The Meaning of the Death Card in the Tarot

The meaning of the Tarot card "Death"

The Death card in the Tarot is a card of great transformations and new beginnings, and it probably won't be easy. The meaning of the Death card in a Tarot reading is about transformation, passage and change. The basic symbols of the Death card are Death as a skeleton in black robes or armor. There may also be a scythe or a flag with a five-petaled rose. There may be other figures in the field, the most common and recurring is that of a child.

The meaning of the card Death upright

When the Death card is straight in a Tarot reading, it symbolizes transformation, making way for the new, loss, failure, illness or death, and bad luck. This may all sound bad, but think of it as the end of one chapter and the beginning of another! You're in a time of transition, and it's best to embrace it even if it's painful. And it can be. But everything good is worth working for and you're ready.

The meaning of the card Death reversed

When the Death card is reversed in a Tarot reading, it means immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape and deceptive death. You're resisting change and that's not good. You need to let go and move towards a better future.

The meaning of the card Death in love

The Death card in a Tarot love reading can mean that you are clinging on to a relationship that is no longer serving you. If you're single, it's time to let go of old habits that have prevented you from loving. If you're in a relationship, it's time to reconsider whether you want to continue or make some difficult changes to get the love you deserve.

Learn more about Tarot with our article "How to Read Tarot at Home"

Check out the meaning of all the major and minor arcana of the Tarot.