversed mean in Love?

When reversed, Death points to obvious problems that have deep roots in a relationship. Your love is doomed to fail if not reflected upon by all involved parties.

You must be willing to change for your partner to a certain degree— now this doesn’t mean being untrue to yourself or forfeiting your core values, but rather making compromises.

If they are unwilling to do the same for you, then perhaps it isn’t a good match. This card in reverse suggests that one of you, or maybe both, refuse to compromise while expecting a change of heart from your partner as if presenting an ultimatum.

The relationship could seem like it’s heading for a dead-end and it may very well be so. To save it, you must ask some tough questions and commit to self-work.

Isn’t the phrase “till death do us part” one of the marriage vows? If you cannot resolve the underlying issues that create tension and emotional distress, how will your bond be long-lasting?

The card might sometimes hint that, even if you haven’t broken up yet, you are already mourning for your lost love. At some point, you have to consider what a healthy and strong relationship means for you. Then, the ending of one story, no matter how painful, can open the door to another.

For someone seeking a partner, Death says you have all the tools to get out of any rut you may find yourself in. There is no use in blaming everyone or everything else when the answers lie inside of you. They simply may take a bit of personal work to reveal.

What does the Death Tarot Card mean in Friendship?

As we grow, we may find ourselves with a smaller group of friends than when we were younger.

Death champions keeping your true friends close and remind us that it’s alright to grow apart from others. The friends that stick by our side are the ones that will help us to be the best we can be.

It seems that when we are children everyone is our best friend. As we continue down our paths, though, it becomes clear that not all friendships have what it takes to be lifelong.

Friendships that last a lifetime are hard to come by and may wind up taking the form of a singular person. The Death card says that this is okay. The Universe has given you what you need.

This card could point to an upcoming falling out or growing apart between friends. It can be scary to release someone from our lives, but this card marks it as necessary.

This is not a person who will bring you growth. Your future will be filled with valuable time with true friends, perhaps ones you haven’t even met yet. The transition from this friend or group of friends shouldn’t be one that you shy away from.

What does the Death Card Reverse mean in Friendship?

Death Reversed echoes the advice it gives on romantic relationships. There is something lurking below the surface of your friendships that needs to be addressed. This is a salvageable and important relationship in need of a heavy tune-up.

This will take great reflection and communication but will pull you from a rut and lead the friendship to be much more satisfying.

Don’t hesitate to point out your friends’ weaknesses and advise them on how they could improve. Ask them to do the same for you, but also remember that friendships are supposed to be fun – it’s not all about fixing things and solving problems!

Perhaps time has taken its toll between you and a specific friend, and you’ve reached a point where you know each other so well that you can see right through them and, feeling quite comfortable, you talk about things that are better left unsaid.

Such intimacy and knowledge of the other can create misunderstandings.

Finally, if you happen to notice or engage in unnatural behaviors, quite often the culprit is misdirected anger. We all have to somehow express this violent feeling at some point in our lives – true friends will stay, listen and understand no matter how fierce or grim this outburst is.

What does the Death Tarot Card Mean in a Career?

Death warns us not to become dependent on our current positions. There is change coming and your current standing is not secure. Use the discomfort that this may cause to seek new beginnings and have them on hand. This may lead you to something much better for you.

We live in a volatile world filled with volatile markets. What may have seemed reliable one day might completely change its tune overnight.

The presence of Death in a career reading doesn’t confirm an upcoming change with certainty but alludes to the possibility of it. It is always a good idea to have backup plans and prepare yourself to start anew— just in case.

As you reevaluate career decisions and look into the possibilities that the world has to offer you, you may come face to face with something that will prove to be much more lucrative for you or your business. Always keep moving forward. If that means weathering uncertain times in your current job, so be it.

Death does not discourage this and if your fear is what you need to let go, then that’s the path for you! However, this card can also point to the need to let go of an old job and dive headfirst into something new!

What does the Death Card Reverse Mean in Career?

Change is long overdue if Death appears reversed. It is time to brace for the frustrating world of job hunting as well as the anxiety that comes with it and move on. If this warning is not heeded, this serves as a foreboding omen that you could wind up stuck right where you are.

As in most cases, the Death card reversed means that you are shying away from a very important change or transition. Instead of charging forward, you stay complacency and postpone your responsibilities, or even wallow in defeatism because everything seems futile.

Consider this warning – it’s like the Tarot telling you “The time was yesterday, what are you waiting for?” The more you stay stagnant and refrain from honing your skills, the more bogged down you’ll feel tomorrow.

Money doesn’t guarantee a healthy and happy life, but it can certainly help a lot. Don’t let anxiety, failure, and fear of change inhibit your progress.

What does the Death Tarot Card Mean in Conflict?

Whatever conflict you find yourself entrenched in, it is time to bring it to an end. You must move forward and away from situations that plague your growth. It doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong, it is simply time to be done.

Some arguments would go on forever if we let them. Death says that there’s no point in prolonging a fight— it has to end at some point. Now’s as good a time as any.

This is a call to reflect on what you’ve learned from the disagreement and leave it be. This could be in the form of walking away, ceasing communication, or simply declaring that you don’t wish to fight anymore. All this is doing is hindering you as well as your adversaries. You are wasting your time.

This could leave you feeling a lack of closure, but Death asks you to make peace with this feeling. A lack of closure is much less harmful than finding yourself stuck in the endless loop of a battle.

What Does the Death Card Reverse Mean in Conflict?

When reversed, Death asks you to evaluate who you’re actually fighting against. Is it your opponent or is it yourself? Sometimes we project things that we feel onto others and wind up putting words in their mouths that only deepen the wounds of the situation.

It is important to recognize when we do this so that we can move forward from an external conflict and turn instead to internal work and development. Much better to admit your mistakes and accept defeat by your own hand, than to keep on fighting a ghost.

Are you assigning blame where there is none? Are you intentionally searching for enemies, just so you can have a chance to prove your right, vent, and fight someone, whether it is your arch-nemesis or a convenient symbol of everything you loathe?

Or did you snap at the messenger who brought the bad news?

Perhaps the horseman of the Death card is nothing more than a scarecrow, and you fell for the bait that you created. Turn the eye within, beyond the surface, past your defenses, and there you will find the greatest enemy; the spiteful ego, the phantom of anger and hate.

The Death Tarot Card as How Someone Thinks of You

When the Death card aligns with someone’s opinion of you, they think that you are, in some way, invincible and mysterious, and that you have begun a journey towards change and transformation.

They admire you for what you do, but they don’t comprehend what you truly are or wish to be; this might scare them off.

Think of the skeleton knight riding the pale horse, bearing the flag of blooming beauty but also a grim message… Though this is only a metaphor, it can seem unnatural, because a skeleton doesn’t move around, does it? The Death card makes us think of all those things we often want to avoid.

You welcome endings and love to set new beginnings in motion. People around you recognize your strength and determination, and they know you aspire to change. But they don’t all understand you, and the most sensitive among them might even fear you.

They can’t define you or change you, and that makes them feel uneasy, even threatened.

Depending on what type of person you are, you might see this as an advantage, but it will most likely cause a few problems in your social life because most people don’t want to deal with what they fear and don’t understand.

They prefer to bury it and forget all about it. Of course, there will be a few who can see past the grim mask and armor, those who know that deep down we are all made of the same flesh and bones.

The Death Card Reversed as How Someone Thinks of You

In reverse, when the Death card describes how someone thinks of you, it likely means they believe that you are hesitating or even afraid to make necessary changes in your life. You seem stuck between cycles, denying your anger and your powerlessness, like a troubled spirit that refuses to move on.

In Death’s shadow, we sense destruction, denial, anger, and futility. Others may believe that you are refusing to face the truth of the matter, giving in to failure and decay. This might have its roots in the past, a past that you are not letting go of.

We all have our preferences and memories that we hold dear. But you wouldn’t try to bring summer in the heart of winter; it just can’t be done, and you would be out of place and time.

Sometimes, it’s that simple. The Death card is a reminder that time flows on. Trying to relive the past or deny it ever happened won’t do you any good; it is practically avoiding life, and people will think that you prefer the company of ghosts to reality. Prove them wrong, cleanse your perception, and return to life’s unstoppable dance!

The Death Tarot Card as Feelings

Death describes a feeling of powerlessness. In life, death is only one of many inevitable events. A person whose feelings align with Death is feeling a lack of control in their life and may be struggling to come to terms with it. Whether they rise to this feeling of powerlessness or resist it is up to them.

Powerlessness seems to have a bleak connotation, but it must be remembered that it is not interchangeable with hopelessness.

There are some things that we simply cannot control, things like the weather, the progression of time, and the lifespans of ourselves and others. The rest of our lives is spent wrapped up in trying to control every single detail of our days. We often become frustrated when we can’t change the way others think.

Death as an emotion though is the feeling we are presented with when we come face to face with forces we truly cannot change. We may feel small in the universe as we come to terms with the fact that some things are truly out of our hands— for better or for worse.

There are two ways that this feeling of powerlessness can manifest.

This could present as frustration at one’s circumstance. Knowing we are not all-powerful can often breed a victim mentality, accompanied by thoughts like “This isn’t fair!” or “Why me?” This response to powerlessness is draining and serves as a short road to despair.

Powerlessness can also be approached as a sort of vacation. If there’s nothing you can do, then there’s nothing to do! We cannot change the phase of the moon or the position of the stars, and yet every night we look up at them with wonder.

Powerlessness can be a feeling of calm as we release responsibility into the universe.

The Death Card Reversed as Feelings

In the reversed position, Death is desperation. This feeling can evolve into severe depression or volatile anger, but it can also lead to drastic change. When we reach the point of no return, we have one chance to embrace and release everything.

Through this emptiness, no matter how bitter, the way forward will appear.

Think of the Reader-Waite imagery and how the child and the bishop beg and plead for the life of the woman on the ground. This is the desperation that Death speaks to.

Sometimes we fear change so much that we begin to bargain with ourselves or perhaps a higher power. There are some things we would give anything to protect or have. When paired with the inevitability that Death carries with it, these strong emotions become a quick way to drain energy.

We must move forward and accept that we cannot push off everything, not even our sadness. Even that must be embraced.

Despair can be purifying if we let it. When tragedy strikes, we focus on what is most important, and as our world crumbles, we realize what we have recourse to and salvage what we can.

The following quote from the controversial writer W.S. Burroughs sums it up quite fluently: “Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape.”

The Death Tarot Card as a Situation

Death denotes a situation in which you are out of your element. The things around you are new and may not make sense. This is no time to shy away from unfamiliarity, though. Death suggests that these are formative and important times in your life.

Death is all about new beginnings and our experiences are heavily advised by our environments. New beginnings may put us in odd settings with people we don’t know and ask us to do tasks that we’ve never performed before. Everything around you is new, even if the change is subtle.

Now is the time to view the world with wonder. As much as Death prioritizes growth, it asks you to reflect on childhood— back when the whole world was new to you.

What do you wish you could have known then? What do you wish you had carried with you? The situation you are in right now is offering youtube the perfect opportunity to manifest these wishes.

These are formative times for you, rendering you essentially a child in these new and unfamiliar situations. Do not take this lightly. Every move you make will be an opportunity to learn and everyone you meet is a teacher.

It is important to be wary of how volatile these unknown situations can be. Be prepared for change. It could take the form of loss or gain. Be confident even when things seem unstable and do not shy away from what may scare you. This is nothing you haven’t done before.

The Death Card Reversed as a Situation

When Death describes a situation from the reversed position, it cites passive energy as the enemy. Perhaps you take this life for granted and have lost a lot of time deliberating or waiting for a sign. Time waits for no one! Why should you?

You are currently plagued by a lack of assertiveness. Life is passing you by and will continue to unless you stand up and take what you want. It is never too late or too early in life to define your goals and begin working towards them at all costs. Your limitations are imposed by no one but you.

Think, for a moment, how unnatural it is to deny your wants, needs, and instincts, to passively wait around for things to change, out of fear, sadness, or complacency… You need to heal, to reclaim your strength and your will.

It is time to assert your power in the universe and use it to pull yourself up from the ground!

The Death Tarot Card as Intentions / What Someone Wants

When the Death card appears as someone’s desire, they are longing for freedom. They are seeking change and variety in their life and are currently feeling held back by Something that is draining their energy. This is a person wishing to purge their life of bad energy.

Sometimes life gets a little stale. When Death rears its head in the form of a desire, it signifies a person feeling stuck or restrained. Perhaps they are in an unhealthy relationship, a dead-end job, or a creative funk. Whatever it is, they want out!

This person is in a stormy period of their life and is ready to wash their hands of their troubles and move forward.

They are seeking a clean slate. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and a person whose desires align with Death may need a little guidance in the right direction, or perhaps just an escape for a day or two!

They are not happy in their current position. There is something lacking, an empty space that they are looking to fill through change and transformation. This person is ready for the next level, whatever that may be for them.

The Death Card Reversed as Intentions / What Someone Wants

When a desire is informed by Death Reversed, we are given an image of a person who is resistant to change. They do not feel ready and may be more comfortable in states of regression. They will not let go of the past and would do anything to turn back.

This card can point to dominating feelings of nostalgia. We must remember that while it’s fun to look back fondly on the past when things may have seemed simpler, it must be done in moderation and we must embrace our futures and their struggles.

It’s one thing to find joy and comfort in sweet reminiscence, but to hold on to it is not that healthy. In this case, as we’ve said before, the person yearns for a ghost, a memory now lost in time.

We will never know the gifts that the future holds for us if we only move backward.

Is the Death Tarot Card a Yes or a No?

Despite its heavy themes of change and rebirth, in a yes or no reading, Death is a no.

Death is only certain of one thing: change is coming. There is no knowing what form said the change will take. Even positive things such as rebirth can come at the cost of failures and pain. Because of this, Death cannot promise good outcomes to your actions and therefore serves as a no.

Death is a fickle and sometimes difficult card to understand. While it isn’t all gloom and doom, it isn’t sunshine and rainbows either. The reason it is considered such a positive card lies in the fact that it guarantees growth.

The things that happen in the face of Death may be good or bad, but in the long run, they will help you and your struggles will be worth it.

When asking the cards yes or no questions, Death is a reminder that The Universe will always give us what we need, though it may not be what we want. While a no answer can often be disappointing, Death asks that we trust that good things are coming and in the long term, we will be happy.

Is the Death Card Reversed a Yes or No?

Death Reversed is also a no but cites different reasoning for its answer. This is a symbol that you are resisting change and blocking your own energies.

There are gifts headed your way but you are denying them by avoiding the work that needs to be done to get to them. This is a call to face your fears and embrace change before you move forward.

This resistance and avoidance foster the negative energy that impedes your progress. You are unconsciously perpetuating problems you have already solved.

To reach a favorable outcome you should meditate on your fears and remember that a thousand failures won’t matter once you’ve reached your goal.

The Death Tarot Card as a Place

Because of the broad and volatile themes that Death encompasses, it is hard to pin down a single location that does it justice. The simple answer, though, one that you may have predicted, is a graveyard.

Graveyards are a place of great sadness, but also great beauty.

It reminds us of the inevitability of death while immortalizing the legacy of those with their names carved into its stones. It is a place that inspires fear at some times, sadness at others, and often solemn celebration of lives that have progressed to their next form.

Graveyards can often be anxiety-inducing places. Not only are we faced with the images of ghosts and ghouls dancing among headstones around Halloween, but when we visit, we are confronted with the reality of death.

A chill may run up your spine when you think of caskets buried under the earth. At the same time, though, graveyards are oddly beautiful.

Often graves are adorned with flowers, a symbol of new life, as an offering to one that has ended. Lush green grass grows up from the ground as a reminder of the cycles of life.

Families come to visit their loved ones and the legacy of one who has passed can be seen in children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on and so forth. Even though we die, we are eternal for having existed at all.

There is no one that leaves this world behind without leaving some remnant of themselves behind.

The Death Card Reversed as a Place

In reverse, Death hints that the place you’re in, either mentally or quite literally, is a dead-end. You have to look elsewhere because this is the wrong place and time. The card might otherwise refer to spooky locations with strange and unexplained stories, like haunted houses, catacombs, or dark forests.

A living being does not belong in the underworld, right? Whatever you’re up to, this is not the place nor the time.

It wasn’t a mistake that brought you here, it’s just that, in case you expected anything, it won’t be what you want and it won’t get you anywhere. Sleep on it and find your way back home.

We should, nonetheless, mention that the Death card might refer to places shrouded in mystery and fables of terror. Every town has its very own tale of a haunted abandoned house where strange noises and otherworldly lights in the night have been reported!

The Death Tarot Card as an Obstacle or Challenge

When Death appears as an obstacle, there is an imbalance at play that is blocking the cycles that propel you toward growth. Progress has halted as a result of too much weight being carried on your back. It is time to pause and release what you cannot carry.

When we find ourselves caught up in the cycles of life, we may feel as if there’s no opportunity to slow down.

When all of our work is devoted to outward progress, our inner being suffers. It is important to be honest with ourselves and admit when the ever-motion forward has become too much. Otherwise, we will be overcome by the stress and exhaustion that has built up on our shoulders.

When we become obsessed with always moving forward, we are left without time to consider what we may be dragging along with us that no longer serves us. There must pause and evaluate the things that sit upon our shoulders.

It is time to trim the fat. The progress that you pride yourself upon will only become slower and slower until you find yourself out of commission for an extended period of time.

The Death Card Reversed as an Obstacle or Challenge

In the reversed position, Death calls our attention to stagnancy. There could be a number of things holding us in place, be it anxiety, trauma, or a lack of motivation. Sometimes we fall into the mindset of “it’s too late for me.” Death believes in quite the opposite.

Death reminds us that we are worthy and deserving of self-care and love. When we heal ourselves, we will be able to continue forward down the path of our lives toward our best selves.

This is a reminder that being idle might help at first as the Hanged Man demonstrated, but after a while inactivity becomes a burden, too. Think of a broken bone. Sure, you have to rest until it starts to heal. But then you must start moving and do exercises, or the limb will stay weak.

Lack of motivation is the plague of modern man.

Since it’s all in the mind, what’s the use of endlessly waiting around for inspiration and incentive? It’s never too late to push through the invisible barrier, whether it is fear or boredom, or trauma, to start healing and rise up to the challenges the Universe has handed out to you.

The Death Tarot Card as Action

Death as an action card is a calling to close one door so you can then open another. Bravery and inner power are required to accept that we have to part ways with people, situations, and mindsets that aren’t helping us anymore.

But at some point, we have to make space in our lives for everything we want and hope for.

It is a common trend to say “You only live once” and try to seize the day but that would be unnecessarily chaotic and not the point at all in this case, especially if you believe in reincarnation, karma, or some kind of an afterlife.

The Death Card is about something entirely different, about both inner and outer change, a personal change that only you can know how it will transpire and what kind of ulterior goal it will serve. It’s time to mourn for all you have lost and prepare for what lies ahead.

It is difficult to identify with the skeleton knight of the Death card but think for a moment how futile are the pleas and bargains of those people in front of him.

They might say he is merciless and heartless, they will blame him and try to stop him. And yet he is only doing his work and preserving the balance of nature.

The message here could boil down to this: it’s time to grow up. Easier said than done! We are a generation of people attached to safety and comfort. But growing up means knowing we won’t be here forever, that the world doesn’t stop at the horizon, and that we have to make this life count.

Sometimes this means that we have to set out on our journey and never look back. Don’t listen to those who will try to stop you; you know what’s best for your health and peace of mind.

The Death Card Reversed as Action

The Death card Reversed, or when it appears alongside powerful cards with negative connotations like the Devil or the Tower, is a warning you should consider carefully.

Death Reversed as an action card means “Stop!” Take a deep breath and look around. Something must surely be amiss, and a lot of damage has already been done, either psychologically or quite literally. Before you move on with your life, you have to either mend a certain situation or walk away from it.

Imagine being excited about getting a Tarot reading for the first time and, oddly enough, the Death card appears! A sudden frost in the atmosphere, a chill runs up the spine, and the reader is now trying to calm you down and convince you that this means no harm at all…

Have you ever had a feeling that something is definitely wrong? That you are in the wrong place and time, or that something bad will happen? Well, this card may indeed have a lot of positive interpretations, but let’s look the truth in the eye for once and consider the worst-case scenario.

If your intuition is on red alert, you shouldn’t ignore it. Do not panic! It’s not like you are in imminent peril.

But let’s say that you were walking down a dark and twisted path, and suddenly you saw a huge sign with the word “DANGER!” on it, well, the logical thing would be to turn back, leave, and think about how fragile life can be.

When it is accompanied by a dark premonition, the Death card urges you to reconsider why and how you ended up where you are right here and now and to change your actions accordingly.

What were your motives? Are you being true to yourself, or are you letting life slip through your hands? Is this road taking you anywhere, or is it a romanticized dead-end that will only harm and weaken you? They say there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity…

The Death Tarot Card as Advice.

When looking to the cards for advice, Death is a call to be brave.

The things that scare us are not sent to torment us but rather to teach us. Death asks you to embrace these things and the changes they inspire within you. When you exist only within your comfort zone, you close yourself off to an abundance of opportunities that The Universe has to offer you.

It can be easy to walk away from things that make us uncomfortable or anxious. Death itself is something many of us grow up fearing. The Death, card, however, comes to tell us that overcoming these fears is the key to unlocking the best version of ourselves.

Running from challenges will only hinder us in the end, leaving us trapped in a stage of development.

Despite the Reader-Waite’s grim imagery on the Death card, when in an advice position, it is a symbol of comfort. It calls us to think of our support and The Universe that watches over us.

No matter how much we may struggle to charge head-on into our fears, we will be transformed into better and stronger people for it.

There is always a new opportunity on the other side of a challenge. Death calls you to focus in on the reward as opposed to the hardship that stands in its way. Instead of defending yourself from fear and hurt, go on the offense toward a brighter future.

The Death Card Reversed as Advice

Reversed Death cites that inner work needs to be done in order to progress. There are demons that you carry with you, leaving you unprepared to take on the next step in your journey. Meditating on death, on how this life is finite and shouldn’t be taken for granted will provide tremendous insight.

If you carry too much weight on your back, you will become too exhausted to travel forward. You will not have enough energy to devote to your own transformation.

It is time to reevaluate what you need and don’t need. Remember that not everything can travel with you and that is okay. This is your journey after all and no one else’s.

You don’t have to tolerate anything that isn’t actually helping you. That applies to both the real world and your psyche. What are you carrying within? What lies in your unconscious mind, affecting your decisions every step of the way?

What have you buried deep underground because you didn’t want to remember it, and yet it somehow persists?

If the Death Card upright is about facing fears and leaving comfort zones, its reversal, its darker meaning should be about accepting the harsh truths of life. Too often nowadays death is just swept under the carpet because it scares people. And thus, some of them never find closure, unable to release their burden.

All that lives shall one day die. On the cosmic scale, we are here for just one moment, and then we are gone.

That is not to say we should start mourning in advance. Meditation on the concept of death may not be for everyone, but just think of how people start appreciating life after having a near-death experience.

This truth can be horrifying, but it can also bring a profound, purifying, and liberating realization.

The Death Tarot Card as an Outcome

The Death card is extremely positive as an end result for those brave enough to face it. There might be pain and discomfort in the days to come, but whatever happens, will leave you changed for the better.

After the “chrysalis” stage of the Hanged Man, Death announces an intense transformation. On the thirteenth step of the Major Arcana, the illusion of the ego dies and disintegrates, the old you is shed to reveal the fundamental human being.

There’s not much to say, for this rebirth must be experienced on your own for it to be understood. This is Nietzsche’s “that which does not kill us, makes us stronger” in all its glory, with the utmost respect for the miracles of life and evolution.

Bid your hurt and bad habits farewell, and leave them where they belong: in the past.

The Death Card Reversed as an Outcome

When reversed, the Death card means that there is a chance for the aforementioned vital changes, but you are not feeling ready yet.

You may say to yourself that you need more time, or that you don’t really have to alter anything in your life, but the card is a message that these are mere excuses and tricks of the mind.

Death is scarcely something we can prepare for. As an outcome card in reverse, it’s a sign that change is long overdue and you gain nothing by taking a rain check. Life inevitably changes and we have to adjust our pace to it, not the other way around.

Let’s see this practical example: a person wants to eliminate a detrimental habit, like overeating or chain smoking. They succeed at first and manage to control their cravings for weeks or even whole months. Then one day they give in, disregarding their health and the progress they’ve already made.

If they feel terrible the next morning and swear to never do it again or they go back on a binge depends on their mental capacities and willpower.

In psychology, this is called an extinction burst and it is the brain’s one last attempt to enforce behaviors that no longer yield results.

It is a natural response and actually a good sign. Put simply, every living being, from philosophers to pigeons, has a tendency to resist change! Don’t miss your chance, and don’t give in to stagnancy and futility.

The Death Tarot Card in the Future

Once again, when Death appears in the future position, actual, physical death is extremely rare.

When we see Death in the future position, it is time to give your whole self to our journey. All of your energies are going to be needed in order to take on new perspectives and breed progress. When you withhold parts of yourself, you are unable to move forward.

When big changes and opportunities present themselves to us, it’s tempting to want to only dip our toes into the water. Death sees these changes and opportunities coming but cites that only wading in this upheaval will not be to your benefit— in fact, it might not even be a choice.

So much of the symbolism behind Death surrounds the inevitability of certain things in life. In this position, it serves as an invitation to look inward. What are you trying to protect and why?

Dramatic changes in life may bring us joy, sadness, anger, or fear, all of which Death calls us to embrace. It is impossible to live your life without feeling one of these things, and so when they strike, we must honor them and give ourselves to them.

This is the only way we can experience emotional triggers in a healthy way.

Death in the future position means that it’s time to get ready. Change is coming and as scary as it may seem, it is here to help you.

The Death Card Reversed in the Future

In the reversed position, Death comes to offer more advice rather than a prediction. This card points to an unclear future due to the fact that you are currently in a state of stagnancy or repetition. The future may look exactly like the present if you use the things that do not serve you as a shield.

This is a sign to let go. The unfamiliar future may hold hardship, but it also holds the best times of your life. If you hesitate, you might miss them.

It can be easy to freeze in place when you see the Death card reversed in your future. But it only means you feel scared and unprepared to move on. By releasing what you do not need, tending to unfinished business, and saying your goodbyes, you will create the space necessary for progress.

Whatever the future has in store for you, welcome it, and keep in mind that to make a new beginning, you must first put an end to everything that keeps you in your place.

The Death Tarot Card as a Person

Death is a person who is continually transforming and encourages and inspires you to transform with them. They are a person who takes risks and pushes you out of your comfort zone in order to experience new things.

This person may be a bit of a daredevil or adrenaline junkie, or perhaps they are extremely open-minded.

There’s always one “crazy” friend in every group that pushes you to try things that you never would have dreamed of if you hadn’t met them. Perhaps they’re the one who introduces you to new activities, friends, or music. This is a person who could be described by Death.

All of this isn’t just for the thrill, though. This is a person seeking growth wherever they can find it.

At the same time, this may describe a person who has overcome great sadness or hardship but has left it in the past. They often say that the saddest souls smile the brightest and a person who aligns with Death has certainly felt the full spectrum of inevitable human emotions.

Overall, they are a person who looks at danger as an old friend and knows that safety could not exist without it.

The Death Card Reversed as a Person

Death’s reverse describes a person that restricts you. When you are with this person, you may find yourself reverting back to old habits and patterns of thought. You might feel trapped or stuck with them and may find that they are someone you need to leave in your past in order to move forward.

Perhaps it would be harsh to call this person a “bad influence.” It could be that their presence awakens within you something you thought you’d already gotten rid of a long time ago while making you feel like you are only wasting your time with them.

Is it their avoidance, regression, or immaturity that restricts you? Do they make you feel angry? You might be hanging around just because you have nothing better to do or perhaps they were your best friend once, but as we’ve already established, people change!

If you feel a certain person is holding you back, it’s ok to keep your distance.

A person who lacks the positive values of Death will make up excuses and justify their stagnation. They have lost the power, the bravery, and the aura of mystery and beauty that this card represents.

Yes, they may have an attractive, appealing, or even formidable appearance. But if they make you feel dead inside, it’s probably because they feel this way themselves, and live each day just to satisfy their whims, oblivious of tomorrow.

What Zodiac Sign is Death?

Death is assigned to the zodiac sign of Scorpio.

Scorpios are particularly known for their intensity, much like the Death card. They are natural leaders, always seeking progress and chasing after their ambitions.

Scorpios are notorious for being a bit volatile, much like the Death Card. There’s no knowing what you’re gonna get!

This does not negate Scorpio’s ferocity when it comes to progress. They are honest and refuse to let anything slow them down. They know that everything and everyone they carry with them is essential and aren’t afraid to put their foot down when something doesn’t serve them anymore.

Death and Scorpio have one integral thing in common: The ability to find light in the darkness.

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