Death

The end of one chapter and the start of the next. Despite its name the card is rarely about literal death. It stands for change that cannot be undone and the renewal that follows.

Upright

• endings
• transition
• release
• renewal

The end of one chapter and the start of the next. Despite its name the card is rarely about literal death. It stands for change that cannot be undone and the renewal that follows.

Reversed

• resisting change
• clinging
• stagnation
• slow transition

Holding on to something that has already ended. Reversed, the change is delayed or resisted, and the card asks what is being kept alive out of habit.

Not every reader uses reversals. Many treat a reversed card as the same theme, blocked, delayed or turned inward.

In the picture

A skeleton in black armour rides a white horse and carries a black flag with a white rose. A king lies fallen, a bishop pleads and a child and a woman look on, while a sun rises between two towers.

Astrology and numerology

Death is linked with Scorpio, a fixed water sign, and so with the element water.

Its number reduces to 4, which numerology associates with structure, order, discipline. See every card that reduces to 4.

Yes or no

In yes or no tarot, Death counts as a no when upright, and as a yes when reversed. This follows a common convention and not a rule from the deck's makers.

Tarot is a tradition of symbolism. This page says what readers traditionally associate with the card. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.