13 - Death

Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.

Death is a skeleton wearing black armor astride a white horse (or "pale horse," to reference the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse), marching steadily forward. In one hand, the skeleton holds a black flag that depicts the White Rose of York.

Below Death, a king in finery lies dead, his crown knocked away from his head. In front of the horse, a woman and child with flowers in their hair kneel. The woman's head is turned away, her eyes closed, while the child is looking up at the approaching Death. A religious figure in yellow robes and a hat styled like a Pope's holds his hands out as if in prayer, beseeching. All are smaller and beneath Death itself.

In the far background, a long scene unfolds, showing barren fields dotted with cross-shaped graves. Further, a ship can be seen sailing on distant waters. A pair of towers stand in the distance atop a cliff, and the sun seems to be rising or setting beyond them. The sky is gray.

In Readings: Upright

Although the card is named Death, and the Horseman of Death is depicted in the art, this card doesn't necessarily mean literal death. With the many deaths shown, it does indicate an ending -- one that doesn't discriminate based on gender, age, or status.

In the upright position, this card indicates that a change is on the way. It cannot be stopped even by a rich king. This may suggest an ending of something, but it may also suggest a transformation from one state to another. When faced with Death, though a life may stop, what becomes of what remains?

Card Combinations:

Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.

Four of Swords: Allow this change to occur naturally, without rushing or forcing it.

Ace of Wands: You will soon have the power to make the positive changes you want to see in your world.

Four of Pentacles, reversed: Expect a shift in financial stability despite anxious preparations and refusals to engage.

Strength, reversed: You cannot resist the will of time.

In Readings: Reversed

In reverse, the natural order of change and transition has been interrupted. Whether out of fear or a lack of existing movement, events are at a standstill. This is an unsettling, unpleasant experience. Even if the pause is wanted, there may be a sense of anticipation or dread for when someone or something nudges events into motion once again.

This card may also suggest that the change to come is going to be particularly painful or unpleasant. Instead of a peaceful transition, it claws and grates and resists at every possible moment. This is a change unwanted.

Card Combinations

Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.

Eight of Cups: There is a need to move on, but something is holding you back. What is it?

Three of Pentacles, reversed: This group's dysfunction is creating delays in the overall project.

Four of Wands: You don't need to change anything; it's good the way it is.

Knight of Cups: The arrival of a new flame should be exciting and refreshing, but they're just making you anxious with everything they're changing in your life.

Other Perspectives

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