The Card of the Day: Death
“Transformation.”
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The Death card is the tarot's most notorious symbol for change and transformation. Many people are afraid to sit at a tarot reader's table because the "dreaded” Death Card might show up! We've all seen the movies where the dark and mysterious fortune teller turns over the death card, to foretell someone's ghastly end. In reality, the Death card is a wonderful card to get in a reading. It means that conditions are going through vitally important changes, for your own good. Although not always welcome, and sometimes shocking to experience, the change is absolutely necessary. Death is ALWAYS accompanied by rebirth. Like the legendary Phoenix, you too will rise from the ashes to live a joyful life again...revitalized and renewed.
Do you struggle with accepting change? Does fear of death, keep you from actually "living" your life? What old, unneeded, part of yourself are you resistant to letting go of, even though you know it would set you free?
Death appears astride his white horse, to herald an end to the old ways. His steed marches over kings and commoners alike. No one is immune to his power. All must change. Everything that lives must die. Death's banner is a white rose on a black background. This is stark symbol of a truth that is "black and white." Light (the white flower) always emerges after darkness (the black background). Although his skeletal face looks scary, Death is not a monster. Nobody wants to see Death, even though he has the thankless job of ending suffering. Death cannot be bargained with, and eventually visits all. The King under the horse found that out. No amount of money could put off this day for him. The adolescent girl in the card looks away...unable to look Death in the face. The priest has been preparing for Death his whole life, and yet even he kneels uneasily.
Only the fearless little child in the foreground holds a flower up to death. Children don't get scared of change the way adults do... Children don't fear death, because they don't understand a fear of "the great beyond"..... They were just there not too long ago! Why be afraid of a realm of infinite joy, reunion, relief, rebirth, peace, and laughter?
Look closely at the background of the Death card...past the river...way up in the distance where the two towers form a gate. A realm of light lies beyond, represented as either a rising or setting sun. Whether it is rising or setting sun is unimportant...for as the sun setting here it is simultaneously rising somewhere else. Is that a "shining city" illuminated in the sun's radiance?
Overcoming your fear of change is the requirement of this card. Powerful symbolism, as appears on the Death card, has the power to place us in direct confrontation with what we are most resistant to. Being in denial, and avoiding making necessary changes, sets you up for a rude awakening. Why put yourself through that? However, if you cooperate with your current changes all will be alright.
Today, don't fear your changes...they are occurring as a better you is being reborn.
*Death in a Love Reading
New Relationship
The appearance of Death can indicate that the person you are interested in is still undergoing a major change. You may have to be patient and not make anything official until after their transformation is complete. Once they cross this major threshold, they won’t likely be the same person you initially fell for. Inevitably, you will have to accept who they are becoming.
Long Term Partnership
Death can indicate a major ending in the life of one or both partners. There is much transformative energy that can feel difficult to process. Some of the changes occurring may also trigger feelings of loss or grief. This partnership must face its current challenges and transformations with honesty and compassion. Everything is in flux.
Seeking Romance
If you are single, Death can highlight a difficult ending that you are still processing. Let the past be the past. Although Death can highlight a difficult change, it is truly leading toward a better future. Accept what needs to end now so you can move on to happier times.
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*This excerpt is a sneak peek at my upcoming book “Tarot in Love: Consulting the Cards in Matters of the Heart” from Llewellyn Books and available for preorder!
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