Learn the Tarot: Death Meaning
Learn the Major Arcana with That Oracle Guy Patrick. Together we’ll dive into the meanings, symbolism, and history behind each card — with affirmations, journaling prompts, and theme songs to help ground the lessons into your daily life. The Wisdom of the Major Arcana is yours to claim.
#13 Death, Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck
Meeting Death:
The Fool had faced many lessons: truth, surrender, stillness. Yet nothing could prepare him for the figure waiting in the next chapter of his journey: Death.
Cloaked in black armor, riding a pale horse, Death was neither cruel nor kind.
He simply was — inevitable, impartial, and absolute. Around him, life both withered and blossomed. A king had fallen; a child reached out curiously; a priest standing in reverence. The river flowed on, and the sun rose between two towers in the distance.
The Fool trembles, afraid.
“Is this the end?” he asked.
Death shook his head gently.
“No. This is the transformation you’ve been preparing for.”
In that moment, the Fool understood.
Death is not destruction. Death is release. Death is clearing space for rebirth.
The old self — with all its fears, illusions, and worn-out dreams — had to be shed for something truer to emerge.
As Death passed by, the Fool felt lighter. Emptier, but freer.
He stepped forward into the unknown, knowing that something precious had ended — and because of that, something miraculous could begin.
Keywords for Death:
Transformation
Endings
Release
Rebirth
Transition
Renewal
Change
Liberation
Associations:
The Element: Water (emotion, receptivity, reflection, release)
The Planet: Pluto (death, rebirth, transformation, the underworld)
Zodiac: Scorpio
Card Symbolism:
The Skeleton in Armor: Represents what is eternal after superficial things fall away. The armor shows invincibility—death comes for all, rich or poor.
The White Horse: Symbolizes purity and spiritual progress. Transformation is a pure and necessary force.
The White Rose Flag: Represents purity, rebirth, and new beginnings growing from the end of something else.
The Rising Sun: Implies cyclical nature — after every night, the sun rises. Death leads to a new dawn.
The River: Represents the continuous flow of life and consciousness. Life moves forward after endings.
The Two Towers: Symbolize gateways to the unknown—a transition into a new phase of existence.
The Fallen Figures (King, Bishop, Maiden, Child): Show that death is the great equalizer, impacting every social class, every age.
Death’s Calm Posture: He rides peacefully, not aggressively, symbolizing that endings are natural and should not be feared.
Roman Numeral XIII: 13 is often seen as an unlucky number in popular culture—but in Tarot, it signals transformation, upheaval, and spiritual initiation. 1 + 3 = 4, linking it numerologically to structure and stability—showing that transformation ultimately leads to a new, stronger foundation.
Upright Meaning:
Transformation is in your hands.
Death is an act of self-realization, of radical self-change. You can kickstart your own evolution — and that means releasing people, places, and beliefs that no longer serve you.
Death is change, and you can be the one that determines that change for yourself. Don’t be afraid of letting things go. When you say goodbye to an old version of yourself, that’s when you’re given the opportunity to grow into who you always wanted to be.
Death heralds in growth — the white rose is you.
Contrary to popular belief, Death is a beautiful omen. You will become someone new, someone you want to be.
Trust in the process. Let what wants to go, go.
Reversed Meaning:
When you fail to recognize that change is inevitable, and you fail to empower yourself to let go of people, places, and things that no longer serve you … that’s when you see Death in Reverse.
What are you afraid of? You know this change is necessary, but you’re not doing it — ask yourself why. It’s not your job to know what the future holds for you. It’s your job to know what doesn’t work for you, and to advocate for those changes. To liberate yourself. And by empowering yourself and this decision, you transform for the better.
Who benefits from you not empowering yourself?
It’s 100% okay to be afraid. The most courageous people in the world are afraid. But you know what makes them courageous, makes them brave? The fact that they do it anyway.
Be your own hero.
Journal Prompts for Death:
What part of my life, identity, or beliefs is asking to be released right now?
How have endings in my past led to unexpected blessings or transformations?
What fears do I have about letting go? What might lie beyond those fears?
How can I honor the death of an old chapter while welcoming the birth of something new?
Affirmations:
“I honor the cycles of endings and beginnings in my life with grace and openness.”
“I release what no longer serves me to create space for transformation and rebirth.”
“Through surrender, I find freedom and growth beyond what I imagined.”
Theme Song:
Shake It Out by Florence + The Machine, 2010
About The Author
Patrick is an evolutionary tarot reader specializing in deep, transformative tarot sessions that empower clients to gain clarity, break limiting patterns, and navigate life with confidence. As a lifelong believer that there are no coincidences, he knows firsthand the power of tarot and oracle cards as a north star for your personal growth.
Ready to experience a deeper tarot journey? Book a reading today or explore more articles and resources at: ThatOracleGuy.com
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