The thirteenth major arcana, also known as “the nameless arcana,” Death is one of the most complex cards for the querent. However, it should never be associated with the physical death of people. On the contrary, its appearance signifies the presence of changes or transformations. Death is the card of evolution but also of fatality, disappointment, or separation. This card can be seen as the sibling of the Wheel of Fortune, focusing on a particular segment marking the beginning and end of multiple experiences.
Interpreting the Elements in the Deck
The deck features a skeleton holding a scythe in its left hand, cutting off heads, limbs, and herbs. This action symbolizes the cutting of the head of a child and a king, indicating that death and change can affect everyone, highlighting the medieval phrase “from dust we are and to dust we shall return,” demonstrating equality in its presence before both rich and poor. The bones are pink to represent the sensitivity of human life, while one foot of the skeleton is seen buried in the ground, symbolizing the integrity between life and death. The head has a moon shape to symbolize night and regression, while the herbs being cut refer to the end of bad things, making way for good things to emerge.
Death is the best representation of a part of life, acting as an agent of transformation that, although painful, must be accepted.
Death in Readings: An Approach to the Arcana of Transformations and Movements
This arcana, lacking a name in the deck, directly indicates the presence of transformations and changes that will occur in the querent’s life. It is the best indicator of the need to leave the past behind to access the future. It is a card of omens, mostly positive, as it signifies painless movements that open the doors to new desires, aspirations, and historical periods.
In an inverted position, the Death card loses all its positive effects. It becomes a clear and noticeable sign of bad luck, which may be due to the querent’s resistance to life’s changes. These changes can be perceived as negative but do not always indicate such situations. The deck should be carefully read and interpreted by the accompanying arcana. Notable combinations include:
- The Magician: Indicates approaches, joys, and friendships.
- The High Priestess: Indicates difficulty in communication or significant loneliness.
- The Hierophant: Indicates a point of balance found.
- The Devil: Indicates temptations that may jeopardize desired changes.
In any case, Death should be viewed globally as the card of the genesis of transformations for the person consulting the tarot. Its interpretation should be analyzed with great caution.
Represents: Change, transformation, the death of something in our lives, but not necessarily physical death. Often, the change is positive, bringing new opportunities or people into our lives. It announces changes and the birth of new ideas.
Esoterically, it is associated with the element Water. The 4 (13=1+3=4). It belongs to the element Water and the season of Spring.
In numerology, it represents the number 13: Change, transformation, which can be positive or negative for different people. It can be 10+3 or 6+7 or…
Meaning in the Three Planes:
- Love Plane: A change in your lifestyle is imminent, such as a move. You will experience a period of transformation. It’s the perfect time to start fresh.
- Money Plane: Do not lend money under any circumstances, as it will not be returned. Someone will try to take financial advantage of you. Be careful and stay alert!
- Work Plane: You will go through a period of transformation and changes. It’s the perfect time to start fresh and embark on new projects.
