Death
The Death card signifies inevitable endings and the transformations they enable, emphasizing that mortality and change are natural parts of life. It represents sacrifice, closure, and rebirth, showing that what is released or lost allows new life and growth. The card urges willingness to let go—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—and to remain open to the life granted each day. Reversed, it warns of resistance to needed transformation, potential downfall, or feelings of spiritual abandonment. Magickally, it is used to invoke major change, restructure hierarchies, communicate with the dead, and work through grief.
Keywords
Description
Mortality is a consequence of life, and even though we may die a thousand deaths each day, we inevitably rise from the dust to start anew. The body is a temporary container, just as the structures we build in life are temporary. No matter what we do, change is inevitable and death is unavoidable. What is sown must be reaped and will grow no more, but through this sacrifice new life is allowed to flourish. Just as the crops in the fields must give their lives for the lives of those that eat them, so too does life in general require sacrifice.
Description (continued)
The Death card reminds us that all good things have a price and an expiration date, so we should expect to make some sacrifices and enjoy them while we can. Representing sacrifice, endings, closure, and transformation, the Death card symbolizes a path we all must take. Death may be physical, emotional, or spiritual, but in all its forms, it is still a part of life. Be willing to let go of that which is gone, and be open to life each day it is granted.
Divinatory Meanings
A turning over; a change of tides; a transformation; change; death; sacrifice; rebirth; obstacles on the path to enlightenment; a light on the distant horizon offers wisdom, strength, and hope; karma comes full circle and what has been sown is presently reaped.
Reversed
A transformation is needed but is not being attempted; a downfall; feelings of spiritual desertion.
Magickal Uses
Great for invoking a major change or upheaval, for spells to transform an existing hierarchy, and for rituals to communicate with the dead or to meditate on and move past grief.
Visual Description
A skeletal figure in a tattered, dark hooded robe carries a large curved scythe over its shoulder. The figure walks across a bleak, misty field strewn with skulls and the bodies of the dead, while a gaunt corpse crawls near its feet. A full moon glows through a clouded sky and a cart bearing a pentacle wheel is visible in the background. A decorative banner at the bottom reads "13 · Death".
Modern Spellcasters tarot
💜 Please support creators. Buy official decks.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
All card images and descriptions are taken from public sources. They are used for review purposes only. All rights to these images and descriptions belong to their creators. If you believe there is a copyright infringement, please contact us at [email protected].