DEATH, 13/XIII
The Lesson - Endings & Renewal
John Everett Millais. Detail of ‘Ophelia’. 1851-52.
The Lesson is Renewal: The Fool realizes that life is about significant change, death of the old, purification, transformation, transition and renewal.
Death corresponds with the zodiac sign of Scorpio, a sign of regeneration, which governs reproductive and sexual organs.
Number Association: 13, 4 (13 = 1 + 3 = 4)
Physical Body Associations: Reproductive and sexual organs.
Upright Death's Energy Wellness Advice
Most people superstitiously believe that the Death card represents an actual physical death. Unless the other cards in the reading also point toward a possible death, this is not the case, although Death does often mean a release from pain, both physical and emotional.
Death most often represents the end of a phase in your life or a transition between the old you and the new you. This is a natural process.
Decayed situations, dead atmospheres or attitudes need to fall away. It is time for natural ends and closure.
This card can symbolize a complete severance with the past. It indicates that a brand new way of life is in the offing.
Cycles may be coming to a close, a door may be closing and a new window opening that offers betterment.
A project may be completed.
A major life change is about to take place. You may be facing marriage or divorce, leaving home, relocating, career moves or parenthood. Someone may move away.
A loss is possible. Look to the other cards for insights as to what that loss may entail.
There may be new opportunities and possibilities now. Be willing to accept them.
An inheritance may come you way, but not without grief.
Reversed Death's Energy Wellness Advice
You are resisting some sort of change, most likely from insecurity on your part, and you may feel as though you are stagnating. Clinging to the past, or even the present, can make one feel as though everything remains the same day after day.
Death can represent a situation, or an attitude, that is dead or 'deathlike', having no positive 'energy' or high vibration.
There is something in your life that is over? Whatever it is, it is time to let it go or to change things somehow. Mourn, grieve and move on.
In business or projects, downsize, consolidate or liquidate.
Fear of change hinders growth. Some attachment, person or power may be keeping you from your destiny and moving into a better way of life.
Do you feel stifled but unable to risk change? Are you ignoring your own happiness? Denial of a situation or feelings, such as fear, resentment, jealousy and anger can affect your health, especially your heart.
Occasionally, Death can mean that you are worrying too much about your health (hypochondria). If this is you, get a check up to prevent serious illness, which, depending on other cards in your reading, may already exist.
Death may imply some form of decay, such as in cancer, tooth cavities or skin disease. it may also mean decayed attitudes and situations. It may also suggest physical decay of the environment.
At the moment, you may be procrastinating and not willing to make any changes, but you will be forced to change eventually and to cut out those things that are unnecessary or self-defeating in your life. Try to avoid self-pity.
The Captains Lady's Energy Wellness Recommendations
Dealing with any kind of ending can be difficult. Whether you are losing fifty pounds, seeking a divorce, folding a business, or saying goodbye to a dear friend who has been battling cancer, the resulting emotions and changes can leave one angry, apprehensive and fearful. Acceptance does not come natural in situations that alarm, confuse or hurt us. Yet, acceptance, at some point, is what is needed to move forward.
Mourning and grieving for too long of a period, coupled with negative emotions such as fear, anger, resentment or regret sets a stage for physical disease (including physical reproductive area disorders and decrease libido, which are especially related to the Death card) and spiritual decay. Add denial and you are set for disaster.
The key word when it comes to the Death card is not so much 'death' as it is 'change'. As long as we resist change, we won't change because what we resist is our focus and so it persists. Resistance can throw you into to the sinking spiral of depression and a feeling that life never changes, that every day is the same (which it will be) and, eventually that you no longer wish to be here. Not good. 'Dealing with Negativity' may help you through this transition period.
During this time of change, it is important to nourish your body. 'The Natural Weigh' can help you with finding a balanced approach to eating that will increase you energy naturally.
For problems concerning the change of life (menopause and andropause), decreased sex drive and the reproductive system, visit "Is It Hot In Here?!"
For help in getting grounded or clearing your 'space' of negative vibes, 'Creative Ritual!' and 'Claiming Radiance!' contain valuable tips.
"God is the God of the living, not of the dead." Jesus said.
What does this mean? It means that there is no such thing as death. If there were, then God would be the God of the living and of the dead. Right about now you are probably shaking your head and thinking that God is a God of opposites, that you cannot have life without death (light without dark, etc.) and so therefore I have just written alot of mumbo-jumbo. However, Jesus said it, not me. I believe him. I have faith in his words.
Take comfort in knowing life is eternal. We are all on our way to someplace else and in this someplace else our loved ones still exist and are with us. When you are troubled, call upon them, upon angels, upon the saints, upon everyone gone before you, to help you and comfort you in your hour of 'change'.
Copyright, 2006, all rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or introduced into retrieval systems, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the written permission of The Captains Lady.
