Death Card XIII

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot(co.uk)By Virginijus Poshkus ©published by US Games Inc.

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot(.com) By Virginijus Poshkus ©published by US Games Inc.

When the Death card appears in a reading, many people see it as frightening, forcasting doom. He is portrayed as a Grim Reaper, riding a white horse, stepping over bodies of commoners, princes and bishops alike - none are exempt.

Very occasionally the card can signal a death - someone close to you may be very sick or old, or it may represent the death of something else, like a project, plan or relationship.

It also points to a time of harvest, symbolized in classical decks by the reaping skeleton. Unless the crops of summer are harvested, they are lost to the harshness of Winter and there is famine. The land lays barren until new growth bursts forth with Spring.

Nature shows us that death is not the end, in the Western world we fear lives coming to an end. In other cultures, particularly Eastern religions, it is seen as a sad but on-going cycle of the soul, which leaves this dimension to be reborn.

Traditionally the appearance of this card is far more likely to signal transformation, passage and a time of change. Time for something new to begin, a blessing in disguise. It may be that the person receiving the reading, may be feeling very low, sad or empty. Death suggests that whatever the present circumstances, a major change in one's life is about to happen.

We may be afraid of letting go of a situation, fear may be preventing us from making decisions to rid ourselves of something which is holding us back. The appearance of the Death card tells us that in order to move forward we have to cut the cords that link us to the past; rid ourselves of negative situations and thoughts; we will then be liberated to embrace an entirely new venture.

Reversed: May indicate an enforced change. The loss of friendship, a relationship or business.