Death Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Death Card Keywords 

• Upright: release, endings, rebirth, transitions, change, transformation, letting go
• Reversed: outgrown attachments, grief, losses, inertia, stuck in the past

The Death Card: Description and Symbolism

As number ‘13’ in the Major Arcana, the Death card introduces powerful themes of change and rebirth to the tarot. The number itself is considered unlucky within various traditions. Most notably, this card’s number can be associated with Jesus as the 13^th person at the Last Supper before his death. Within numerology, the number 13 also refers to the uncertainty that follows after a completed cycle (represented by the number 12). 

Within the card itself, Death is personified by a skeleton riding a white horse. The skeleton wears black armor and moves along, symbolizing the inevitability and power of death. The white horse signifies purity as a divine contrast to stark endings. The black flag with a white rose represents the new life that emerges from darkness. The five petals of the rose symbolize the rejuvenating experience of necessary change.

The four figures surrounding the skeleton riding horseback represent different responses to death. Below the horse lies a king, representing the death of the ego. Social respect and authority hold no match for the universal phenomenon of death. The bishop praying before the horse symbolizes the importance of faith through natural endings. A young maiden kneels before Death with her face turned away, in fearful acceptance of the change that will ensue. She represents resistance to change. Only the child looks to Death with open arms, representing innocent acceptance of necessary endings. 

The king, bishop, maiden, and child’s confrontation with Death symbolizes the shared experience of change. The death of an old commitment or situation can transform anyone. The river depicted in the card represents the intuitive acceptance of life’s unpredictability. The boat in the background transports the souls to a new state of consciousness, symbolizing eternal life. 

The Death card is traditionally associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio. As a fixed water sign ruled by Pluto, Scorpio embodies themes of death, rebirth, and transformation. This astrological correspondence speaks to the Death card’s representation of eternal growth arising from necessary endings. 

The Death Card – Upright Meaning

When the Death card appears in a tarot reading, it could be time to let go of what no longer serves you. Step back and consider the habits and commitments you may have outgrown.  You have learned valuable lessons from your present situation. Now is the time to let go of old attachments to make room for aligned opportunities.

The Death card could also be encouraging you to manifest new beginnings after experiencing a sudden change. Perhaps you have recently left a job or relationship that was no longer fulfilling you. You are encouraged to lean into the transition by letting your inner voice guide the way. Once you have fully accepted the ending that had to take place, you will have made way for a more fulfilling commitment.

Love Meaning – The Death Card Upright

In a love context, the Death card suggests that you are ready to let go of an old mentality towards love. You may have grieved a conflict or separation, but the lingering fears and emotions continue to affect your current relationship. This card empowers you to transform that past experience into wisdom you can apply in practice. Lean on a therapist or loved one as you release the memories that have been subconsciously affecting your connections.

The Death card may also appear as a sign to rethink your current connection. If your heart has been guiding you to make a change within your current relationship, it would be a beneficial time to do so. Set the boundaries you have been afraid to and advocate for the needs you have been suppressing. For the dynamic to work with this partner or love interest, you will need to break a pattern within your recent habits and communication.

In extreme cases, the Death card could be encouraging you to walk away from a relationship. This applies only if all attempts at recovery and healing have been exhausted with time.

As someone’s feelings, the Death card represents someone who is striving to grow and let go of patterns that no longer serve them. If your romantic interest is someone from your past, it may be time to walk away. Otherwise, this could be someone who can grow by your side.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Death Card Upright

In a career context, the Death card encourages you to let go of the responsibilities and commitments that no longer align with your path. Perhaps you have been taking on too many tasks or favors at work. It is a great time to simplify your schedule by prioritizing the projects you are most passionate about. 

The Death card could also be a sign to shift your direction completely. If you have wanted to move or switch career fields, this card applauds for you as you take the first steps. 

Financially, the Death card suggests reviewing your bills and expenses to determine what is genuinely needed. You could be spending more than is necessary at this time. You may have outgrown an old mentality around money and its value to you. Reflect on what is worth the investment.

Health Meaning – The Death Card Upright

The Death card suggests that you are ready to let go of unhealthy attachments and habits. Focus on clearing your mind and body of the influences you have outgrown. Therapy and journaling will bring you clarity. It would also be a great time to go through your home and donate clothes and items that have been cluttering your headspace.

Spirituality Meaning – The Death Card Upright

When the Death card appears in a spiritual context, you are ready to start a new cycle. You are willing to release the fears and emotions that have been weighing you down and redirect that energy into a more fulfilling outlet.

The Death Card As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Death card represents feelings of self-validation and release. Changes you once feared are easier to accept and initiate for your peace of mind.

The Death Card As Actions Meaning – Upright

When the Death card appears, you are motivated to let go of the past to make room for aligned opportunities. It is time to transform fear and grief into forward movement.

The Death Card – Reversed Meaning

When the Death card appears reversed in a reading, you could be grieving a recent loss or ending. Perhaps you were recently laid off from your job, or you went through a conflict that caused your relationship to end. You may need to give your feelings time to process before making a necessary change. This card reminds you to give yourself compassion as you accept your recent circumstances.

The reversed Death card may also suggest that you have felt consumed by old emotions. The past could be influencing your present situation more than you would like. You are encouraged to reflect on the thoughts and feelings that have held you in their grasp. Only when you let go of the past will you accept new beginnings.

Another interpretation of the reversed Death card is that you are struggling to break a cycle. You may have acknowledged your desire for change, but you lack a proper action plan to see it through. It is time to face your true needs and desires to manifest the growth you seek.

Love Meaning – The Death Card Reversed

When Death appears reversed in a love context, you could be having a hard time letting go of an old pattern or connection. Be patient with yourself as you grieve what could have been. It is a good time to lean on your support system as you navigate healing from a past conflict or separation. If you are single, it is better to give yourself time to recover before jumping into a new connection.

If you are in a relationship, the reversed Death card may suggest that you are struggling to break an unhealthy pattern within the dynamic. Perhaps one or both of you are bringing old fears and emotions into your interactions. Give yourself some alone time to reflect on past experiences that are influencing your perception of the relationship. Taking accountability for your fears will make way for wholehearted communication.

In more extreme cases, the reversed Death card may indicate a necessary ending that you are stalling or making excuses for. If your gut has been telling you to move on for a while, it may be time to let go.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Death card depicts a love interest who is struggling to let go of past fears, feelings, or potentials. It is best to give this person time before pursuing the connection.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Death Card Reversed

When the Death card appears reversed in a career context, you could be struggling to move on from an old position or financial circumstance. Perhaps a sudden expense made you more cautious about your spending, or you lost a job that you really enjoyed. It may be time to give yourself space to grieve the past so you can welcome new opportunities more wholeheartedly.

The reversed Death card may also indicate that you are overlooking a need for change in your work life. It is time to attune to your needs to discover what truly drains or enriches you. 

Health Meaning – The Death Card Reversed

The reversed Death card suggests you may be struggling to let go of the past. It may be time to lean on your friends and loved ones to help you accept the patterns you have outgrown.

This card could also indicate a strong attachment or habit that has been hard to shake. Be gentle with yourself as you find a way to break unhealthy patterns. It may require you to soften your expectations so the release is more doable.

Spirituality Meaning – The Death Card Reversed

When the Death card appears reversed in a spiritual context, you could be going through a time where you are repeating the same cycle. Practice self-compassion as you reflect on the lessons you have learned and develop an action plan to put them into practice.

The Death Card As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Death card represents feelings of grief and attachment. You may find it harder to let go of old patterns at this time. 

The Death Card As Actions Meaning – Reversed

When Death appears reversed, you could be avoiding a necessary ending. You are ready to move on from this stagnant energy by releasing outgrown attachments.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

In the ‘past’ position, the Death card represents a previous ending or change. You let go of an unaligned situation or commitment to make way for new opportunities. This change taught you the importance of shedding outgrown perspectives, which informs your current situation. 

Present Position

When the Death card appears in the ‘present’ position, you are actively accepting a change that must occur for your growth. You are encouraged to trust your intuition as you decide what attitudes and routines no longer serve you.

Future Position

The Death card in the ‘future’ position predicts an upcoming ending or release. Your current situation will result in a much-needed change, making room for growth and alignment.

Yes or No Meaning of The Death Card 

• The Death Card Upright and Reversed: No

When the Death card appears upright or reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. A factor of your given situation needs to be changed or released to cultivate a fulfilling outcome.

Advice and Message of The Death Card

The Death card appears to bring light to necessary change. New beginnings require proper closure from outgrown patterns. It may be time to honor your instincts about the commitments that align with your purpose. Death advises you to see endings as opportunities, not as losses or failures.

Summary of The Death Card Tarot Meaning

The Death card encourages you to welcome change into your life with open arms. Your attachments and commitments may have already served their purpose. Now you must let the past go to make way for your future. When reversed, you could be struggling to release an old pattern or cycle. It will benefit you to reflect on the feelings that complicate your search for closure. Once you listen to your inner voice about what feels aligned, you will find it easier to accept necessary endings.