Death Card doesn’t mean death it means that you’re finally starting to live.

Most people freeze when this card appears in their tarot reading and before the reader even opens their mouth, they assume “actual death”. But, interestingly that is not the case here. Let’s try to decipher this card and understand the most misunderstood card of the deck.

The imagery of this card commonly features a skeleton, often riding a white horse looking like a Grim Reaper. Skeleton here doesn’t represent death but immortality, the white horse symbolizes purity and strength, indicating that the transformation brought by death is necessary. The black banner shows unknown darkness but the white rose portrays purity and life. In the background there is river flowing often signifying the journey of souls. Another interesting symbolism is the rising sun in the background, which symbolizes light on the other side. What seems like destruction is merely the breaking of the dawn.

General Meaning

This card when appears in an upright position stands for new beginnings and spiritual transformation rather an actual death! It is the 13th Major Arcana Card. It often signals to the end of one chapter so that another can begin. Think of it less like a door to graveyard and more like a door to new home. New beginnings can be scary , Imagine yourself standing in front of a big, heavy door for a very long time, afraid to push open because you are scared.

If this card appears reversed it indicates that you’re purposefully resisting a change that is necessary. Nothing new can begin if you are still holding on to your old patterns. This card represents that while you are finding it difficult to let go, once you do new energy will flow into your life bringing brighter future and endless possibilities.

Love

Death card, in the context of relationship and love may indicates that you and your partner is clinging on to a relation which is not working for both of you or you both are stuck to your old lifestyle which is stopping your relation from moving forward. This card tells you that things are going to change, now it’s on you whether you want to embrace it or resist the change, coming your way. If your relation is already on the verge of breaking, this card warns you to change your old habits to make things work. However, the result purely depends on whether or not you and your partner really wants that relationship and willing to fight for that.

Reversed Death card means you are holding on to relationship which no longer serves you either due to fear, comfort or a sense of moral responsibility. This card in reversed show your dependency over your partner. In some cases it can represent an old relationship resurfacing, which you thought has ended long ago. If you are single, this card is your cue to let go of negative behavior in order to bring something positive.

Career

The Death card in Upright position, is a strong indicator for a career change or a new direction. You might initially resist to this change out of fear or the stability you already have. However, this stability and security though seems fulfilling right now but it is actually stopping you from your true calling. Held your head high and take that leap of faith you are resisting for so long out of obligations.

When appears in the context of career, this card in reversed position asks you to reject those career paths and job offer that are limiting your growth. It shows stagnation and being in toxic work environment due to the fear or lack of confidence. It also warns you to take better financial decisions and be careful with your spending.

Health

This card Upright, in Health context, again doesn’t mean physical death but rather it brings hope. If you’re already unwell or suffering with some illness this card means that your health is going to improve. At the same time it is important to note that how you are handling the change will go a long way. And, if you’re well then this card simply indicates adopting new lifestyle patterns like changing diet, or maybe trying out some new therapy.

Death card, reversed can be a signal that you are ignoring your health. Maybe you have a check-up lined up which you are avoiding out of fear. This card is a message to go for that check-up you’ve been brushing away, it will recharge you and fill you with positive energy.

This card is not your enemy. It’s not some bad omen or a curse to feel anxious about and push the deck of cards away. Rather, see it as one of the most honest cards in the deck- brave enough to tell you that something has come to an end and it’s high time you embrace and start fresh. Next time it appears in front of you, remember the universe isn’t taking anything from you; rather, it is making way for new things.