Death
13
Rules: Scorpio
Exaltation: Uranus
Planetary Association: Pluto and Mars
Element: Water
Color: Greenblue
As a Yes or No question: No
Upright: Transitions, Transformations, Letting Go, Rebirth, Change, Physical Death (rare), End and Beginning,
Reversed: Refusing to Let Go, Resisting Change, Inner Purging, Violent Change that is Unexpected
Death Symbolism
We see the grim reaper in black armor riding a white horse. We see a king lying dead, a priest praying and a young maiden and child. The King’s death is a reminder that everyone dies. It does not matter how much money you have or how much power you have, death is the only guarantee in life. We are all on a one-way road to the afterlife, whether we are comfortable with that or not. It also is a representation of our choice to either beg for death to not take us or accept that death is inevitable, and with that live our life embracing its truth. The Grim Reaper wears a suit of amour, another symbol that death is inevitable and cannot be stopped.
The Black Flag held by the Reaper has a white rose on it. This is a symbol of the mystic rose. This is a biblical symbol, which is in reference to the Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, as well as a symbol for Christ himself. Although if you are reading this Christian symbolism may not feel relevant to you, it is a sign of heaven, the afterlife, and what lies beyond.
The Sun is an important symbol. It’s placement in esoteric teachings, reminds us that although death is inevitable, the sun will always rise tomorrow, it is the sun that never sets. There have been quite a few arguments over whether the sun is setting or rising. In traditional occult, the sun is rising. We know this because the river is flowing to the east and the sun rises in the east. The Grim Reaper is also moving towards the east. But it really doesn’t matter either way; it is the manifestation of the same one force. You can choose to see it either way. The setting sun tells us that death is upon us and it is the end. The rising sun tells us of cycles and a transformation into a new day.
Death Upright Summary
Death is both the ending and the beginning. With Death comes new life. Consider an animal dying in the woods, its body will rot, but that rot will bring fertilization to the soil, allowing plants to thrive. Death can indicate something that is supposed to happen. You have no control over it happening. It will come regardless of any action that you take to prevent it. As we have said above, death is not avoidable, it is our only guarantee in life. It can indicate the death of a friendship, a job, or a marriage. In a very rare circumstance, it can represent literal death, but that is, extremely rare, so don’t even go there when you pull this card.
In transliteration tarot, Death translates into “no” or “not”. So if you get Death with the 3 of Cups it translates as “No, you will not become friends or you will not go to the party.”
The Death card can be very spiritual. It may be telling you that it’s time to evolve to a higher level spiritually. In order to do this, you’ll need to leave behind an old attitude or belief.
Past – You’re currently in your rebirth period, in the position of the past, the transformation has already occurred and you may still find yourself getting used to it. You may have had to sacrifice to get here, and mourning that sacrifice is more than fair, but be sure to embrace the transformation!
Present – In the present position, it tells us that you are on the cusp of change. Something dramatic and revolutionary is about to happen. Prepare yourself for this death, and try to come to terms with its rebirth. The quicker we embrace the change, the easier it is to swallow the pill. And ask yourself, is this really going to matter a year from now? Ten years from now? Probably not.
Future – In the future position Death often tells us to expect to lose someone we hold close. Not in the idea of literal death, but instead of shedding people that no longer fit into our lives. This could be a partner, close friend, or family member. They have likely forced your hand to this conclusion, so mourn it yes, but know it is a justified loss.
Reversed Summary
In Reversed, Death can signify something NEEDING to change, but you holding onto a situation long dead. The horse is dead, stop trying to ride it. Yes, change is scary and often times painful, but it is what helps us move forward in life. Stop fighting it.
Song for Death
Cover Art by: Austin James