Death Tarot Card Combinations and Meanings
![]() XIII Death Correspondences:
Astrology: Scorpio Element: Water Keywords & phrases: An ending that brings major change. Death Tarot Card Meanings Death is probably one of the most familiar images of the Tarot, not least perhaps, due to the media; if Tarot cards appear in the script you can almost guarantee the Death card will be shown and suitably dramatised! Generally, the Death card signifies something coming to an end and is rarely seen or used as a predictive card for physical death by most responsible readers. The depiction and title often provokes a strong response, so it’s important to handle this card sensitively. In view of interpretation, it’s probably the most decisive card we can easily relate to, as Death suggests finality, indicating a definite ending to something. Whereas the Ten of Swords may show an ending that brings some feelings of disappointment, the Death card usually signifies an ending that’s accompanied by a major change in life. Our biggest challenge with this card is that most of us tend to resist change; we like to feel a sense of continuity and find security in the familiar, yet in the timeline of our lives we will transition through a number of major changes and some are welcome – so it’s not always bad news. For instance, ending one career to start another, the end of the single life and getting married, or finally being able to close the door on a difficult situation and move on at last. Death is like drawing a line in the sand as we transition from one way of life to another. If reversed it doesn’t tend to indicate an opposite meaning but instead can represent a prolonged ending, dragging something out, or stagnation. ![]() You'll find more information to help you in Easy Tarot: Learn to Read the Cards Once and For All! book and card set. Available from bookshops and online:
Llewellyn, Amazon.com, Amazon UK, & Wordery Death Tarot Combinations and Meanings
Death and The Fool: As one door closes... this combination represents an ending that opens up a completely new beginning. This may come about as a surprise or in a completely unexpected way but it holds an unfamiliar flavour. As both are Major cards, it suggests a fairly significant event that involves major change and major choice.
Death and The Magician: You're encouraged to believe in yourself and move forward with confidence following closure of a situation. You have the ability to manifest that which you desire and major change provides the platform. Death and The High Priestess: As something comes to an end, important information comes to light that can be helpful as you move forward. There could be hidden aspects you were unaware of. Death and The Empress: A major change of closure and completion brings about an abundant harvest as a result and you reap the rewards for your careful efforts. Death and The Emperor: You may be transitioning toward a successful period that brings more stability. You're very much in the driving seat so don't be afraid to step up and take control. More responsibility may be on the horizon. Death and The Hierophant: Watch for big changes within large organisations or institutions. When supported by appropriate cards and other indications, it can show moving from single to married life. Death and The Lovers: In the opposite order this would show the end of a relationship but, in this instance, the relationship follows closure of a situation. This could suggest a new relationship for those single, whilst for those happily attached it shows that you and your partner could be putting your heads together to make decisions on how to deal with and move forward from a major change. Death and The Chariot: Full steam ahead... moving on from a fairly significant ending with gusto. You have the ability to forge ahead, overcome any obstacles and come up trumps. Death and Strength: You have the ability to move on from a major change with courage, dignity, and good grace. Quiet determination will see you through. Death and The Hermit: The ending of a situation may bring a period of quiet reflection and contemplation. Take time to consider next steps as you make the transition. Death and Wheel of Fortune: This combination reinforces the element of change. As something comes to a close it leads to major change and transformation that opens up a new chapter of opportunity. Death and Justice: Can suggest a last will and testament, a legacy. Legal documents or contracts following closure of a matter. Death and The Hanging Man: Can indicate a long drawn out or protracted ending. A period of suspension after a major change when nothing appears to be happening. Death and Temperance: A major change restores harmony and balance to a situation. Patience and diplomacy may be required to move things forward but compromise can lead to fresh solutions that are beneficial to everyone. Death and The Devil: There may be a sense of heaviness following an ending and you could feel weighed down by the situation. Death and The Tower: An ending brings considerable disruption and upheaval that may not have featured in your plans. If this major change is within your own control then it may be better to postpone and reconsider your strategy. Death and The Star: The Star brings hope and healing with the promise of a better times ahead, following a major change and transformation. Death and The Moon: Something coming to a close could leave you with a sense of uncertainty and you may feel unsure how to proceed. There may be hidden information yet to come to light concerning an ending. Death and The Sun: A major change and transformation in some area of your life brings happiness and contentment. It suggests a successful transition as you bring something to a close. Death and Judgement: Something that was considered over springs back to life. This combination can bring revival to a matter that was closed and resurrects a situation that had ended. Death and The World: The World suggests a successful transition from a major ending and brings completion to the cycle. You should be more than pleased with the result and suggests this may have been in the making for quite some time. Death and Ace of Wands: This combination brings an ending and an exciting new beginning. For some, it may suggest a major change into a whole new way of life. Death and Two of Wands: Closure and completion in an area of life allows you to take the initial steps forward with a particular goal. Following the ending of one project you may then become involved with a working group, collaboration, or business partnership. Death and Three of Wands: The Three of Wands brings progress and expansion but not before wrapping something else up first. Things start gathering momentum and you should feel confident in your forward plans. Death and Four of Wands: Something comes to a close, bringing major change and transformation and leads to a sense of stability. Death and Five of Wands: As something comes to an end there may be a whole raft of petty obstacles following, where it feels as though it's one thing after another. Others may not be particularly cooperative at the moment. Death and Six of Wands: Death followed by the Six of Wands can suggest a major transition into a promotion. For some, it may bring important news after an ending. Death and Seven of Wands: Whatever comes to a close, you feel strongly enough about it to defend your position and you may feel suitably challenged to step forward. Negotiations may feature for some. Death and Eight of Wands: Major change arrives swiftly and the situation picks up pace to move things forward. Travel may feature for some. Death and Nine of Wands: The Nine of Wands suggests persevering and soldiering on after an ending brings major change and transformation. The situation may feel quite wearing and you may question your motives but quiet determination will see you through. Death and Ten of Wands: The Ten of Wands following the Death card suggests that something coming to a close my place you under pressure, or you could feel overwhelmed by events. As we're reading the cards in the order they're presented, this is one of those combinations that would be preferable when appearing in the opposite order, as it would show an end to the burdens! Death and Page of Wands: Can represent news concerning the end of a work position or contract, possibly a project coming to a close. However, it's likely that the Page brings good news of other work moving forward. Death and Knight of Wands: Major change and transformation with a change of residence and new home. For some, it may indicate a long journey and emigration. Death and Queen of Wands: A bright and breezy woman steps into the picture as a situation comes to a close, what happens next will depend upon her actions and behaviour. Death and King of Wands: An outgoing and dynamic man is set to transform and shape events following a major change. Death and Ace of Cups: A new beginning for love and happiness brings a major change and transformation to life following an ending. Death and Two of Cups: The Two of Cups shows the continuation of the journey following a major transition in the relationship. It appears the relationship is about to undergo a major shift and change. Had the cards been in the opposite order it would have been a completely different story - with this style of reading, card order really matters! Death and Three of Cups: Celebrating the closure and completion of some situation, so it appears to be something you're pleased about. Death and Four of Cups: You may be feeling flat and completely uninspired by events surrounding a situation that has come to a close. Death and Five of Cups: This can be a classic combination to indicate grief, in traditional terms, but also sadness and disappointment over whatever has recently ended. Death and Six of Cups: You may be feeling nostalgic and looking back over circumstances surrounding something that has ended. However, be sure not to linger on memories for too long. Death and Seven of Cups: An ending brings a myriad or options and choices. Be sure to take a realistic approach as you make your choice and move forward. Death and Eight of Cups: You may be feeling slightly disillusioned over something that has come to a close but it's time to turn your attention in a new direction and leave the past behind. Whatever has ended wasn't going anywhere anyway, so now you have the opportunity to transfer your energy into something more meaningful. Death and Nine of Cups: It appears that whatever has ended is just what you were hoping for, so something you wanted bringing to a close. Alternatively, for some, it may suggest that something that ends turns out far better than you could have anticipated. Death and Ten of Cups: This major transition in life could represent marriage for some, so the ending of one way of life for another. An ending that brings emotional happiness for the family. Death and Page of Cups: Good news on an emotional level following a major change and transformation in some area of life. Death and Knight of Cups: A significant ending leads to an offer, proposal, or invitation being made to you. Death and Queen of Cups: A kind and thoughtful lady steps into the fray following an ending in some area of your life, what comes next will be dependent upon her actions. Death and King of Cups: A major change brings an easy going and compassionate man into the picture, his actions or behaviour will be responsible for what comes next. Death and Ace of Swords: This major transition brings an ending and a new beginning and one where you can triumph over any adversity that may lie on your path. There is good deal of power and strength riding with you on this one and you're in a very good position to achieve your aims. Death and Two of Swords: There may be stalemate situation following an ending of some description. You may feel undecided or be in two minds as to how to proceed. Death and Three of Swords: An ending can bring stormy emotions or upheavals to a family situation. It suggests quarreling and strife following a major change. Death and Four of Swords: A period of rest and recovery to recharge your batteries after the stress or strain of a major transition in life. You may wish to take some time out and consolidate your position. Death and Five of Swords: Something may have come to a close but there is underhandedness at work and someone may try to gain an advantage in the situation. Be careful who you trust at the moment. Death and Six of Swords: The Six of Swords suggests moving on following an ending and brings a major transition. Life should start to turn a corner and gradually begin to improve. For some, the visual implication would be literal, with the Six of Swords representing "the ferryman." Death and Seven of Swords: Handling the ending of a situation with a great deal of care and attention. Death and Eight of Swords: An ending that results in restrictions and limitations, you may feel trapped and unsure what to do. Be careful of landing in analysis paralysis territory where self-doubts keep you locked into a cycle of mental monsters. Death and Nine of Swords: Worry and anxiety following an ending that brings major changes. Death and Ten of Swords: Whatever comes to a close, this combination suggests it's not in the way you had hoped and can leave a sense of disappointment. May indicate failed plans. Death and Page of Swords: There may be delayed or slightly disappointing news following an ending. Death and Knight of Swords: A situation comes to a close very quickly so it may catch you unawares, and the major changes it brings can lend a sense of chaos to events. Death and Queen of Swords: Can indicate a female legal representative bringing a matter to a close or dealing with the end of a situation, legacy planning etc. A straightforward and perceptive woman steps into the picture following a major change and transformation. Death and King of Swords: As above, can represent a male legal representative, solicitor etc. May show a serious and responsible man becoming involved in a situation following major change, what comes next will be reliant upon his actions. Death and Ace of Pentacles: Can indicate important financial paperwork connected to estate planning, such as wills and trusts. A legacy that entails 'gifts of gold.' An ending and a new beginning that brings the potential for a good solid foundation to build wealth and prosperity. Death and Two of Pentacles: Confidently maintaining the balance after a major change in life. Death and Three of Pentacles: Major changes in relation to your main work or career. If a work situation is coming to a close you'll be engaged in similar work or position as it suggests work you're already known for and accomplished in. Death and Four of Pentacles: You may be feeling over cautious following a major change in life, particularly with regards to finances. Stability is important to you at the moment but some reverse psychology may be required in that you need to let go slightly in order to make gains. Death and Five of Pentacles: This combination can indicate a major blow to your financial position, as it suggests an ending that brings a material loss. Something comes to a close that proves costly, watch for hidden expenses. Death and Six of Pentacles: Another combination that may be connected to a legacy, suggesting a generous gift and bequest. Always check other indications in the spread to clarify. Death and Seven of Pentacles: Can suggest the maturity of an investment policy or plan paying out as it comes to a close. The Seven of Pentacles indicates gathering in the harvest following an ending, so it could be a severance or the pay out at the end of a project. Death and Eight of Pentacles: Could indicate the end of one form of employment and the start of another, as the Eight brings new work. Would also be relevant for those finishing education and entering employment. Death and Nine of Pentacles: This combination could bring a major transformation to your finances as it places you in a very comfortable material position. Something coming to a close that pays off handsomely. Death and Ten of Pentacles: A further combination that can indicate an inheritance and family legacy. For some, it may suggest a major change and transformation that leads to stability for home and family, property may be indicated. Closing on a property deal. Death and Page of Pentacles: News concerning finances following an ending or closure of a matter. Death and Knight of Pentacles: Whatever comes to a close should be to some relief as it suggests this is a longstanding situation that may have dragged on for quite some time. Death and Queen of Pentacles: The Queen of Pentacles following the Death card shows a highly organised woman becoming involved after the closure of a situation. It may suggest a money manager or financial adviser etc. Death and King of Pentacles: Similar to above, following an ending and major transition in life, what comes next will be reliant upon the actions or behaviour of a solid and reliable man of a practical and methodical nature. The Hanging Man > Death > The Chariot: May bring a close to a frustrating period of non-movement where matters seem to have been stuck for a while and then moving forward apace, determination will help to drive the situation forward and should go well. Material provided here is in addition and complementary to the Easy Tarot series.
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