Death (Reversed) | Tarot Card of the Day
“What changes are you resisting?”
Death (Reversed) | Tarot Card
When the Death card appears reversed, it asks you what changes you are resisting.
Often the answer can be found in what you are avoiding. It's time to challenge any form of denial. You know what needs changing. You know what needs your courage right now. The question is if you are going to approach your personal transformation with passive or assertive energy. Passive energy is going to make you dread change. You will say to yourself "Why is this happening to me?"
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What has been keeping you stuck and in a state of fear or immobility?
When you approach difficult changes and life challenges with courage, then you have some control over your response to this situation. Facing fears gives you great power over them. You no longer find yourself running and hiding from reality. Death reversed brings you in touch with the very things you've been avoiding. This is where you will find the next steps toward your personal evolution.
The Death card is a well-known symbol of change and transformation in tarot. Many people feel apprehensive about receiving this card during a reading. It's often depicted in movies as a dark and ominous omen, foretelling a ghastly end. However, in reality, the Death card is actually a positive card to receive during a reading. It suggests that important changes are happening, even though they may be uncomfortable or unexpected. These changes are essential for your personal growth and evolution. Although Death can be scary, it is always accompanied by rebirth, just like the mythical Phoenix. You too will emerge from the ashes of change and live a new and joyous life.
Death is depicted as a rider on a white horse, signifying the end of old ways. He is unstoppable and affects everyone, from kings to commoners. Death is represented by a white rose on a black banner, symbolizing the stark truth of life and death. Light always emerges after darkness. Although Death may appear frightening, he is not a monster. His purpose is to kindly end suffering. No one can escape his visit, not even the wealthiest or most prepared. The adolescent girl averts her gaze, while the priest kneels uneasily.
Only the fearless child in the foreground holds up a flower to Death. Children are not afraid of change or death because they do not understand the fear of the unknown realm beyond. They only know it as a place of infinite peace, release, joy, and laughter.
Look closely at the background of the Death card, beyond the river, where two towers form a gate. A realm of light lies beyond, represented by a rising or setting sun. Whether the sun is rising or setting is irrelevant, for as the sun sets here, it simultaneously rises there. Is that a shining city in the sun's radiance?
Death reversed asks you to step out of shadow and back into the light.
Confront and let go of all that which no longer serves you. This card is very healing for clearing out energy blockages. Death (upright or reversed) is always accompanied by Rebirth. Rebirth is the Yang to Death’s Yin. As the sun sets here it is simultaneously rising elsewhere. Do not fear what is changing right now. Often the fear isn't of something, but rather the fear of stepping up, taking your power back and allowing yourself to grow past this lesson. "Old and familiar" can often seem comfortable even if it's killing you inside.
The Death card requires you to overcome your fear of change. It's interesting that the card that represents change in the tarot also elicits a sense of fear. Even experienced tarot readers can be startled by this card. This shows that change, even positive change, can be scary. However, change is inevitable, and those who cannot adapt become extinct in nature. The changes you are experiencing are leading you to a new life. Other cards in the reading will provide insight into which areas of your life are undergoing change. Be brave and let go of what no longer serves you. The light of rebirth awaits you.
Have courage because the transformation you are resisting will lead to a better you. Let your changes happen. Your sun will rise again.
Looking to learn more? Click on the card names below:
Discover the Death card Upright meaning.
Learn what the Death card means in matters of love, as part of my ‘Tarot in Love’ series.
