Death is the card of transformation, change, and rebirth. Although it has a bad reputation (made worse by B-horror movies), Death is actually one of the most positive cards in the Tarot! Death sits upright on his horse, ushering in a new era. Without winter, there is no spring. Death is the other side of life, making rebirth possible.
Death reminds us to let go of what is not serving us. When we let go of what is no longer healthy, we open ourselves to positivity and possibility. When one door closes, another opens. Similarly, Death signals that a major phase in your life is ending, but another is starting. When we lean into its energy, we can let go of the past and focus on our present and our future.
Upright Meaning:
If Death appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is transformative, symbolizing endings and beginnings, and often represents significant change. They embody the concept of metamorphosis, serving as a catalyst for profound shifts in life. This individual’s presence in your life usually marks a period of significant transformation, heralding the end of one phase and the beginning of another.
For physical characteristics, Death as a person represents someone who is enigmatic, often with an aura of mystery and a presence that hints at deep, underlying changes. They might have an intense gaze or a demeanor that suggests they have experienced profound shifts in their own life. Their appearance might seem to fluctuate or evolve over time, mirroring the constant process of transformation that defines their essence.
For emotional characteristics, Death as a person represents someone who is unafraid of transitions, often embracing change with a calm acceptance. They are typically resilient, adapting to new phases of life with an understanding that change is a natural and necessary part of growth. This person often has a deep emotional strength, providing them with the ability to navigate through life’s transformations with grace and fortitude.
Astrologically, Death as a person represents someone who is likely influenced by Scorpio, signifying depth, transformation, and the ability to navigate through life’s cycles. Scorpio’s influence in their astrological chart may endow them with an intuitive understanding of life’s undercurrents and the unseen. These Scorpio traits enhance their ability to guide themselves and others through periods of change and renewal.
For careers, Death can represent someone who works as a therapist, a change manager, or in any profession that involves guiding others through major life changes. They are often drawn to roles that involve helping others transition through different stages of life, whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual. Their profession is likely centered around the themes of transformation, healing, and guiding others through the process of letting go and moving forward.
Death as a person represents someone who makes you feel that significant transformations are imminent, urging you to let go of the old to make way for the new. Their influence in your life encourages you to embrace change, recognizing that endings are often precursors to new beginnings. This person’s presence is a reminder of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and the growth that comes from change.
Reversed Meaning:
If Death reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a person, that means that this person is resisting change, clinging to the past, or is stuck in a state of stagnation. This reversal often signifies a reluctance to let go of outdated ways of being or thinking, leading to a sense of being trapped in the past. The Death reversed individual may be struggling with the necessity of transformation, finding it difficult to move forward.
For physical characteristics, Death reversed as a person represents someone who may appear hesitant or resistant to change, often showing signs of stagnation. Their physical demeanor might convey a sense of holding back or being stuck, perhaps through tense posture or a lack of vitality in their appearance. This person’s physical presence may reflect their internal resistance to the transformative processes of life.
For emotional characteristics, Death reversed as a person represents someone who is struggling to let go, possibly holding onto outdated emotions or situations. They might experience difficulty in releasing old patterns, fears, or attachments, leading to emotional stagnation. This individual’s emotional state is often marked by a reluctance to embrace the necessary endings and beginnings that come with life’s cycles.
Astrologically, Death reversed as a person represents someone who is dealing with the challenging aspects of Scorpio, like fixation, obsession, or fear of change. Their Scorpio influences may manifest as an inability to release control or a tendency to become fixated on certain aspects of life, hindering their growth and transformation. The challenge for this person lies in overcoming these Scorpio-related obstacles and learning to trust the process of change.
For careers, Death reversed can represent someone who works in a field where they are resistant to change or are unable to move forward due to clinging to the past. They might find themselves in a professional rut, unable to progress or evolve in their career. This person may need to address their fears and resistance to change in order to find fulfillment and growth in their professional life.
Death reversed as a person represents someone who makes you feel the need to confront and embrace change, highlighting areas where growth is being hindered. Their presence in your life serves as a reminder of the importance of letting go and moving forward. Encountering the Death reversed individual prompts reflection on your own resistance to change and the need to release the past to welcome new opportunities and growth.