Below is an excerpt from the Dark Days Tarot Guidebook by Emily Mundy
XIII. Death
There’s a twinkling, teeming universe next door to us at all times and it takes transformation of the self to find rebirth within it. The cycle of death and regeneration inside allows for the development of consciousness and the promise of rebirth into a new state of being. Conclusively, no ending can be avoided, but solace is attainable for those who see this metaphysical death as opportunity. Although the process of radical release may be sore and laborious, you will be granted revival. Perhaps, the point then is to find relief in your own re-blossoming, and to not be afraid of its spurt.
Suggested prompts:
upright: transformation; cyclical beginnings; rebirth
right: readiness; kinetic motion
left: withdrawal; regression
reversed: retraction; holding in; refusal to let go
A skull with an explosion of birds and flora reflect the sweet release of finality and the freedom inherent in never-ending change. Dark moons reflect the “death” of that lunar cycle and the birth of a new one.
The Death Tarot card does not connote literal death, necessarily. With that in mind, all Tarot interpretations are is subjective to the individual situation at hand.
Death is a closing door that opens another; a swift change; an essential accent or descent to another frequency.
I delight in seeing the Death card in readings. I’ve noticed that people often most desire the change they fear most, and so they are perpetually reluctant to act authentically, which creates that ''stuck'' feeling.
I can’t even tell you how many readings I’ve done in which the Querent desires to know what possibilities lie ahead for themselves, and then they’ll proceed to argue with the cards as they fall, forgetting that the cards are mirrors.
You can’t argue with the Death card. Everything dies. Everything composts and becomes something different after a while.
Take this opportunity to embrace and release fears and other emotional baggage, so you can get out of your own way. When we thank our fears for their service, they often politely pack up and leave.
Additionally, sleep is considered the “little death” by some. When this card appears, get some extra shut-eye. Deep sleep is in order.
Be born anew from this transition. Opportunity is everywhere, all the time.