The essential meanings of this Major Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: Death upright symbolizes transformation, endings, and renewal – not literal death, but a phase of profound change. It often means that one chapter is closing so that a new one can begin, like shedding an old skin. Upright, this card encourages accepting the natural cycles of life and letting go of what no longer serves you. It can be challenging, but it ultimately leads to growth, rebirth, and positive transformation, paving the way for new opportunities.

Reversed: Death reversed can mean resisting change or being stuck in limbo. You may be holding onto a situation or mindset that is long overdue to end, leading to stagnation. This card reversed urges you to confront your fear of change and to allow the necessary transition to happen. It’s a reminder that clinging to the past can sometimes be more painful than the ending itself, and that once you let go, you create space for growth and renewal.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: In love, Death is the dusk that promises a new dawn. It can mark the end of a chapter in your heart — perhaps a breakup or the closing of old wounds — but within every ending lies the seed of transformation. By releasing what no longer serves you (old heartbreak, toxic patterns), you create space for a rebirth in love: a healthier relationship dynamic or even a new love that rises from the ashes of the old.

Career: In your career, Death heralds a significant ending or transition. It could mean leaving a job, the conclusion of a major project, or a radical shift in your career path; initially this may feel like a loss, but it’s clearing the way for new opportunities. Like a phoenix, your professional life is set to be reborn — by embracing change and shedding old roles or routines, you open the door to a fresh path and renewed ambition.

Spirituality: Spiritually, Death is a rite of passage that leads to profound rebirth. Old beliefs, habits, or identities fall away like autumn leaves, making room for your soul’s evolution. This transformation, though intense and requiring the mourning of what was, ultimately brings renewal — an awakened sense of self and a closer alignment with your true spiritual path, as the old self dies and a wiser self emerges.