7 lies you have been told about the Death Card

Suen R. Duit
7 min readDec 30, 2023
The Death Tarot Card. A decorated skeleton is in the front. The skull is decorated with feathers and crown. The skeleton has a staff in its hand. AI image created with Leonardo.ai
Image created by Leonardo.ai

Alright, sweetheart, time to spill the mystical tea and set the record straight.

You’ve been dancing with the death card ALL WRONG!!

It obviously isn’t a bad card, nor does it act as the celestial Grim Reaper coming for your soul.

So, let’s put an end to the doom and gloom drama surrounding it, shall we?

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Myth 1: The Death card signifies physical death.

The Death Card (Rider-Waite Tarot Deck). For more information, click here.

Now, some folks out there might think this card is a Grim Reaper RSVP, but honey, they couldn’t be more wrong. The Death Card isn’t some cosmic messenger sliding you a death sentence. Nah, it’s more like the universe sending you a telegram about redecorating your life. Sure, it likes to wear the spooky skeleton costume, but underneath, it’s all about transformation, change, and the ultimate glow-up.

That skeletal figure? Just a reminder that life is like a rollercoaster — it has its ups, downs, and loop-de-loops. The Death card is the ride operator saying, “Hey, it’s time to switch things up.”

Think of it as the grand finale of one chapter and the curtain rising on another. It’s not about bidding farewell to your existence but more like upgrading to the deluxe version of yourself. The Death card is the cosmic stylist saying, “Out with the old, in with the fabulous.”

Myth 2: Drawing the Death card predicts a literal death in the future.

The Death Card from Dark Wood Tarot Deck.
Dark Wood Tarot Deck

No, no, and a big fat NO! Don’t get all jittery thinking the skeleton is predicting our final act. That’s just not how this mystical stuff works.

The cheeky skeleton might be a spooky memo that life’s as temporary as last week’s manicure. But here’s the kicker: it’s not about your actual expiration date. It’s a metaphor saying, “Break up with your old habits, I’m bored!” It’s all about waving goodbye to old junk — habits, beliefs, or that ex who never learned personal space — and saying hello to fresh starts and growth.

So, to all the folks out there sweating bullets over the Death card, take a chill pill. The universe is NOT signing your obituary; it’s an invitation to the ultimate cosmic makeover party. Embrace it with courage, darling, and get ready for the show-stopping sequel of your life!

Myth 3: The Death card is always negative.

Dungeons and Dragons Tarot Deck

It’s not wise to label anything as entirely negative! That dude is not a messenger of misfortune but your cheerleader for transformation and rejuvenation.

Think of it like a wardrobe overhaul but for your soul. The Death card is the Anna Wintour of Tarot, asking you to declutter the beliefs, relationships, or habits that are so last season. It’s not a bearer of negativity but a herald of transformation, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Life’s a bit like the changing seasons, right? The Death card is your reminder that through the cycles of letting go, you open the door to new opportunities and experiences. So, no need to fear the Death card, darling; it’s your guide to navigating change with style, resilience, and a sprinkle of cosmic optimism.

Myth 4: The Death card implies a fixed and unavoidable fate.

Everyday Witch Tarot Deck

Darling, don’t you ever think that life is set in stone! The Tarot is your cosmic GPS, not a crystal ball predicting your fate. The cosmic puppet master is not pulling the strings of your destiny. Oh no, it’s the celestial GPS recalculating your route when life takes unexpected turns.

This card doesn’t decree an unalterable destiny; it’s a cosmic guidebook, nudging you to recognize the need for evolution. The Death Card is about navigating the rapids of change, not being swept away by them.

Now, let’s talk about free will — the star of the show! The Death card isn’t here to handcuff you to some preordained path. It’s waving a flag, saying, “Hey, you’ve got choices!” Tarot is your tool for self-reflection and empowerment, emphasizing your ability to shape your journey with your decisions.

Myth 5: Receiving the Death card means a lack of control.

The Death Card from Marvel Tarot Deck.
Marvel Tarot Deck

Now, let’s clear the cosmic fog around here! Drawing the Death card doesn’t mean you’re losing control — au contraire! It’s like a cosmic pep talk, encouraging you to take the reins of your life with style.

This misinterpretation is like thinking the Death card is here to snatch away your steering wheel. Nope, it’s more like the universe tossing you the keys to the spaceship of transformation. It’s your cosmic coach, urging you to assess, release, and Marie Kondo your life. So, grab the cosmic steering wheel, steer your ship with purpose, and dance through life’s twists and turns with confidence and mindfulness.

The Death card doesn’t snatch it away; it hands it to you on a celestial platter. It’s a gentle reminder that true control comes from your ability to adapt, evolve, and make choices with intention. It’s like the universe saying, “You’re the boss of your destiny, sweetie.”

Forget about surrendering to fate; the Death card is your superhero cape, empowering you to acknowledge and embrace change. It’s not the villain; it’s the hero in your cosmic story. It’s your internal guide, nudging you to confront change with resilience and an open heart.

Myth 6: The Death card is always a bad omen.

The Death Card from Wild Wood Tarot Deck. It shows crows sitting on the skull of a deer. More crows are flying behind.
Wild Wood Tarot Deck

No, no, no dear! Shake off those spooky vibes around the Death card because, believe me, it’s no harbinger of doom and gloom! There’s a widespread misunderstanding that this card is some sort of cosmic Debbie Downer, but let me spill the tea — it’s not.

Transitions aren’t roadblocks; they’re pitstops for personal growth and renewal. Sure, change can be a bit uncomfortable, like wearing brand-new shoes. But, sweetie, those shoes take you to new places!

So, next time the Death Card makes an entrance, throw a little confetti instead of running for cover. Embrace the cosmic dance of transformation, and watch as it unfolds into a spectacular show of personal growth and fulfilling chapters in your life.

Myth 7: Drawing the Death card means the end of everything.

The Death Card from Modern Witch Tarot Deck
Modern Witch Tarot Deck

The idea that the Death card in Tarot is a cosmic red alert for the apocalypse is just a tad dramatic, don’t you think?

Truth alert! The death card is not here to announce the end of the world! That’s like thinking a fire alarm means your morning toast is doomed. It’s not about turning your life into a Hollywood catastrophe; it’s just suggesting you might want to change the genre.

The Death card is your cosmic gardener, pruning away the dead branches to let new blooms flourish. Life’s a continuous cycle, sweetheart, and the Death card is your guide through the twists and turns. The card is not telling you to pack up your bags and head for the hills. It’s setting you up for a makeover in the Soul Salon!

Embrace the change with courage and openness. It’s not the end of everything — it’s the beginning of something new and fabulous.

Get ready for the truth drop:

The Light Seers Tarot Deck

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about interpreting tarot cards, especially our mysterious friend, the Death card. Picture it like unlocking the secrets of a cosmic treasure map — it’s all about intuition, symbolism, and a sprinkle of personal reflection.

When you lay out those tarot cards, including our skeletal friend, remember it’s a dance between intuition and symbolism. Your gut feelings and the symbols on the cards are like the cosmic Morse code, spelling out a unique message just for you.

And here’s the twist — the Death card’s message is like a puzzle piece, fitting into the grand tapestry of your reading. It’s not a solo act; it’s part of the cosmic orchestra playing your life’s soundtrack.

So, dear seeker, as you embark on your tarot journey, let your intuition waltz with the symbols, and sprinkle in your reflection. The Death card, like all tarot cards, is your guide through the cosmic maze, unlocking the mysteries of your unique circumstances.

Trust the cosmic vibes, darling, and let the cards unfold the story of your journey. Happy exploring! 💀🔮✨

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