Card 13

Death

Brief Description

The 'Lord of Shadows' card signifies transformation and movement from darkness to light, symbolizing life's pivotal moments and new perspectives. It emphasizes the elimination of obstacles, the arrival of positive changes, and the embracing of progress. Resistance to change can lead to stagnation, while cleansing allows for optimism and growth.

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Introduction

This arcana represents change and movement from darkness to light. What once hindered these changes has moved aside, allowing transformation to occur. The God of Nature, in his aspect as the Lord of Shadows, the ruler of the netherworld, stands in the shadow of the forest and observes an elderly man and his grandson leaving the well with a full bucket of water.

Symbolism of the Well

In ancient times, the well was considered a metaphor for life's energy, the magical waters of life that nurture the creative spirit and joy of existence. The man and the child represent the generational change at the source of life's waters and the satisfaction of a life lived with pleasure under the bright rays of the Sun.

Presence of the Lord of Shadows

Patient and kind, the Lord of Shadows holds a yew twig. His presence signals a transitional period in life where there are no obstacles to transformation. For necessary changes to occur, a complete cleansing is needed, as it brings progress and improvement. Sometimes these events are part of the natural course of life.

Acceptance and Transformation

Refusing to accept new perspectives can lead to loss of hope, stagnation, or lack of growth. Cleansing generates optimism by cutting off negative influences or allowing positive ones into life. Old paradigms give way to new ones, and as we move forward, old commitments are left behind.

Symbolism of Samhain

During Samhain, when the veil between worlds is exceptionally thin, this arcana brings awareness of shedding the old and the opportunity to communicate with one's inner self. This understanding is necessary for recognizing negativity and making steps toward positive changes and new directions.

Symbolism of the Yew Tree

The yew tree, covered with red berries, embodies the netherworld, change, rebirth, and renewal. The peacock butterfly, symbolizing the transition to light, gracefully flies from the shadows to the brightly lit clearing.

Meaning

Change, movement from darkness to light, search for new meaning in life, a pivotal moment in life, optimism, removal of obstacles, positive changes, new perspectives, and actions replacing outdated models.

Reversed Meaning

Stagnation, immobility, resistance to changes, the necessity to reassess self-esteem.

Key Words

Change, transformation, turning point for improvement.

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Green Witch Tarot

✍️ Deck author(s): Ann Moura, Art by Kiri Østergaard Leonard

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