Death (XIII)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Saturn in the 8th house. The Planet of Limit, of separation and farewell, of dying and rebirth.

DEATH Death is parting, farewell, the end. Thereby it proves to be the herald of something new and forthcoming, although at first glance you would not say so from the card itself. Nevertheless, the card is rather a good one, because this end is natural — we have long awaited it, because it is a liberation, although accompanied by sorrow and pain. In contrast to the Ten of Swords, which signifies a violent, that is, premature end, this card symbolizes a natural ending, indicating that the time has come to part with someone or something. So it is quite in vain that it is associated with grief alone. Or, conversely, it is regarded only as the beginning of something new, without grasping the meaning of the symbolism of Death as both beginning and end at once, as the bitterness of parting and the joy of expectation. "We have separated life from death and filled the gap between them with fear," wrote Krishnamurti. — "Yet there is no life without death."

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

13 — DEATH Scorpio The thirteenth card of the MAJOR ARCANA is called DEATH and depicts a skeleton mowing down heads, arms, and legs rising up from the earth. In the course of these labors he evidently cuts off one of his own legs as well. This detail is not present in all decks, but it definitely points to the philosophical truth that imbalance and destruction are synonyms. The skeleton is the emblem of the first and supreme Deity, since it is the foundation of the body just as the Absolute is the foundation of Creation. The skeleton exoterically signifies DEATH, and esoterically — the irresistible impulse of Nature, which every being acquires toward the final transition into the divine state in which it dwelt before the creation of the illusory Universe. The blade of Death's scythe is depicted in the form of the sickle of the Moon, with its resplendent power. Both poor and rich — all are subject to death. In some decks DEATH is depicted clad in armor upon a snow-white horse, trampling under hoof both young and old. Life, drawing its energy from death, conquers DEATH, and being represents the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. On the TAROT card DEATH rides her horse triumphant, but out of the earth there rise up again the people cut down by her scythe. Ancient man did not realize that he was mortal: for him, death was the death of the clan, and the soul was conceived as being passed on from grandfather to grandson. The notion of one's own death arises when a person becomes aware of his "I," his individuality, although ancient myths insist that he was conceived as an immortal creation. Death, in fact, does not exist: it is fragmented into flickering frames of a many-times-replayed scenario, while life, being the core of Being, abides eternally. That is why the Egyptian god of the underworld, Anubis, was always depicted walking, and the Virgin (Life) with an ear of grain in her hand, standing — symbolizing that death is transient, and life is eternal. "Nothing is destroyed, all is replaced and shifted, and when beings change, obeying the eternal order, among men this is called dying." DEATH opens the doors of the true light and, serving as the transformation of the old in the name of the birth of the new, is astrologically associated with the sign of Scorpio. The motto of the Thirteenth ARCANUM is — "Die and be reborn, rise up and pass on." In a certain sense, the Thirteenth ARCANUM is a good card if you are not frightened by the necessity of changes and of deep, radical transformations. The meaning of the ARCANUM "DEATH" can also be linked to a person's victory over himself and to his return to a normal way of rational thinking. If you have failed to complete the cycle at the dozen and to come out again at the unit, the devil's dozen awaits you. Is it worth fearing? This ARCANUM is often accompanied by fear. But it is also inner wisdom, the recognition of the expediency of what is happening, the ability to forgive and to bid farewell. In Crowley's system the Thirteenth ARCANUM is the medieval "Dance of DEATH," a beloved allegory adorning many temples: a round dance led by DEATH, from participation in which neither rich man nor poor man could shy away. The skeleton and the scythe (the figure of DEATH) are important attributes of Saturn, the planet that represents the fundamental structure of our being. The scythe (or sickle) is also connected with the waning Moon, and through it with Hecate, the dark deity of death, from whom time itself (Saturn) took away the blessing of having children and turned into a malicious being bringing only destruction. Among the zodiacal objects, DEATH is connected not only with the sign of Scorpio, but also with the Eighth House — "the abode of DEATH." Nor must we forget that Scorpio is connected with sex and the reproductive organs. The inseparable connection "Love — Death" is also widely represented in medieval allegories. For love one can earn a dagger in the back, and one can die in childbirth.

In the upright position the card means that your worldview is expanding. You are renouncing limitations, and for you "DEATH" does not mean a physical end, but speaks of the ending of an existing situation, which presupposes deep changes in the psyche and in views of the world. The card DEATH is a symbol of changes. The cards that follow will tell of what changes await you. But in any case you will have a chance for a new start in life. In general, the key foretells the end of the old life, the inevitable losses connected with this, including the conclusion of some acquaintance or friendship, possibly the loss of sources of income. However, the beginning of a new epoch always has a tinge of anxious joy.

In the reversed position the card symbolizes fear of changes, stagnation in affairs, working by force of will, slow changes in life, and the inconveniences and unpleasantnesses connected with these. If there are good cards nearby, then this is a slow advancement toward good changes, giving grounds to suppose that you are close to comprehending the true essence; — "Who are you? Why are you such as you are?" A special gift of insight regarding yourself and others descends upon you. "Remember, that death — is only a rebirth into another life and the beginning of our immortality." Papus