Tarot Special Edition: Death Card

Pictured above: Sculpted tarot card created by Tara Palazzolo of Wicked FairyTale®. This textured interpretation of Death blends symbolism and storytelling into a tactile experience. View more at WickedFairyTale.com.

Originally published on October 17, 2023 -Archived as part of my Sacred Tools and Tarot & Compass content   

This reflection first emerged under Wicked FairyTale as a sculpted card—and like all art, it carried layers. Now, I’m bringing it into the Cards & Compass series on True Path, where we don’t just look at the cards—we listen to what they’re teaching us about transformation, resistance, and release.

Today we explore Death, the thirteenth card in the major arcana, and why I believe it’s the most misunderstood teacher in the deck.

🕯 Why Death Feels So Scary

It’s compelling that a five-letter word can hold so much power. "Death" can halt any conversation, evoking discomfort, denial, or fear. It is often whispered, rarely welcomed and frequently misunderstood.

Tarot magnifies that fear.

The Death card is often dreaded not because of what it means but because of what we think it means. The cultural associations, horror films, and dramatic interpretations all contribute to its reputation as a symbol of ill omen.

And then there’s the number 13—long associated with bad luck, misfortune, and superstition. When paired with a figure like the Grim Reaper (thank you, Smith-Waite), it becomes a symbol most querents flinch from. This does not alleviate the anxiety that comes from a querent's first experience with this contentious card, especially with the prevalence of triskaidekaphobia (severe superstition around the number thirteen). There are certain exceptions, such as Swifties, Taylor Swift followers who have been drawn into the frenzy of number 13 by her influence.  

Many others have followed after Smith-Waite with similarly disturbing representations, and it doesn't help that A.E Waite assigned the 13th major arcana card with the following meanings:

      Upright: End, mortality, destruction, corruption; also, for a man, the loss of a benefactor; for a woman, many contrarieties; for a maid, failure of marriage projects. 

      Reversed: Inertia, sleep, lethargy, petrifaction, somnambulism; hope destroyed.

🔮 Interpreting Death in a Reading

In truth, Death rarely symbolizes physical death.

Instead, it represents:

• Transformation

• Endings that lead to new beginnings

• Rebirth

• Personal evolution

• Releasing what no longer serves

Its presence usually indicates that something in your life is ready to be released—whether you welcome it or not. And while the Tower signals disruption, Death offers choice.

Even though the Death card rarely indicates physical death, the above interpretations are not the most encouraging. However, I find that many people dread change, as it can evoke a similar sense of dismay. 

Life and death are eternally repeated; new things cannot be introduced without releasing something that no longer serves us. Death is a natural aspect of our lives, and Death with a capital D represents change, transformation, rebirth, new beginnings, transitions, and release. It will occur frequently throughout an individual's life, as it serves as a transitional stage until we are ushered toward what comes next. 

The appearance of Death in a session usually indicates that a cycle is coming to an end or is about to end. When Death is drawn, it is critical to analyze the surrounding cards and locations to each other. Combined with the Tower card, this represents an unexpected change—may be a drastic transition you are unaware of; combined with the Empress card, it could represent a surprising (or long-awaited) pregnancy. 

 Context matters. When Death appears in a spread, its meaning is shaped by the cards around it. Let’s look at two contrasting examples:

📍 Example #1: Love Reading (Resistance to Change)

Spread:

• Lovers (relationship)

• 5 of Wands (conflict)

• Tower (disruption)

• Death (ending)

• 6 of Swords (transition)

• 5 of Cups (grief)

This spread suggests a relationship on the verge of collapse. Tower and Death together speak to major, often unexpected change. The querent may want to hold on, but true transformation is needed—and resisting it only prolongs suffering.

🌟 Example #2: Career Reading (Embracing Change)

Spread:

• Lovers (alignment)

• 3 of Wands (vision)

• Emperor (authority)

• Death (change)

• 6 of Swords (transition)

• 3 of Cups (celebration)

Here, Death becomes a doorway. It marks the end of one job or role and the birth of another—perhaps a leadership opportunity or fulfilling collaboration. This is Death as liberation.

🌙 A Personal Invitation to Reframe the Card

The Death card often shows up when you’re being asked to surrender something that is keeping you small.

It may feel like:

• A pattern that’s expired

• A version of you that can no longer come along

• A refusal to let go, despite the signs

Death asks: Are you ready to release what you’ve outgrown?

If the answer is no, it will return.

If the answer is yes, it will open a door.

In the end, Death is not destruction—it’s delivery.
It clears the path for rebirth, redefinition, and sacred release.
If you’ve pulled this card lately, know this:

It’s not the end. It’s the threshold.

 Until next time,  let your inner compass guide you. 🧭
💫Tara 

© 2023–2025 Tara Palazzolo, True Path Co. All rights reserved. Originally published on Wicked FairyTale® and updated for True Path Co for timeless clarity and seasonal alignment.  This piece is part of the Traveler’s Codex—designed to support your journey of inner growth and sovereignty. Sharing is welcome with proper credit. No reproduction or redistribution is permitted without written permission.