death tarot
13
water
Scorpio
endings...
Death Keywords
Quick Interpretation
Death is card number 13 in the Major Arcana, representing one of the most significant archetypal energies in the tarot. This card carries profound meaning about endings and spiritual growth.
Card Symbolism Analysis
Analysis of card symbolism
Card description
In the center of the picture is a skeleton knight wearing black armor, riding on a white horse. He held a black flag with white roses painted on it and walked forward slowly. In front of him, various figures - kings, bishops, women, children - faced the messenger of death in different attitudes. On the distant horizon, the sun is rising or setting between the twin towers, the river meanders by, and a small boat floats quietly.
symbolic elements
💀 Skeleton Knight
The skeleton is the part that remains after the physical body has passed away, symbolizing eternity and immortality. Death is not the end, but a constant part of the cycle of life. The image of the knight represents that the power of change is advancing and no one can stop it.
🐎 White War Horse
White represents purity and strength. This horse symbolizes that the energy of change is pure and neutral - it is neither good nor bad, it depends on how we face it. The war horse also implies that this force has irresistible kinetic energy.
🏴 Black flag and white rose
The black flag represents mourning and mystery; the white rose on the flag has five petals, and the number five symbolizes change in the Tarot. White roses simultaneously represent purity, beauty and eternity – there is beauty even in death.
👑 The fallen king
No matter you are a prince, general or commoner, everyone is equal before death. Worldly power and wealth are useless in the face of changes in life. The king's crown falls to the ground, reminding us that our external achievements will eventually be let go.
🙏 The praying bishop
Represents spiritual power. Even the clergy faces change, but he chose to respond with prayer, symbolizing facing change with faith and acceptance rather than resistance.
👩👧 Women and children
The woman turns her head away, symbolizing escape and unwillingness to face it; the child looks at the God of Death with curiosity and no fear. This reminds us that our attitude toward change determines how we experience it. A pure heart can accept it more calmly.
🚣 Rivers and boats
It is reminiscent of the River Styx and the ferryman Charon in Greek mythology. The river symbolizes the flow of consciousness and the journey of life, while the boat carries the soul from one stage to another.
🌅 Twin Towers and sunset/sunrise
The sun on the horizon can be either sunset or sunrise - every ending is another beginning. The Twin Towers also appear in the Moon card, representing the gateway to higher consciousness. Light always exists behind darkness.
The core symbolic elements of the Death card
Upright Meaning
Correct meaning of the tablet
core message
The Death card rarely represents actual death. It is more about telling you that a certain stage, a certain relationship, or a certain pattern is coming to an end. This ending is necessary because only by letting go of the old can we welcome the new. Change is coming, whether you are ready or not.
psychological level
You are undergoing a profound transformation within yourself. Past self-identities, old belief systems, accustomed thought patterns - these are all being re-examined and cleared. This process may feel uncomfortable and even a little scary, but it is an opportunity for growth. Like a snake shedding its skin, you are shedding old skin that no longer fits and prepares to be reborn with a new look.
reality
It could be the end of a relationship, the departure of a job, the end of a phase of life. Whatever it is, this change is clearing out what no longer serves you and making room for better possibilities.
You are transforming from one version of yourself to another. This is not only a change in the external environment, but also an improvement in inner consciousness. A caterpillar must go through the pupal stage before it can become a butterfly.
It could be the end of a relationship, the departure of a job, the end of a phase of life. Whatever it is, this change is clearing out what no longer serves you and making room for better possibilities.
You are transforming from one version of yourself to another. This is not only a change in the external environment, but also an improvement in inner consciousness. A caterpillar must go through the pupal stage before it can become a butterfly.
Suggestions for action
• Accept that change is a part of life and resistance will only prolong the pain
• Clear out items, relationships, habits that are no longer needed – give space for new things
• Allow yourself to mourn what is gone and then let go
• Believe that every ending will bring about a better beginning for you
• Stay open to the future, even if the direction is unclear now
Reversed Meaning
Reversed card meaning
Core warning
The Death card reversed often means that you are resisting necessary changes. You may be holding on to things that no longer fit, fearing the unknown, or refusing to accept that something is over. This resistance can leave you feeling stuck, stagnant, and even more miserable.
Possible negative manifestations
Knowing that something is no longer suitable, but still holding on to it. It could be a relationship that has died, a job that is not growing, or a harmful habit. You use various reasons to convince yourself that "you can try again", but in fact you are avoiding the necessary ending.
Fear of the unknown keeps you immobilized. You would rather stay in an unsatisfactory but familiar status quo than face the uncertainty that comes with change. This stagnation can cause you to miss opportunities for growth.
Keep falling into the same predicaments because you haven't truly learned from and let go of past experiences. The same problem appears again and again in a different guise until you are willing to make a change.
Knowing that something is no longer suitable, but still holding on to it. It could be a relationship that has died, a job that is not growing, or a harmful habit. You use various reasons to convince yourself that "you can try again", but in fact you are avoiding the necessary ending.
Fear of the unknown keeps you immobilized. You would rather stay in an unsatisfactory but familiar status quo than face the uncertainty that comes with change. This stagnation can cause you to miss opportunities for growth.
Keep falling into the same predicaments because you haven't truly learned from and let go of past experiences. The same problem appears again and again in a different guise until you are willing to make a change.
Adjustment suggestions
Ask yourself: What am I afraid of? Are you afraid of losing or afraid of the unknown? Many times, what we fear is not the change itself, but the uncertainty that change brings. But you need to know that holding on to something won’t make it better, it will only prolong the pain. Try to practice letting go in small steps—start by clearing out your closet and learning to say goodbye to things you no longer need.
Energy comparison between upright and reverse positions
Love Guidance
love guidance
single
Your views and expectations about relationships are undergoing a transformation. The type that attracted you in the past and the conditions you once insisted on in choosing a mate may no longer be so important. That’s a good thing—you’re growing into a person capable of healthier relationships. Let old emotional patterns die so new love can have a chance to enter your life.
Those with a partner
The relationship is entering a new phase. This could mean moving from love to stability, moving from cohabitation to marriage, or facing a major life change together. Certain old patterns of getting along need to be eliminated in order for the relationship to evolve. This doesn't mean there's something wrong with the relationship, it means the relationship is growing - and growth sometimes comes with pain.
Compound opportunities
The Death card appears when it comes to reconciliation issues, often implying that some form of the relationship is over. This does not necessarily mean that there is no possibility of getting back together, but even if you get back together, it must be a fresh start in a new way, rather than going back to the past. If both parties are willing to let the "old relationship model" die and start over with a completely different attitude, there may be a chance. But you have to ask yourself honestly: is it this person you want, or a past that no longer exists?
relationship advice
• Let go of your obsession with the “ideal partner” and allow a real connection to happen.
• If a relationship is suffocating you, it may be time to let it go
• Accept change in the relationship and don’t try to lock the other person or yourself into a certain role
• Only by putting an end to past relationships can we truly welcome a new beginning.
Reversed love warning
You may be clinging to a relationship that has lost its vitality because you are afraid of being alone or changing. Or maybe you haven’t gotten over past emotional pain and are letting old pain block new possibilities. Sometimes, we think we are holding on because of love, but in fact it is because of fear. Only by distinguishing between the two can you make the best choice for yourself.
Career Analysis
career analysis
work development
Big changes in the workplace are happening or coming soon. It may be a company reorganization, departmental adjustment, the end of a project, or you actively decided to leave. Either way, this change will clear a career path that no longer fits you and open up new possibilities. Even if you feel uneasy or lost in the moment, this is often a necessary step toward career evolution.
Workplace interpersonal
Some workplace relationships may end or change. It may be that a colleague who has worked with you for many years has left, a supervisor has changed, or the team has been reorganized. Accept the changes and don't get too hung up on the "good old days." New networks are forming, give it some time.
Suitable career direction
Reversed career warning
You may know that your current job is not suitable for you, but you dare not change because you are afraid of the unknown. Staying in a place that makes you unhappy will only drain your energy and enthusiasm. On the other hand, you should also pay attention to whether you put too much energy on projects or goals that have no hope. Sometimes, the smartest thing to do is to recognize the reality and stop losses in time.
Academic Advice
academic advising
learning attitude
Old learning methods may need to be eliminated. If you keep reading in the same way and it doesn't work, that's a sign of change. Let those study habits that don't work for you die and try something completely different. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from being willing to admit, "The way I was doing it wasn't working."
Exam luck
It may be the end of a period of study - graduation, final exams, important qualification exams. This ending will open the next chapter. If the test result is not as expected, you should accept the result and regard it as an opportunity to turn, not a dead end.
Suggestions for further study
Suitable for areas related to learning, transformation, healing, and life. Psychology, philosophy, life and death, body, mind and soul healing are all very suitable for the energy of the Death card. If you are considering changing fields of expertise, this card encourages you to be brave enough to make the change.
Reversed Academic Warning
It may be resistance to necessary changes in learning. Maybe you should change departments or fields, but you don’t want to let go because of the time and energy you’ve already invested. Or they stick to the old reading methods and are unwilling to try new methods even though they are ineffective. Remember: sunk costs should not be a reason to keep sinking.
Financial Analysis
Financial Luck Analysis
Good fortune
Financial conditions are undergoing a restructuring. This could be a change in income sources, an adjustment in spending habits, or a reallocation of an investment portfolio. While the transition may be a little rocky, the change will ultimately make you financially healthier. Sometimes you need to "break" before you can "build" - clearing out bad financial habits or losing investments to make room for better opportunities.
investment advice
This is a time to reassess your investment portfolio. It’s time to consider exiting investments that no longer have growth potential. Stop loss is also a kind of wisdom - instead of watching losses continue to expand, it is better to withdraw in time and transfer funds to places with greater potential. Don’t stick with a bad decision just because you’ve already invested so much.
Reversed wealth warning
You may be clinging to unprofitable investments or outdated financial ideas. "Wait and see" may just be delaying inevitable losses. Or you're afraid to make financial changes, even if you're not happy with the status quo. Staying in your "comfort zone" will not make your finances better. The best policy is to bravely face the parts that need to change.
Health Guidance
health guidelines
good health
The body may be going through some kind of transition or adjustment period. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it could be that the body is repairing itself or detoxifying itself. The Death card is associated with Scorpio and the reproductive system, and may also indicate hormonal changes or a certain cycle in the body. This is a good time to fast, detox, or change your eating habits.
mental health
You may be dealing with some deep emotions—sadness, loss, fear of ending. These emotions are normal, don't suppress them. Allow yourself to go through the process of grieving, whether it’s for a lost relationship, a missed opportunity, or your past self. Psychotherapy or counseling can be especially helpful during this time.
Reversed health warning
You may be resisting your body's signals. You know you need to change your lifestyle, see a doctor, or face a health problem, but you keep putting it off. Physical problems won't go away just because you ignore them. Additionally, unprocessed emotional trauma may be affecting your physical health—the mind and body are connected, don’t focus on just one side.
Deck Matching Interpretation
Interpretation of deck matching
Combination with Major Arcana
Death + Fool
The end is the beginning. A new journey is unfolding, and you need to embark on a new road with an empty cup mentality. The old chapter has been turned, don't look back.
Death + Tower
drastic changes. It may be an unexpected ending that breaks your original plans. While it's a big shock, it's a necessary cleansing that frees you from false foundations.
Death + Star
After darkness there is light. Ending brings hope and healing. Let the past die and new hope will arise.
Death + Wheel of Fortune
A big turn in life. Destiny is taking you in a new direction, and this change is part of a larger cycle. Go with it rather than resist it.
Death + Hanged Man
You have to let go before you can transform. Before accepting change, you need to change your perspective and look at the ending from a different perspective.
Death + Judgment
Rebirth and awakening. This is a profound spiritual transformation, the death of the old self brings about the awakening of higher consciousness. You are being called to a more authentic version of yourself.
Combination with the Minor Arcana
+ Wands deck
A shift in creativity or enthusiasm. A project or ambition may need to end, but a new flame will be lit. Don’t be afraid to let old passions die.
+ Holy Grail Deck
Ending and transformation on an emotional level. It may be a change in relationship or a change in attitude towards feelings. Let old emotional patterns die in order to experience new love.
+ Sword deck
Changes in thinking patterns and communication styles. Old belief systems are being phased out, allowing room for new ways of thinking to enter. It may be accompanied by some conflict or pain.
+ Coin deck
The end of the physical plane. It could be a restructuring of your financial situation, a change of job, or a change in material values. Lose first before you can gain again.
Explore More Major Arcana
Get a Personalized Death Reading
Want to know what Death means specifically for your situation? Try our AI-powered tarot reading for personalized insights.
Draw Your Cards Now