Death in Tarot: Embracing Change and Transformation

Death was my card for this March in my tarot forecast for the year. I was so eager to get through the death that I announced I was ending my therapy practice as soon as I knew that was one of the deaths meant to occur; however, before I’d really had time to fully process all of the ripples and waves that would occur in the midst of this death and rebirth, I put a date on the transition based on logic, reason, and egoic beliefs rather than my deep sacral felt sense. So, now I get to go back to the drawing board, get honest with myself and others, and try again.

It’s not necessarily a comfortable place to be, but it is where I am. I’m breaking free from the old system by not pretending to be some inhuman super hero who is infallible and makes no mistakes. I feel this promotes healing far more than anything else ever can. Ownership is a balm many of us do not yet have access to.

The themes of the Death card continue to appear as I embrace the change and transition in my career. I’m leaving my current role as a trauma therapist throughout the course of the next several months, opening up the opportunity to lean fully into the full spectrum of my spiritual gifts. I suspect several more small deaths will occur before I step fully into this next role, and I’m aware I have a few spiritual guides I’ll need to follow up with before I take any major steps.

I suspect the upcoming New Moon eclipse will bring much clarity. 

I’ve been running rituals since I was 20 years old, beginning with a mentor at 19 and helping found an eclectic spiritual circle. I have offered tarot and oracle readings for private clients on and off during a majority of my late 20s and early 30s. Only recently did I lean into the fullness of my intuitive gifts and understanding of how my clairsentience, clairaudience, and clairempathy appears and feels within me. It’s been nourishing and I am so happy to finally be leaning into the fullness of my spirit and experience. This means the death of codependency within me once and for all. 

What is fading away in your life and how do you say goodbye?

Symbolism & Interpretations 

The Death tarot card is one of the most misunderstood cards in the deck. Often feared and associated with negative connotations, it can be unsettling to see it in a reading. However, the Death card is not a sign of literal death, but rather a symbol of transformation and change

At first glance, the Death card appears ominous. The image on the card typically depicts a skeletal figure holding a scythe, standing amidst a landscape of ruins or a graveyard. This represents the end of a cycle or chapter in our lives and the beginning of a new one. The Death card is a reminder that change is inevitable, and sometimes we need to let go of old patterns and habits in order to grow and evolve.

One of the key messages of the Death card is that we need to embrace change, rather than fear it. Often, we resist change because it makes us feel uncomfortable or uncertain. We may cling to the past or hold onto relationships or situations that no longer serve us. The Death card is a call to release our attachments and trust that the Universe has something better in store for us.

The Death tarot card depicting a skeletal figure with a scythe, symbolizing the end of a cycle to usher in rebirth.

Affirmation: "I trust in the natural cycles of life and find beauty in new beginnings."

Keywords: Transformation, Change, and Rebirth.

Reflection Questions:

  • What fears or limiting beliefs are holding me back from transformation?

  • What steps can I take to move through the process of shedding old patterns?

  • What support or resources do I need to navigate this process?

  • How can I remind myself that discomfort and pain are a natural part of the transformation process?


Here in the Living LUNA community, our theme for April is “Sowing the Seeds of Curiosity!” Throughout the month of April, we'll explore the journey of the Fool alongside the symbolism of the Major Arcana cards from Tarot. Each archetype offers opportunities for self-reflection! Follow along or participate in our community by joining our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/5UkGZb9kYp

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Temperance: Balance & Harmony

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The Hanged Man: A Moment of Surrender