Death

The cycles of life’s change

This most unsettling of cards is a difficult one to understand.

Death is an archetype. Death is the Wheel turning. Death is the marching of time. It is inevitable.

This is not about death. It is part of a cycle we go through in our lives. Each chapter of our lives is a cycle that has a start and an end. Death is about the end, the beginning of a new cycle. The inevitable conclusion of a cycle is death, which also carries the possibility of rebirth.

The death is necessary to let go and allow us to move on to the next stage of our lives. Acceptance must be made that our lives change, that we will have to adapt, in order to learn from what lies ahead. The snake that sheds its skin doesn’t try to keep the old skin on, pretending to be yesterday’s self. It sheds all of its skin and is now able to wear its new skin as its new self.

This card symbolizes the inevitable transformation and growth. You won’t, and can’t, be the same person as you were last month, last year or last decade. It can be both a pleasant and a painful transition. It is not something you can choose, it is an inevitable process. You have the option to accept death, move with it or resist it.

Advice from the Death

There are many reasons why death appears in tarot cards. It is, most simply, a sign of change, much like The Wheel of Fortune. It is telling you that the cycles are ending and they are turning.

It’s time for you to let go.

Respectfully, this can be done. You can mark the passing of time by performing rituals. This honors life’s transformations and allows you to notice them, then move through them mindfully. You may wish to honor the transformation you are experiencing by creating a ritual. You are allowed to grieve what you have lost. Respect the people and things you have lost, if it feels right.

You can create an altar, journal, or take some time to do a tarot card reading. Perhaps you want to do some magic or perform a small ritual. Perhaps you will take a week off. You can also have a party, which is another option. It doesn’t have to be difficult or sad. A party can be used as a way to say goodbye. These are common ritual celebrations to honor change.

It is common for people to resist change. Maybe you have a past relationship or a part of your personality that you no longer believe in. It is encouraging you to let go and look ahead. Let go of the past and embrace the future.

Acceptance of other people’s changes is a must. They will, and it is not up to us to make them change. Accept the fact that you are constantly growing and changing, and the acceptance that your loved ones will do the same. It is an universal experience and an omnipresent process. This card can be used to represent a loved one. You should think about how to support them during their transition, honor it if necessary, and be open to celebrating who they are (or letting them go if this is what the change means).

You are ready to begin again. You’re ready to start a new chapter. You are ready for a new start, a fresh page. You can welcome change into your life.

Key words and concepts

Personal transformation

Start over, move on

End of a cycle

Letting go, saying goodbye

Prepare to start a new cycle

Ritual to honor change

Not resisting the flow of change and being in it

Accepting that you are changing and letting go of your old identity

Honoring the seasons in life

Here are some common symbols

Skeletons (death).

Shedding skin (change)

The grim reaper (change is imminent and is upon us)

Sunrise, the rebirth of a new day

Flowers (renewal).