Tarot cards have come to us since the Renaissance. Cards allow you to penetrate secret knowledge and receive support or advice in any matter. A deck of cards consists of 22 major arcana (or trump cards) and 58 minor cards. The first ones have individual images and accurately indicate the answer to the question of interest. The minor arcana serve to bring additional clarity to the prediction.
The minor arcana consists of four suits:
- Zhezlov;
- Swords;
- Cups;
- Pentacles.
Each suit has 14 cards - from two to ten, King, Queen, Knight, Page, Ace. One of the most mystical cards in the deck is the 13th major arcan, Death.
general description
Death - Major Arcana with the assigned number XIII. Initially it existed in dramatic tones. Rider-Waite later completely revised the image. It gave a neutral, but at the same time philosophical design. Parsing:
- The number 13 - previously in matriarchal culture was compared with the Lunar Year (cyclicality); later it turned into a sign of fears.
- Black flag (banner) - mourning.
- The mystical white rose on it is rebirth.
- Skeleton Knight - Horseman of the Apocalypse; material shell.
- Pale horse - physical desires; internal transformation.
- A red feather on a helmet hanging down means weakness, powerlessness.
- Dawn/sunset between the towers - immortality; analogy with the Moon (XVIII).
- Bony moves east (towards sunrise, to the right) - the end, but then a new life.
- People head west (to the left) - to see only the bad.
- A priest, a girl, a child, a dead aristocrat - equality.
- River - transformation.
If the Tower shows a loud defeat or total defeat, then Death does not convey any emotions. Everything happens smoothly and inevitably. Perhaps the development of events is as the questioner wishes. At the same time, he feels inner freedom, refusal of obligations.
Very rare: loss, grief, grief.
Death in Tarot - Spiritual Meaning
The Death Card is a symbol of the unfree nature of the individual. For mystics, Death foreshadows new life. For this reason, the rising sun is placed on the map. Through Death, a person moves towards spiritual rebirth.
The Death Scythe signifies the harvest. A man planted a seed and it grew. Now it's time to harvest. The personality makes the transition to the next stage of existence.
The number 13 symbolizes transformation - changes for the better, as well as rebirth.
Value in upright position
Interpretation:
- time;
- constant movement;
- end;
- Start;
- transformation;
- die.
Natural metamorphoses. Finish the job. The long-awaited release. A certain phase is coming to an end.
Important changes. Prospects. It's time to say goodbye, say goodbye. Transfiguration. Give up the old. Get rid of unnecessary things. Spiritual cleansing, enlightenment. Physical healing. Renunciation.
In the context of undertakings, what was planned will not come true. You will have to leave the idea, forget about it. Deadlines are missed. The contracts are cancelled. You can't wait for the result.
Key Concepts
Concretized images:
- a crisis;
- soul feelings;
- letting go, parting.
On a deeper level, it is a call to leave the past behind. It's time to turn our gaze to the future. Where there are good prospects and fresh thoughts. This phase is well described by the expression “starting with a clean slate.”
It is not without reason that the author placed the Arcanum in almost the middle position in the deck. This is an important change in life, dividing existence into “before” and “after”. Revival after decline. Restoring balance and harmony. Transformation after depression, grief. Death does not appear literally. “Everything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is the motto of the card.
Inner meaning of the card
The 13th Arcana is an image of change, transformation, renewal . Death cannot exist without rebirth.
People are often afraid of this card, associating it with physical death. But in Tarot it means the death of your ego, the end of a project, a relationship or some kind of emotional experience. Some part of you and/or something in your life is ending.
Change is coming and it is not in your control, you just feel it coming. You feel them on a deep level. And inside yourself you know that you have no right to resist, otherwise you will increase your fear and pain.
It is necessary to perceive Death as an ally, because it reminds us of the constantly changing nature in which the processes of death and rebirth take place. Death also brings completion, relief and renewal to man.
The card promises that by ceasing to cling to what is dear to us, we can turn darkness into light and see that the end is a new beginning.
Death of any kind is a scary and sobering experience and is never easy. This is why we are so afraid of these periods - when the 13th lasso of the Tarot turns on.
Changes in the Death card can bring us to our knees as everything that no longer works in our lives burns out. But it is precisely this that protects us from stagnation, from what is false. It is what brings new opportunities, spiritual understanding and appreciation for what we truly value.
The Death Card allows us to become fully aware of what we are reluctant to let go of in our lives, what we are resisting. Allows us to understand that this is what creates pain and ensures that we get stuck in life.
Death turns on and frees man from his demons. She reminds us of God and love, precisely at a difficult moment in life, when love and light can lead through darkness. Each such moment is a new experience to which we can open up in order to emerge from it renewed.
Thus, the Card brings the most difficult changes in a person’s life, which must be experienced without resistance. As a result, healing and transformation will occur. Remember that at such moments only love and time work for us, gradually making life brighter and our Soul richer.
What does inverted position mean?
Interpretation:
- fear;
- fatal circumstances.
The essence is dependence on the past. The inability to leave, to come to terms with. Clinging to what is already gone. Strong nostalgia - “and in our years...”. The desire to return everything to normal. Refusal to accept reality. Dear memories. It is with horror to realize that changes cannot be avoided.
Find yourself in a situation that you cannot influence. Black line. Complete bad luck. Have a badluck.
Positive arcana in the layout cover the negativism of Death. It is believed that there is a slow but sure movement into a cloudless future.
Key Ideas
Analogies:
- deliberately delaying the end;
- fear of leaving your comfort zone;
- endure torment;
- passivity;
- pessimism.
Inaction due to indecision. The questioner does not take further steps, which is why the matter is at a standstill. Thinking that everything is fine now, although in reality it is different. A period of stagnation, provoked purposefully or stupidly.
Death (XIII senior arcan of the tarot): meaning of the tarot card and interpretation
Death is visually depicted as a Skeleton dressed in armor riding a white horse. Behind him you can see a dead man. There is also a known image of the major arcana in the form of a silhouette in a cloak with a scythe. The Death Tarot card, despite its negative name and pessimistic number, is not one of the most unfavorable in the deck. Most often, it encourages action and change in all areas of life. Another meaning of Death tarot is the resolution of a difficult situation, change for the better. That is, something has died in life and requires leaving it and moving on.
Death can also indicate a person’s fear of future changes (often inevitable), and reluctance to change anything in life, even to the detriment of their comfort. A common interpretation is apathy, fear and rejection of possible difficulties, stagnation. Tarot Death is often associated with oblivion and acceptance of change. The interpretation of the card in a negative way is often associated with a person’s reluctance to change his life, which is followed by a period of even greater difficulties. In this case, you will have to change your life plans in order to avoid tragic and painful consequences.
Interpretation in layouts
There is a slight dependence on combinations. Takes in both positive and negative energy. Deep understanding is achieved by analyzing all combinations.
The Quintessence of Death occurs when the sum of the cards is 13. Adding the numbers, we get 4 (Emperor - IV). The Arcana give the following advice: move to the next level. Move on to create a new concept.
An example of interpretation is shown in a 3-card layout for assessing difficult life situations:
- The reason is a problem coming from the past. This may be a bitter loss or severe emotional turmoil.
- What will help - now is the time to stop deceiving yourself and accept the unpleasant truth. It’s easier to get out of the fog than to wait for it to clear on its own.
- How it will end - if we are talking about a specific project, then expect it to be completed soon. When asked about the future, it is better to put aside existing plans and think about alternative approaches.
For relationships
Loss of a loved one. Life takes you down different roads. Liberation. Dead feelings. Their revival is not possible.
Family:
- Positive: parting with household members (for example, when moving).
- Negative: forced cohabitation if you want to leave.
Related:
- Constructive: changes are expected.
- Unfavorable: a tense atmosphere that you want to get rid of.
Friendly:
- Direct: farewell.
- Reverse: “pull” friendship on yourself.
Business:
- Vertical: loss of contacts (when transferred to another department; dismissal).
- Excessive: putting up with colleagues for the sake of work.
In fortune telling for love
Going through a difficult period. The partners are about to separate. Find unwanted freedom, accept it. Opening a new path. The phase when you can start all over again.
When assessing a romantic union, it foreshadows separation. Makes it clear that it will not be possible to revive the former passion.
In the “What does he say about me?” scenario. Death is a special signifier, signifying the intention to break ties.
Future Relationships for Singles:
- Favorable: acquaintance is possible in the absence of the other half.
- Destructive: there will be no meetings for a year.
What does the man think:
- Positive: feelings have faded.
- Insufficient: attachment has grown into a habit.
Treason:
- Direct: loyalty is questionable.
- Mirror: the chosen one can go to the left.
Rival:
- Positive: the betrothed is ready to find a new passion.
- Excessive: probably not.
Guy's feelings:
- Constructive: the love is gone.
- Negative: he is uncomfortable, but the moment of separation is delayed.
Personality characteristics
True analysis:
- Vertical: The questioner has reached a phase of radical change. He himself became their catalyst. Fatal man. Loser, unlucky. A person undergoing an initiation rite.
- Negative: coward. Retrograde. Neophobic. Depends on external factors. He is in a chain of events that he is unable to control.
Archetypal correspondences:
- death, birth;
- end, beginning, cycle;
- Hades, Anubis;
- parting;
- inevitability;
- Valkyrie;
- Pluto, Saturn;
- Scorpion.
To work
Let's look at the positions:
- Direct: forced or voluntary dismissal. Reduction. Completion of the project. Completing a task or assignment. The departure of a colleague, an employee in the company. Restructuring of the organization. The moment when it's time to say: "Goodbye." If the questioner is not employed, look for ways to develop.
- Excessive: holding on to a position. Fear the unknown. Responsibilities that cause panic and bewilderment.
Professions associated with risk and danger. Specialties:
- surgeon, pathologist;
- fireman, rescuer, policeman;
- driver, forwarder.
To your health
Interpretation for fortune telling:
- Constructive: oncological, incurable diseases. Surgical intervention. Lesions of the skeleton, bone tissue. Chronic pain. Depression. Atrophy. Menopause. Damage, evil eye.
- Unfavorable: mental, mental disorders. Phobias. Insomnia.
On financial situation
Review:
- Vertical: big expenses. Lack of stable income due to loss of place. Pay for insurance. Reduced cash flow. The current position is not promising. Low salary.
- The opposite: the difficulties are temporary. For the unemployed, it portends imminent employment.
For pregnancy
Predicts conception. Often shows the first trimester. Answering the question about the gender of the child - female.
Combinations showing that there is no fruiting:
- with the Tower and the Devil;
- with ten of swords, five of pentacles.
To the situation
If the thirteenth Arcana falls out, the questioner stands on the periphery. He has a lot to change in his life. The need for activity is perceived pessimistically. Or events appeared like a bolt from the blue. Whether it's good or bad doesn't matter. We need to accept what is happening. Come to terms with the loss. Not everything can be brought to life.
Inverted: even if problems are overwhelming, don’t panic. Troubles are temporary. Sooner or later the streak of bad luck will end. Even on the rubble of destroyed hopes, you can lay a new foundation for self-improvement.
On request
In any situation, it is better to abandon the idea. At this stage, its implementation is impossible. It is worth thinking about development in a different direction.
Death: Meaning in Love and Relationships
The upright position
of the Arcana symbolizes the beginning of significant changes, which may be associated with relationships or separation with a loved one and the emergence of a new relationship with another person. You shouldn’t be afraid of new relationships, but you shouldn’t rush them either. The main thing is that the relationship with your ex-darling remains calm and balanced, this is very important.
The card means a natural separation.
As a rule, people part as friends. If a person has been thinking about divorce for a long time and has been tormenting himself with various thoughts on this topic, then when the death card appears, you can count on a divorce. The card helps a person leave a failed marriage behind him and start building a new life. Reversed position
There is vain calculation in relationships. A person can hope and believe in something better, but in reality, he will receive disappointment and faded feelings. You shouldn’t even hope for their revival - there is no love, no feelings. The relationship has reached a dead end and requires renewal.
A person is afraid of separation, he is simply not ready for it, so he experiences this situation painfully. He is also not ready to take action to get out of this current crisis. It is possible that a person will be forced to remain completely alone when his partner leaves him completely alone.
Arcana recommendations for the day
Don't bring up the past. Accept what happened. Don't look for what you've lost, because it's no longer needed.
Advice
What must disappear will inevitably sink into oblivion. Don't cling to things. Get over it easily, even if parting is bitter and offensive.
On the contrary: empty waiting will not solve the problem. Inaction will bring more trouble. Look for motivation, otherwise you will wallow in apathy.
Warning
Prepare for difficulties. They cannot be prevented. A difficult episode is coming, requiring a lot of moral strength.
How does the Death card describe a person?
This person is subject to change, for him it is the norm to let go of the old and move forward. He also helps others deal with personal losses and encourages them to embrace new experiences.
Has the ability to experience life and relationships very deeply, but feels the moment when it is necessary to let go of the situation and move on.
He is probably more able than other people to accept change by being reborn. And this happens to him more often than to others.
What does the combination of Death with other Arcana mean?
Gets a variety of looks thanks to combinations.
With elders
They acquire a general semantic field.
- Jester (Fool) - losing a child; accept the change of periods; sudden death; undertaking.
- Magician - metamorphoses on a spiritual level; a man who decided to leave; insult.
- Priestess - black witch; non-reciprocal love; suppress sexual desire; take revenge, be jealous; infertility.
- Empress (Mistress) - stillbirth or loss of mother. Financial losses; break of partnership.
- Emperor - damaged reputation, loss of power or business; operation; the husband (breadwinner) left the family.
- Hierophant (Priest) - lose authority; dismissal; change of worldview, principles, views.
- Lovers - break off relationships, divorce proceedings; a crack in the partnership that cannot be mended; free yourself from the union.
- Chariot (Charioteer) - traffic accident; maximalism; struggle for ideals; business trip; job change.
- Strength - health problems; murder; indecency.
- Hermit - diseases that lead to irreversible changes in the body; loneliness; change direction at will.
- Wheel of Fortune - losses; natural death.
- Justice - confiscation of property, execution; divorce; cancellation of a contract or transaction.
- Hanged Man - mental instability; crisis situation; self-sacrifice; bullying; terminally ill.
- Moderation is long-lived; doctor; household troubles.
- Devil - sadism, masochism; betrayal, setup; manipulate the feelings of relatives and loved ones.
- Tower - to die in war, in a catastrophe, cataclysms, in natural disasters; problems fell like dominoes; menacing, uncontrollable energy; let go through force.
- Star - gloomy future, bleak forecast; occult operations for love (conspiracies); get help.
- Moon - jinxed, cursed, damaged; spiritualism; resist negative influences; water poses a threat; strong feelings of guilt, shame.
- Sun - die in a fire, get burns; material losses.
- Court - funeral; karmic developments; reincarnation, rebirth.
- Peace - to die on a journey, on a trip; Abroad brings problems.
With the younger ones
Provide additional information.
With swords
The suit identifies the desire for freedom, cleansing space from shackles:
- Ace - change the current order.
- Two - resist novelty.
- Three is a sad, woeful outcome. Give up the ghost.
- Four - being at the stage of transformation.
- Five - renewal (weakening).
- Six - go towards the unknown.
- Seven - risk your life.
- Eight - strict restrictions.
- Nine - mourn.
- Ten is a terrible crisis before revival.
- The page is a sick child. A minor employee will let you down.
- Knight - willingness to fight.
- The queen is a widow.
- The king is a man who has lost his wife.
With wands
Staves represent the desire for dominance and leadership.
- Ace - change of ideas.
- Two - calmly endure adversity.
- Three - readiness for the next step.
- Four - changes in the family.
- Five - the conflict is close to resolution.
- Six - new colleagues or household members.
- Seven - holding the defense in vain.
- Eight - completion (weakening).
- Nine is a person with retrograde views.
- Ten - make the situation worse.
- Page - lost interest.
- Knight - slowdown.
- Queen - self-training.
- King - change status.
With cups
The cups show the sphere of relationships and feelings.
- Ace - partners are close to breaking up.
- Two means separation.
- Troika is a different team.
- Four - miss a chance.
- Five - grief, loss (strengthening).
- Six - say goodbye to the past.
- Seven is the end of illusions.
- Eight - move towards the goal; The final is coming soon.
- Nine - pipe dreams.
- Ten is a scam.
- Page - miscarriage.
- Knight - to hang noodles on one's ears.
- Queen - to lose a spouse.
- The king says goodbye to his chosen one.
With pentacles
Denarii affect the material aspect, the element of earth.
- Ace - harvest.
- Two - maneuver, adapt to the current situation.
- Three is a beginning.
- Four - don't let go, hold on with all your might.
- Five - poverty, helplessness.
- Six is an unexpected gift.
- Seven is a godsend.
- Eight - forget skills.
- Nine - stagnation in finance.
- Ten - mourn the loss of a loved one.
- Page - bad news.
- Knight - destabilization.
- Queen - money dependence.
- The king - to undermine his reputation, an unenviable fate.
Indeed, very often novice tarot readers do not know how one can “see” death (or the damage leading to it) in Tarot card layouts. These questions should always cause increased awareness of the alignment, and for a correct analysis of the situation it is necessary to involve all (even reserve) knowledge that the tarot reader has. Because the answers to these questions, moreover, if they are asked by the client himself, can cause great damage to his psyche, as the person begins to expect that his life will go downhill: tomorrow he will die from an unknown disease, or he will be hit by a car. Therefore, it is always necessary to double-check yourself and clarify whether the client’s death can be avoided, or how to remove the damage from him. If “yes,” then you, as tarot readers, need to voice the appropriate option for salvation.
Now more specifically.
Of the Major Arcana, the presence of damage is indicated (by appearing in an inverted position) by the Magician, the Devil, the Priestess, the Priest, the Moon. The Magician - the damage was caused by a young man;
The devil is a strong curse;
Priestess - the damage was caused by an elderly woman;
Priest - the damage was done by an elderly man;
The hermit is an old curse.
Of the Minor Arcana , the presence of damage and the evil eye, a possible attack in the near future and magical interventions that are not particularly strong in impact (in combination with the already indicated cards of the Major Arcana, both inverted and upright) are indicated by the following cards: all swords , Five of Wands, Nine of Wands, Ten of Wands, Nine of Cups.
Six of Pentacles, Ace of Wands, Ace of Cups - these cards indicate damage and the evil eye, specifying what exactly the damage was done for.
So, for example, the following came out in the layout (the cards were all upside down):
Devil + nine of swords + ten of swords = strong damage to a heart attack, and if it is not removed, the person may die.
Devil + nine of swords + ten of swords + Ace of swords = this is a terrible combination, damage to death, when a person is paralyzed through a stroke and dies.
Hermit + Devil + Ace of Swords + Eight of Swords = the damage was done by an old man, and a very strong sorcerer, who caused damage to death by envolting (a wax figurine is pierced with needles).
Ace of swords + ten of swords + nine of swords = damage that can lead to death, serious damage, drying out of a person.
Devil + Ace of Swords + Strength = possession by evil forces.
Court (transl.) + Priest (direct) + nine of cups + six of swords = wedding damage.
Devil + Priest (direct) + ten swords = church damage.
Devil + nine of swords + Death (transl.) = damage to the cemetery.
Ace of Swords + Ace of Cups + Knight of Cups = damage to infertility.
Five of Cups + Death + Nine of Cups = corruption in the water taken after washing the deceased.
Five of swords + seven of pentacles + six of pentacles = damage to the earth for misfortunes in the house.
Nine of Cups + Ace of Wands + King of Swords = damage to male sexual impotence, done by relatives at some family feast, the client “ate” or “drank” the damage.
Seven of cups + ten of swords + eight of swords + ten of cups = damage done on needles that are hidden in the client’s house, to take away health and undermine family well-being.
Three of Swords + Queen of Swords + Eight of Cups = a blonde widow whose neighbor at work or at home bewitched and cast a spell on her husband’s departure from the family.
Six of Swords + Lovers (transl.) + Ten of Cups (transl.) - damage to get rid of your beloved, to conflicts and problems with her.
Judgment + six of swords + Ace of Cups = family damage, already present on all family members.
Judgment + six of swords + Ace of Cups + King of Swords = family damage, damage through a family curse.
Chariot + eight of swords + seven of pentacles = damage to the next.
Chariot + Seven of Pentacles + Knight of Swords = damage at a crossroads, which a person “picked up” by accident.
Chariot + six of wands (transl.) + seven of swords + Tower = damage to death during an accident, problems with the car.
Four of Cups + Three of Swords + Nine of Cups = spell damage on menstrual blood.
Ten of Swords + Death (transl.) + Moon - damage to the cemetery through photography.
Queen of Swords + Eight of Swords + Moon = Gypsy corruption.
Magician + Devil = curse.
Tarot cards usually indicate possible death with the following combination:
Strength + Ace of Swords + Peace + King of Wands + Ten of Swords + Nine of Swords = Death.
Strength + Ace of Swords + Four of Swords = death from cancer.
Strength + Ace of Swords + Four of Swords + King of Swords = death from cancer after unsuccessful surgery.
Strength + Ace of Swords + Four of Swords + Mage = Cancer caused by corruption.
The main thing is to accurately analyze and adequately perceive all the cards drawn in the Tarot layout.
The difference between Death from different decks
It is one of the most mysterious cards. Its essence was perceived differently by artists. Many esotericists still have an individual opinion regarding interpretation.
Tarot of Thoth (Aleister Crowley):
Abundance of dark symbolism. The image of a skeleton with a scythe signifies the very process of dying and resurrection at the same time. Change of beliefs. Personal growth. New priorities. Don't hold on to what's gone.
Manara:
The devil twirls in a dance with the bony one. Predominance of white shades. For the questioner it means interest in the otherworldly, dangerous, risky. Dark rituals. Extreme sports. Alcohol and drug use. Addiction to smoking. Everything that is harmful to health shortens life.
78 doors:
Realize the inevitability of change. Grieve the loss. Mourn over the past. Understand that what is gone cannot be returned or remade. Humility. In a philosophical sense - to withdraw into oneself, suffer from neophobia, and become nostalgic.
Illuminati:
In physical terms - to leave this world. New habits, foundations. Adaptation. Look for perspectives and priorities. Spiritual transformations. Self-development. Improving the inner “I”.
Wheel of the Year:
Cyclicality. Restructuring. Reorganization. Creation. Transformation.
Tarot of Delights:
The role of the reaper was taken on by a woman in a red robe. Her aggressive face shows malevolent intentions. Next to her is an hourglass. On the belt there are phallic decorations with horseshoes. In the background are sleeping lovers. Crows are circling in the sky. Taking into account the specifics of the deck, the interpretation characterizes the relationship: the accumulation of problems. Indecision, doubt. Abstain from sex. Increased sexual desire. Events indicating a break or strengthening of the alliance.
Tarot of Shadows:
Correspondence - Witches' Sabbath. The questioner is an adherent of a sect or destructive cult. The worldview is strikingly different from other people. Witch. Possession of magical potential, practice. An indicator of a genus, several generations. In terms of society - a woman in a male team and vice versa. Contact your doctor.
Black Gremoire (Necronomicon):
A huge gate to the afterlife, and next to it there is a large queue of people wishing to see it. The main designation is transformation. Dedications, ceremonies, sacred rituals, initiation. The personification of everything esoteric and otherworldly. Change of name, date of birth, image, appearance. Reincarnation. Religious Beliefs. In medical topics - getting out of a coma.
Tarot Thelema:
Metamorphoses. Creation of concepts. Bitter experience. A start, a fresh idea. The cycle is over, the next one begins.
Lo Scarabeo (The Saint of Death):
Refusal of a false worldview. Move to other methods, discarding outdated ones. Change will bring happiness.
In the deck , Lenormand is interpreted negatively. Means misfortune, grief, mourning. Interruption, completion, stop of activity. Take the hit. Grieve, mourn, suffer. Let go of your partner. Quit your job. Retribution. Signifies an energy-consuming day. Ailments.
Inverted position
A reversed card is a warning sign . If it appears in the reading, the fortuneteller needs to radically reconsider his life - something is not going as expected. Lack of balance and inner harmony affects all areas of life.
Major Arcana Death reversed means fear. The person asking is afraid of life, afraid to take risks and defend their dreams. While he gives favorable chances to others, he himself is content with an unsuitable life. They say about people with the Death card that they are living someone else's life.
A reversed card speaks of searching for the meaning of life. The person asking is too busy with philosophical reflection: there is no time left for reasoning to live, to enjoy the process itself. The 13th lasso indicates excessive hopes and illusions. Apathy is also predicted by a card depicting a dark figure with a scythe.
Reversed Tarot Death has an indicator value. If it falls out, the person has lost control over the most important process - the formation of thoughts. Any action begins with it. Arcanum Death warns - it’s time to start implementing, so as not to complain later about the unfavorability of fate.
Death of the Universal Rider-Waite Tarot
How to interpret the Rider Waite Tarot.
