DEATH

DEATH

UPRIGHT: ENDINGS | CHANGE | TRANSITION

REVERSE: RESISTANCE | LIMITATION | DEPENDENCY

A pair of axolotls swim through the vastness of space, tails intertwined, noses meeting to connect a spiral that showcases the cyclical nature of life, death, and everything in between. Axolotls are known for their regenerative capabilities. Limbs can be replaced, portions of their body regrown entirely. Change is endemic to their nature, and they accept it, using it to better themselves and return stronger than ever. Death may seem, at first blush, to be an ominous card to draw, but it represents an ending to current situations and a new stage in life. Death is not always the end. It can be a new beginning so long as we’re not afraid to embrace the change. 

When upright, Death reminds the user that their season of change is coming. Perhaps you are undergoing a great transformation or saying goodbye to a particularly long and meaningful chapter in your life. New possibilities are on the horizon and there is no need to be fearful of what comes next. You’re entering the next step on your journey, and even if it is abrupt or unexpected in how it arrives, try to go into it with optimism. Change can be a cleansing, healing force. Let go of unhealthy attachments and walk forward with your head held high. 

When reversed, Death suggests that the user is on the cusp of a transition that will truly change their lives but is holding onto what they have now. Perhaps there is something in the past keeping you from letting go and allowing this next stage to come. The way to meaningful change isn’t always clear, and it’s okay to be nervous about that, but you are beginning to stagnate. Locked up in limbo, you don’t know where to go or what to do to move on. Remain positive and tell yourself that changing is okay. It may take some time to believe, but the better mindset you fall into the faster you’ll find yourself out of the rut your inaction has put you in.