Keywords: Change, transformation, end of a cycle, rebirth.
The Death card in Tarot is often misunderstood. It is not meant to scare you, quite the opposite, actually. It invites you to be smart and brave, and to recognise and accept when an end is due. This card dares you to push against your deepest fear – the fear of the unknown.
The Death card symbolises transformation, endings, and with it – new beginnings. It often points to big transformations in life, the ones that typically start with an end of a specific era.
This card warns you not to fall back on old patterns, just because they are familiar. Instead, let go of old habits, end meaningless or hurtful relationships, cut loose of all the excuses, that have held you back. The Death card dares you to distinguish between what is truly vital to you and what is not. Once you do that, you will find it easier to end things that are ready to be ended, or may have even concluded on their own accord, but you have – so far – refused to let them go.
A word of caution: As it may be hard for us to accept physical death of someone we know, it can be almost as hard to let something die metaphorically. Why? Because physical death is inevitable, but ending things by choice, especially habits and relationships that were a big part of your life, means consciously severing ties and taking a leap into unknown. It scares the living daylights out of us. That’s why ending things is equally hard, as it is important. Do not let the fear of death/the end stop you from living/moving forward.
Reversed meaning
Resistance to Change: Your’re clinging to the past. It may be old habits, toxic relationships, or situations that are no longer beneficial to anyone, but you’re still reluctant to let them go. By doing this, you are effectively tying yourself to something that is already dead (to you). Do you really wish that for yourself? Just imagine someone you love, doing the same. That’s different, right? Wrong, it’s exactly the same when it’s you. Let go.
Inability to Adapt: You’re missing out. You’re struggling to embrace new opportunities or changes that are presenting themselves. Try to be more flexible or opened to new experiences. Remember, missed chances are what we regret most, once we’re old and looking back on our lives.
Fear of Transformation: Nobody really knows what’s coming next. That’s the beauty and the big Catch 22 of life. Don’t be so apprehensive about what comes next or you won’t be able to make the necessary transitions in your life. Remember, life will move on, with or without you.
Stagnation: You might not be aware, but you’re stuck in an endless cycle. Thinking you’re moving on, you’re actually going on and on, following a well known rutine, that always ends up back where you were before. To brake your cycle, you will need to tread onto uncharted territory, willingly. That scares you? Good. To evolve takes guts and deliberation. But once you feel the change of route, your step will lighten and your frustrations and fears will take back seats to excitement and feeling of new found purpose. World, here I come.
Delayed Endings: You’re stalling. You’re holding onto something that should have come to an end a long time ago – such as your job, a relationship, or a belief system, that does not apply anymore. It will serve you better to confront these issues, rather than keep postponing or ignoring them. Bury that, which is gone. And be on your way to live your life.
