Death is the fourteenth card in the major arcana and represents transformation, transition, death and rebirth, endings, change and letting go. Death is represented by the number thirteen which breaks down to four, so each number will have connections to the meaning of this card. The number thirteen is connected to things like metamorphosis, karma, luck, renewal and the divine feminine as it’s also connected to the lunar cycle.
Death is connected to the element water and the zodiac sign Scorpio, as it’s associated with transformation, intensity, rebirth, power and deep emotions. This card can also represent a big life shift or the end of a life cycle which brings with it an irrevocable change.
This card is connected to the planet Pluto which represents death and rebirth, power, intensity, control and regeneration. Because of this, Death can also be connected to things like letting go, releasing an old cycle, shedding an old skin and change which is karmic in nature.
Death Meaning
This card can show that you’re going through a transformation and that it may be time for you to shed an old skin so that you can experience a rebirth in your life. This card can represent the releasing of the old in order to welcome in the new and that when one door closes another one opens.
The image on the card shows a skeleton figure representing death itself come to claim the soul of a life which is ending. On the card, the skeleton figure is carrying a flag with a white flower on it symbolizing purification. There are people standing around death who are pleading to be spared while others seem to be in denial. So Death can mean that you’re closing out a major chapter or phase in your life in order to let something new grow in its place.
Therefore, when Death comes up in a reading it can represent a big life change, a destined transformation, a big life transition or the final end of a chapter in your life. Alternatively, Death can also represent things like acceptance, surrender and putting the past behind you. Always look to the cards around it for clarification or to get a deeper meaning.
Upright
Transformation, death and rebirth, transition, irrevocable change, endings and beginnings, cycles, letting go, clearing out the old to make way for the new.
Reversed
Resisting change, hanging onto past habits and patterns, feeling stuck in limbo, fearing change, limited mindset, something that’s holding you back, blocks.
For more info about the Tarot, check out my downloadable Tarot Cheat Sheets. If you’d like to do a tarot reading with me, book one through my Etsy Shop.
THE AWAKENED SAGE 