General

Death is a card of transformation and a card of change. When this card pops up in your reading, know that whatever you are reading on is shifting and changing.  In traditional tarot, Death is riding a white horse, and the white horse stands for purity as Death purifies everyone. Death also does not discriminate or differentiate – literally death comes for all. A lot of people fear the death card but I think death is a positive card to receive as it is similar to the World – symbolising that a phase in your life is ending, and a new phase is beginning. You need to allow this shift to happen, and allow yourself to release the past and perhaps any unhealthy attachments you have in life in order to keep moving forward.

Upright

When you receive Death in a love reading, it symbolises that there are changes in the relationship and this change is happening because you both are stuck in a dynamic which is no longer working. And the solution here is either to leave this connection or to change the dynamic. Sometimes, this can indicate a change and sometimes Death can symbolise an ending of a relationship. If you are not in a relationship, Death can sometimes point to changing one’s belief and attitudes in order to build stronger relationships with others.  

In terms of career and finances, Death shows up when there are changes happening or a transition happening. Death can mean that you have to act now and there is a shift from an unfulfilling career into something new or better. But this involves a huge step out of your comfort zone. But in terms of finances, Death can mean that there might be some financial losses happening.

Reversed

When Death is reversed, it could mean that you may be resisting the changes that are happening. Since Death is a Major Arcana, change is inevitable, and your efforts to resist the changes may be futile. Instead, work on embracing this change by letting go of the past. When it comes to love, there is a need to stop clinging on to the relationship that once was and instead work on allowing it to change. There are some interpretations that see Death as meaning that old relationships can be revived again.

In terms of career and finances, Death reversed may mean that there are negative patterns of behaviour that is being repeated and this is not helping the situation. There is a lack of growth or a continuation of unhealthy financial habits. There is a need to adapt to financial losses and make shifts in order to make it through this temporary period.

Astrological Associations

Death is associated with Scorpio. Scorpio is one of the most powerful signs, and they have clear vision, intelligence and Scorpios, with their perceptiveness, have the potential to “see” things more clearly than others. But more importantly, Scorpio is also associated with regenerative powers and positive transformation. And this is definitely something that Death symbolises in tarot.