When pulled upright this card is about being about to go through a major change, transition, or transformation. The old you needs to die to make room for the new you. This may seem scary because you are likely unsure of what will happen in your future. Despite being scared welcome the change because you are opening new doors. This card can also mean that you need to let go of unhealthy attachments that you have going on in your life. Moving forward is one of the lessons of the death card.
When pulled in reverse this card is about you resisting change. You may be holding onto the past or you may be unsure of what changes are happening for your future. But limiting the change and holding on to the past can limit your future. It is okay to be afraid but you still need to move forward. The death card doesn’t have to be about regret especially if you listen to its warning.
Here is a tarot spread that focuses on the death card. It is great for dealing with change and recognizing your initial reactions to it. First I would take the death card out of the deck and meditate on it while thinking about changes going on in your life. Then shuffle and deal the cards as you see fit.
Card 1: This card is the change, the Death. This is the sun setting, the inevitable force that cannot be stopped or slowed.
Cards 2, 3 and 4: These cards represent things that have died, aspects of yourself that are gone or have been cut off. They can represent your innocence, ignorance, blind faith, control, something in its bloom. Name them.
Card 5: This card represents the person you were before, that which you no longer are.
Card 6: This card represents you just after the change, ways to mourn, sorrow to acknowledge before you can go on. Also acceptance or ways toward acceptance.
