Death Tarot Card Meanings: 11 Facts You Should Know!

Written By Femi Jacob

 

In this article, we will explore the death tarot card meaning, its interpretation in different contexts, and how it can guide you through life’s challenges.

The Death tarot card represents the end of a cycle, the shedding of old habits, and the beginning of something new. The death card urges us to embrace change, let go of the past, and trust the natural flow of life.

The Death tarot card features a skeleton in armour riding a white horse and holding a black banner emblazoned with a white flower. The image is both eerie and beautiful, reflecting the duality of life and death. 

The Death tarot card by  Public Domain Pictures is licensed under CC0 1.0

Meaning of death upright

When the death tarot card appears upright in a reading, it signifies a significant transformation, a spiritual awakening, or a major life transition.

The following are some additional interpretations of death upright:

  1. The card may suggest that it is time to move on from a toxic relationship or a dead-end job, or to release old patterns of thinking and behavior. 
  2. The death card reminds us that sometimes we must experience a symbolic death to make way for new growth and opportunities.
  3. However, this change may be uncomfortable or challenging, and we must be willing to face our fears and uncertainties to reap the rewards.

Meaning of death reversed

When the death tarot card appears reversed in a reading, it may indicate resistance to change, a fear of the unknown, or a reluctance to let go of the past. 

Here are a few additional explanations for death reversed:

  1. The card may suggest that we are clinging to outdated beliefs or patterns that no longer serve us, and that we need to release them to move forward.
  2. Alternatively, the death card reversed may indicate a lack of transformation or growth, suggesting that we are stuck in a rut or avoiding necessary changes.
  3. This card reminds us that transformation and growth are essential to our well-being and that we must be willing to let go of what no longer serves us.

Meaning of death tarot card for love and relationship

In a love and relationship context, the death tarot card can be both positive and negative. Let us take a closer look at what it suggests.

  1. If you are in a stagnant or unhappy relationship, the card may suggest that it is time to end it, to release each other with love and compassion. 
  2. Alternatively, the death card may indicate that a significant transformation or shift is occurring in your relationship, such as a change in the power dynamic, a rekindling of passion, or a new level of commitment. 
  3. This card reminds us that change is natural and necessary in all aspects of life, including our relationships.

Meaning of death tarot card for professional and financial matters

In professional and financial matters, the death tarot card can indicate a major change or transition in your career or finances. Let us examine them in greater detail.

  1. This may be a positive change, such as a new job opportunity, a promotion, or a financial windfall.
  2.  Alternatively, it may be a challenging change, such as a job loss, a financial setback, or a business failure. 
  3. The death card reminds us that change is inevitable in our professional and financial lives and that we must be adaptable and resilient

Meaning of death tarot card for career

The Death card can be interpreted in several ways depending on the context and surrounding cards. Let us see what it means for someone’s career.

  1. The Death card may indicate that a significant change or transformation is about to take place in the querent’s career. 
  2. This could mean that the querent is about to experience a major shift in their work or a significant end to one phase of their career, which can lead to new opportunities for growth and development.
  3. The Death card could also signify that the querent needs to let go of old habits or ways of thinking that are no longer serving them in their career.
  4.  This could be a sign that the querent needs to break free from their current work situation in order to pursue something that aligns more closely with their values and passions.

Meaning of death tarot card for health

The Death card can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the circumstance and the cards in the immediate vicinity. Let us examine what it means in terms of health.

  1. In terms of health, the Death card could suggest the need for a major transformation or change in one’s health and lifestyle. 
  2. It could also indicate the end of a period of illness or recovery from an illness.

Death tarot card combinations

The death card is often seen as a sign of major change or transformation. When it appears in a tarot reading with other cards that indicate change, it can be a powerful indication of the need for transformation. Let us explore some of the Death tarot card combinations and what they could mean in a tarot reading.

Death card with the Judgement card

Judgement represents a spiritual awakening or a call to action. When these two cards appear together, it could signify a major turning point in one’s life that requires a new perspective or a change in direction.

Death card with the Hermit card

The Death card can also appear in a reading with the Hermit card, which represents introspection and solitude. This combination could indicate a need for inner reflection and a time of withdrawal from the world to gain a new perspective. It may also suggest a need for spiritual guidance or a deeper understanding of oneself.

Death card with the Fool card

When the Death card appears with the Fool card, it could indicate a new beginning or a fresh start. The Fool represents new opportunities and a willingness to take risks. Together, these cards could suggest a major life change that requires courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Death card with the Empress card

The Death card can appear in a reading with the Empress card, which represents fertility, creativity, and abundance. This combination could indicate a need for creative expression or a new project that will bring abundance and prosperity.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discovered the intriguing symbolism behind the Death tarot card, including its upright and reversed meanings, as well as its significance in love, career, finances, and health.