The Major Arcana of the Tarot, Death, often evokes fear and apprehension due to its ominous name and image. However, this card never means death in a literal sense. Its presence in Tarot spreads carries a deeper meaning for the individual. In this article, we will explore the symbolism, meanings, and interpretations of the Death card according to the French Tarot system of Dr. Papus.

Overview

Death is the 13th Major Arcana card in the Tarot deck, corresponding to the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, “mem”. It is a neutral card, that is, it has neither positive nor negative meaning. In a spread, it may appear in an upright or reversed position, which will determine the meaning of the card.

The Symbolism

The Death card is very recognizable — it depicts a skeleton with a scythe. According to Dr. Papus’ teachings, it is a female skeleton, which indicates the «yin» energy directed towards internal processes. The skeleton strides leisurely from left to right — from the past to the future. On his head is a crown, symbolizing the universal recognition of this image across various philosophical teachings and religions of the world. The skeleton mercilessly scythes heads, that is, removes the outdated, obsolete elements from life. Behind him, grass blooms, and children’s hands appear — a symbol of the arrival of the new.

Key Meanings

• pause
• inner process of transformation
• rebirth
• letting go of the old and embracing the new

The Upright Death Card — General Meaning

Pause, silence, deceleration of external processes. There is a period of calm in a person’s life, with no significant events. However, there are internal processes and the choice of further direction. This period is brought by fate and higher powers, prompting a person to decide how they perceive the further development of events in their life. The Death card implies that a person will look back on past experiences and divide them into two categories: «I want this in my future» and «I want this to never happen again». This way, reasoning, and thoughts are formed, and an internal plan is made.

Love and relationships

There is a moment of calm in your relationship with your partner, no significant events are taking place. There may be a sense that a certain stage is coming to an end, everything is changing and things will no longer be the same. Now it’s important to analyze your current and past relationships and draw conclusions for yourself: what you want it to be like in the future.

Career and finances

A period of pause, deceleration of events at work, career, and financial growth. Now is not the time for action, do not try to create unnecessary activity. Fate expects you to contemplate past experiences, and, based on that, make decisions in regards to your further development. Think about what you like and dislike in work and material levels, what you would like to change, and what to keep the same.

Health

In matters of health, the Death card carries no negative meaning. It signifies a period of tranquility, inviting you to analyze your life, state, and well-being for the last time and decide how you would like to feel going forward.

Self-development and spiritual growth

You’re standing on the cusp of a new life — it’s time to decide what it will be like. It’s time to slow down, to be in peace and quiet, to evaluate your state for the last time, and to decide how you want to develop further.

Card Recommendation

You need to clearly define your desires in this sphere. It is important to realize what you really want, and what you do not want. Now is not the time for active pursuits. Devote time and attention to inner analysis.

The Reversed Death Card — General Meaning

A person resists the Death card and does not fulfill his purpose. He does not think about his desires and priorities. He may create artificial commotion or activity where it is not needed. He awaits a clue from fate — in what direction to go and how to act. But now he must speak his mind.

Love and Relationships

You are trying to create artificial activity. However, now is not the time to figure out relationships, make a fuss, or change your life. Devote time to reflection, and contemplation of your past experiences. Analyze how your relationship has developed and how you would like it to develop further.

Career and Finances

A reversed Death card means that you are either taking untimely actions or not taking adequate time to think about your desires and priorities. Fate expects you to analyze your past experiences and make decisions about your future development based on them.

Health

You create unnecessary fuss. Devote this time to thinking about and analyzing your health, state, and well-being. Evaluate this sphere for the last time in your life and decide how you would like to feel going forward.

Self-development and spiritual growth

You are standing on the cusp of a new life, but you have not been paying proper attention to shaping aspects of it in your mind. Now you need to slow down, be in peace and quiet, evaluate your state for the last time, and decide how you want to develop further.

Card Recommendation

Think about the future, formulate your desires and plans. Refrain from fuss and activity, it will be useless. The appearance of the card suggests a lack of clarity in your desires, or that you fall into illusions when something goes wrong. Try to think more specifically and deeply.

Difference from the Hermit

The Death card is consonant in meaning with another Major Arcana card, the Hermit. With the Hermit also comes a period of tranquility, lack of events and movement. However, with the Hermit, the break is granted by the higher powers to facilitate the transition to a new level, while with the Death card, it’s for the resolution of inner problems. With the Hermit, a person experiences low energy, and a lack of strength, whereas during the period associated with Death, there is energy: it is given not for outward actions, but for reflecting and listening to oneself.

The Death Tarot card is a powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and growth, for which it is important to prepare internally. During this period we tell fate what kind of life we want to see in the future. Use this period for inner work, and then it will prepare fertile ground for new beginnings and the next stage in life.