Death

Death is card number 13 of the major Arcana and it is one that many people, often those new to the tarot, dread seeing come up in a reading. Death is arguably one of the biggest taboos of the Western world and is a topic that is often avoided. This death card (from the Tarot of Trees) would seem to echo this dark message. A tree lies forlornly on the ground having been felled. It is a dire image and can cause much initial sadness.

However, Death does not necessarily, or even usually, indicate physical death. In fact, in general, it is considered irresponsible for readers to predict physical death, as we are all creatures with free will, and such things are not written in stone. This card simply indicates transformation and change. This is definitely a time of deep transformation, likely to be both inner and outwardly in your life. Situations, things, and people that you have counted on or gotten used to may no longer be available to you in quite the same way as they once were, and this transition can be difficult for some people.

The more accepting you can be of change of all sorts during this time, and the less you try to "control" the better and the more comfortable this time will be for you. Often what you need to "let go of" is some sort of self-limiting belief or attitude. Sometimes we just can't see how our attitudes are hurting us, and when that is true, this time period can be a wake-up call. The energy of this time is not just change or destruction; it is change or destruction followed by renewal. Even though one door may have closed, another is opening. Will you have the courage to step through?

"What is death to a tree? A permanent change. Although the tree may no longer be growing outside, its wood is made into other objects that live on. Its existence altered, but not undone."