Within the Major Arcane, along with The Devil, undoubtedly Death in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Marseille tarot and in the Rider Waite tarot is one of the cards that generates the most fear when it appears in a spread. However, you should know that its meaning is not literal, it does not mean that you or someone you know will die. It is a card of changes that presents a strong meaning, both when it appears right and when it appears inverted.
It is not physical death, as can be understood if you approach a minor arcana such as the 10 of Swords or the rest of the major arcana of the Tower. In itself it represents the things that die, that disappear from our existence. Old habits, old lifestyles that disappear or change. Work relationships, romantic relationships that somehow end, die.
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But be careful, something that dies always gives way to something new, something that is born. In nature, the rhythm of the seasons decides what must die in order to be reborn in another season. The Death card says the same thing. Something has to die to be reborn. What dies does not abandon us, but has the strength and optimism to regenerate. It is no coincidence that the Death card is followed by the Temperance card, to reinforce the idea that what dies does not disappear, but rather regenerates.
Meaning of Death in the Marseille Tarot by Jodorowsky and Rider Waite
Death is the thirteenth card of the Major Arcane of the Marseille tarot. On the map is a skeleton with a scythe, advancing between outstretched hands, feet and crowned heads: a clear representation of the Triumph of death, dating back to medieval iconography.
The character of The Death has a yellow sickle, a color that indicates intelligence, while the pink skeleton symbolizes life beyond death. On the ground are two crowned heads, depicted with an expression as if they were alive. The serenity of the almost smiling faces is due to the certainty that affections do not die with the death of the body because the soul still lives. The high rank suggests that death is the same for all and annihilates all power.
In addition to indicating divine action, the figure of the skeleton also indicates the path of transformation, clearly showing us the transition from mortality to immortality of our consciousness.
The meeting with the card of Death indicates that everything changes but is not destroyed. The card symbolizes the end of something, the occurrence of an event that can throw you into despair, but which, nevertheless, is an obligatory, albeit difficult, passage. Therefore, death is the end from which the transformation that renews all things begins.
It is inevitable and cannot be stopped, but we must accept what life reserves, therefore, a change.
The letter, despite the terrible figure of the skeleton, can be understood with a desire for positivity, both in the sentimental field, which can indicate a clarification between the couple or a painful breakup, and in the field of work, as important innovations in the race. In both cases, death announces a new opening to life and opens new perspectives for a better future.
The Death card invites the subject to have no prejudices and overcome preconceptions to achieve their goals.
On the other hand, Death can also be a dangerous card, because it can mean reprogramming one’s life in view of what must happen. If turned face down, the card can mean the end of a difficult period indicating an evolution of situations and a clear renewal of personality. And then here are projects that seemed hopeless suddenly came true when you thought all was lost.
Death to the right
Upright, the Death card indicates the end of something, leaving something without any regrets. This will bring new possibilities to the person’s life. Essentially, the Death card means that the consultant is afraid that something will happen to a person close to us or that a person has passed away. In this way, something also dies in him, because a phase of his existence ends.
What has happened must be accepted, metabolized and we must find the strength to get rid of it. If cards like the world, the ace of clubs, the ace of cups, or the wizard are associated with death, what comes next will be at its best. A change in the spiritual, mental or physical plane that will only be positive.
The Death card means that one cycle of life is ending and a new one is beginning. However, to realize your future, you must first learn to let go of the past. Once this has been achieved, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, you will experience rebirth.
Death in health
Do your best to keep your stress levels manageable during what could be a difficult phase of life. Don’t turn to drink or drugs in the effort to deal with these challenges. Instead, look inward and focus your energy on the spiritual plane.
Exercise daily, meditate, try yoga, just don’t abuse your physical and mental health through substances that could eventually lead to your downfall.
Death in love
There are few positives about drawing death in a love reading. At its best, it’s saying that your next relationship will be radically different from any you’ve experienced in the past.
To see this potentially great romance come to fruition, you’ll first have to lose your baggage and transform your habits, attitudes, and patterns to allow someone new into your life.
Death in money
Your access to money could be getting tougher soon and you will have to make some sacrifices to face the next financial challenge. Don’t worry too much when this happens: face the situation head-on and do what you must to survive these challenges. Ultimately, you will benefit from all that this period of life teaches you.
Death at work
In the context of a career, drawing the Death card serves as a warning not to be too dependent or complacent at work. If there is one constant in life it is that the center is never maintained, things are changing forever, and you might be forced to find a new job.
If you have been contemplating a new job or launched a new business, but have been reluctant due to the presumed security of your current job, death tells you that it is time to jump ship: change will be positive.
Death in reverse
Conversely, Death remains focused on the change you so desperately need, but indicates that you continue to resist. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Trust that you are taking the right steps and don’t waste time looking back.
When the card appears upside down, the fear of change arises, we do not want to face any diversity in what we are living. Stagnation is preferred to evolution. The consultant in this case clings to everything he has, opposes changing his habits or ways of life, so new opportunities could be lost. If the changes are not accepted, it means that we are not ready to love each other yet.
Death in health
In a health context, death inverted is definitely not a good sign. At its best, the card is telling you to stop ignoring your aches and pains and finally see a doctor about them. They could be the physical manifestation of an unresolved emotional issue that you have been trying to ignore, hoping it will heal on its own.
Unfortunately, it won’t. Face your problems and enjoy the relief and renewed positive energy that comes from being proactive about them.
Death in love
This is not the card you want to deal with in a love reading. It can mean that your partner will meet their demise long before you or that the death of a loved one is imminent.
Death is considered to be the card of endings, so if you are worried about the state of your relationship, it is definitely not a good sign.
Death in money
When Death appears reversed in a Tarot spread, it is an omen that a financial crisis is imminent and you will have to rethink how you manage your resources to survive.
This is a good time to reevaluate your relationship with money. More than ever, you need to put aside your bad spending habits and be more responsible with your money.
Death at work
The Death card reversed portends that it is time for a career change or a new direction in your professional life. You may be bored and fed up with your job, but you keep doing it day in and day out because you like the feeling of security that comes with a steady paycheck. Which is fine, except it’s not enforced. Start thinking about finding a more meaningful job.
Death: Combinations | special editions
An important factor to consider when analyzing a spread in which the Death card appears is that its meaning may vary according to the other cards that appear next to it, so it is of great importance that all of them are known. and each one of the possible combinations for its best interpretation.