THE DEATH CARD IN TAROT READINGS

To the uninitiated, seeing the Death card in a reading can seem ominous and intimidating. We associated death with the loss of life, a permanent separation from those we love, and as an inevitable, daunting entity waiting for us all. It is easy to take this card at face value, but, surprisingly, the Death card does not often signify anything negative or any impending doom. In fact, it is often regarded as a rewarding card, indicating great change and transformation.

The Seasons

Life blooms forth in the Spring. New shoots erupt from withered branches and a green breath spreads across barren brown earth. It’s a beautiful and fast-moving time. Spring gives way to abundant Summer and life reaches its fullest potential, with plenty to enjoy and a slow, wondrous warmth. Summer fades into stunning Autumn and the plants give up the last of their fruit for the year. At this stage of life, Winter arrives. The cool temperatures begin to show their icy grip on the plants and a receding and a death are necessary tools for this season. Winter is a herald for an ending of a cycle and a dormancy until new life will begin again. Consider this analogy in your own life when you see the Death card in a Tarot reading. At what stage are you in your relationships? In your career? Your life path? Are you facing an abundant Summer, full of prosperous growth and luxury? Or are you reaching the end of a cycle and need to prepare for a sort of death and rebirth?

What Does the Death Card Mean in a Reading?

 The Death card offers cyclical insight into your situation. The intent of the Death card in a Tarot reading depends on the question of the querent. Here are a few scenarios:

• Are you asking about moving forward with a relationship? The Death card may indicate that it is time to let go and release this relationship. Ask yourself: Are you still recovering from your past? Are you ready for a new life?
• Are you asking about a career choice? Ready to take a new job? Perhaps Death may indicate that something unexpected may arise that is a better choice for you. Ask yourself: Is this job just like the old one? Is it time for real change?
• Are you asking about your life path? Perhaps you feel you’ve been stuck in one cycle too long. The Death card can often mean that you need to take the initiative and “grab life by the horns” to get out of your rut. It can also mean that an unexpected change may lead to even greater happiness.

 The most important thing to keep in mind when the Death card shows up in a reading is that it can mean wonderful things if you approach it with the right perspective. Some people fear change as much as they fear death itself.
 Take small steps at first. Get rid of something emotional or physical that drags you down. If you can conquer this fear on your own, then the sudden changes that life throws at you won’t be so hard to accept. We need these small deaths to move us into better, brighter futures. Embrace it. You’ll be better for it.