Death (XIII) tarot card is the 13th card of the Major Arcana. It signifies the end to situations that no longer serve us positively. So actual death with this card is merely a symbolic one. Death tarot card meaning is also about transformation and change, and some decks even call Death as the “Rebirth” card.
If you receive the Death tarot card in a reading, it may be telling you that you need to draw a cross over your past to move forward with your future. Let go of any toxic appendices and surrender to the present. The transformation can be painful at first, but ultimately it will lead to a more positive future.
Death tarot card visual depiction and symbolism
A Grim Reaper dressed in black armor and riding a white horse is the central character in this tarot card. The skeleton holds a dark flag with a white flower and the Roman numbers XIII. Beneath him are humans from all social classes; some are still begging for mercy, some already lying on the ground.
- The skeleton represents inevitable endings and transitions.
- The armor symbolizes that death is unbeatable. It protects him from anyone trying to destroy him.
- The white horse symbolizes purity. In death, we all are purified.
- The various social classes underneath him are a reminder that death is the one thing that applies to us all.
If you look closely at the background, you will also notice a setting sun and a boat sailing towards it. This signifies hope and new beginnings. The setting sun reminds us that something is coming to an end—making room for a new and even brighter day.
Death Tarot Card Keywords
Let’s look at Death tarot card keywords before we go into its richer meanings.
Upright Keywords: Endings, change, letting go
Reversed Keywords: Transitions, Resistance to change, toxic mindsets
Death Tarot Card Meaning – Upright
Death tarot card meaning in its upright position symbolizes transformation, making way for something new. It’s about closing a chapter in your life, leaving past experiences back behind you, and dismissing undesirable things in your life. It is essential to see the positivity in this moment of change. If you fight it, you are going to suffer. Still, if you visualize the new opportunity, you allow more constructive patterns to arise.
Love and Relationships
In love and relationships readings, a Death tarot card can initially be scary. Still, the changes that come with it can come in various forms. Whether the changes are positive or negative, you should embrace the transformation so that your love and relationship life can foster in the moments ahead.
For those in a relationship, there is inevitable change headed your way. The grim reaper on a horse can mean that your relationship is stuck in a situation that no longer works. Something needs to go. This doesn’t mean that the whole relationship is doomed, but its dynamics need to change. Sometimes, Death can also suggest a literal end to a relationship. This is more true in situations where there have been extended periods when it just hasn’t felt right. Death might be brutal to accept. Still, changes in one form or another are needed when it appears.
If you are single, the Death tarot card’s meaning can point to ideas or behavior no longer serving you. You might be carrying the expectations from your past relationships to new ones, making it difficult to establish a relationship with a new person. Transforming your beliefs into something else can help you get past the challenges you have been dealing with.
Money and Career
When the Death tarot card shows up in career, welcome the transformation that comes with it. Know that you are in control over your life and how you react to the challenges you face. If it means losing your job, see it as an opportunity to do something new. It can be a welcoming push to reach out to the dreams you have so long halted because of a secure job. When one door closes, another opens.
Regarding money, Death can indicate a period of tighter times. You will need to make some sacrifices and let go of any unnecessary expenses you have in your life to get past the situation. Remember that you can be the one in control and face this difficult time head-on. In the process, you’ll gain valuable experience and perspective that will pay dividends in the future.
Health and Spirituality
When it comes to health, the Death tarot card can be an intimidating card to receive. Once again, don’t worry, as the card implies transformation and change. Eventually, it can be a very positive one. It’s about letting go of unhealthy appendices and feeling optimistic about the growth you need. This can imply that you need to change your diet to a healthier one and embracing the process. Think about the target and how good it will make you feel.
Regarding spirituality, the Death tarot card signifies spiritual transformation. It can be the byproduct of heartbreak or loss that you have encountered. Nevertheless, it is a new beginning that arrives after a time of grieving. Even though it is difficult, embrace the transformations as it is taking you closer to enlightenment.
Death Tarot Card Meaning – Reversed
Just like the upright meaning of the Death tarot card, reversed meaning also deals with transformation. Still, there is an added element of resistance when the card is up upside down. You may be unwilling to let go of your prior preconceptions, or you might not know how to make the transition you need. You continue carrying attitudes from your past that prevent you from seizing new opportunities.
Love and Relationships
The death tarot card reversed in a love and relationship reading can signal strong opposition to change. It can be related to your approach to relationships and romance.
If you are in a relationship, you may feel dependent on your partner or fear being alone. This causes you to hold on to your relationship, even though it hasn’t worked for a long time. Alternatively, it might indicate that you are unwilling to admit that your relationship is different from what you had planned. Only after you have accepted your relationship, you can start to see improvements and new opportunities that will bring you closer to each other.
If you are single, Death reversed can suggest that you keep repeating the same negative models that prevent you from engaging in potent relationships. Before you identify them and are willing to change them, you won’t see much success in your relationships and love.
Money and Career
A change is on the horizon, also in money and career readings. You are being pushed towards change but are doing everything you can to resist this shift.
You may be clinging on to your workplace even though you don’t like almost anything about it. It seems as if the change is inevitable, but you keep reasoning to stay. If you cling to something that no longer serves you, it will gradually decay and drain you. The Death tarot card can also symbolize negative patterns that you are repeating in your work-life. When you see it, observe if there is something worth changing. Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference in our lives.
Regarding money, the death reversed is suggesting you need to rethink your attitude towards money and spending. Make sure you let go of any bad spending habits and be more responsible with money. Unless you make adjustments, there is an inevitable change up ahead. Though times are more comfortable to cope with when you have your economics in line.
Health and Spirituality
Death reversed can indicate that you are resisting to adopt the needed changes to improve your health. You know it yourself, or perhaps even your doctor has already told you to avoid certain things, but you still keep your old habits. It can also indicate that you feel something isn’t right, but you want to avoid seeing your doctor. Let the reversed Death be a signal to pick up the phone and reserve the time. You don’t want to delay questions related to health.
In spiritual readings, the Death reversed also points to a spiritual transformation. Still, this time you are being repellent to this change. The hardship has made you question many of the things you believed in, but you might not be willing to accept some of the things shaping your belief system.
Death Yes or No
Deat tarot card in Yes or No related inquiries signifies the end to situations and connections that no longer serve us positively. It’s a card of transformation and change that is inevitable. Therefore the answer you are seeking is No.
Death tarot card Combinations
Death brings transformation and change to tarot card combinations. Here are some intriguing card combinations that you will likely see concurrently together with the Death tarot card.
The Emperor and Death
The Emperor is stable and secure. Having it on your tarot spread shouldn’t bring many concerns. But when it is combined with the Death, which points to change and transformation, you start to wonder. I would read this combination that change is inevitable, but we should welcome it like a true leader. Not fight against it, but stay on top of it.
The Judgement and Death
The Judgement is a card of resurrection when we have found our real purpose. It shows up when we are ready to say goodbye to an era and welcome a new beginning. Having it combine with the Death tarot card points very strongly to transitions. Something significant is coming to an end, and it will most likely hurt, but you will need to accept it. Eventually, you will realize that it was the ending that awakens you to a new beginning.
The Tower and Death
A lot of reform is on the horizon. The Tower and Death tarot card combination is a sign of a decisive change. There will be a transformation that has lasting effects. Initially, this combination would seem like the worst you could receive in a tarot reading. However, I see a lot of positives in this one. The change you need to accept will finally mean that you can let go of something holding you back. It will be painful, but eventually, it will build you up for a new beginning.
Strength and Death
This is a very pleasing combination. Strength indicates a triumphal finish to a significant problem. Something will end soon that has been keeping you down. You have the inner strength to get over the issue and be triumphant in the end.
Wheel of Fortune and Death
Both tarot cards in this combination introduce an element of change. In fact, it seems to be inevitable with these two cards on the same spread. The Wheel of Fortune keeps turning, and no one can escape Death. Depending on the stage of the Wheel’s turn you are on, that period is coming to an end. So if you have been suffering, this combination will be a sign of relief.
Death – Element, Astrology and other associations
Here are the associations with the Death tarot card.
- Element: Water
- Planet: Pluto
- Astrological sign: Scorpio
- Key dates: Late autumn
Death as a personality
Death represents a person who is not afraid of change. They are ready to reinvent themselves whenever needed. That makes them attractive personalities, and you will indeed have fun having them as your friends. However, there is also a lot of sadness with this person that they carry inside. That is one of the reasons they try to reinvent themselves so often. It also makes them very spiritual, which they also keep hidden.
Death as feelings
Initially, it would feel like there can’t be any happy feelings associated with the Death tarot card. However, more than endings, Death is about significant transformations and changes. You can no longer be the person you were before. The feelings that come with this life-altering experience depend on you. It doesn’t need to be card negativity, particularly when you notice its warnings. Try to look for the surrounding cards, what type of alterations there are.