“For that which is born, death is certain, and for the dead, birth is certain.
Therefore, grieve not over that which is unavoidable.”
– Bhagavad Gita
Death, a Major Arcana card is astrologically associated with the sign of Scorpio which is the eighth house of the zodiac wheel. Scorpio’s house is the house of sex, death, birth and transformation.
This card in numerology is the number thirteen which is considered to be “unlucky”. It is the number of lunar months in a year. According to numerology, it is the number of death, destruction, faith, hope and re- birth.
The Death card shows a skeleton riding on a white horse. He wears a suit of armour and is holding a black flag with a white, floral pattern and the Roman Numerals XIII (thirteen). His posture and suit show his dominance and inability to be defeated.
The different genders, classes, and ages of characters shown in it affected by Death remind us that the final ending is the one thing over which money and power have little influence.
In the background, a boat sails down towards the sun, which symbolizes new beginnings and hope. It shows that life is a cycle that never ends.
The Death card can be quite negatively viewed by a layman. People mostly associate it with literal death. But the true interpretation of this card is more symbolic; it’s that of change. And change is inevitable.
When this card is drawn in a read it symbolises certain situations or relationships or a part of one self which has served a purpose and is coming to an end. Completing a chapter, putting the past behind you, and cutting out what is unnecessary.
This experience may be painful and difficult to come to terms with.
Death promises that transformation will follow. Some part of you which is old and not serving any purpose is dying and the change happening within will be reflected eventually in your circumstances.
It can also signify a transition or middle ground between one phase of life and the next. As there is no new beginning without an ending.
Death indicates major changes that lie ahead, and that you may require time to mourn what you are leaving behind. It’s a phase of your life having served its purpose coming to an end and moving on the next.
It’s a promise of a new life once we are free of the old one.
Occasionally, it does indicate physical death, but its a rare case scenario and depends on the accompanying cards.
This card can also be indicative of a loss – a failed relationship, an ending to a friendship, a job loss. But one shouldn’t despair as something has fulfilled its span in one’s life and new things are on the horizon.
Death Reversed
This card, in reverse, is similar to the upright Death card and involves a path of sweeping change. But in reverse, it shows resistance to the changes, thus creating stagnation in one’s life. Fear of new beginnings and repeating negative patterns are also hinted with Death in reverse. It can indicate burdens, inertia, and lethargy.
Soul Wisdom
Release your resistance to change for new possibilities & a more fulfilling life.
