Death as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

Death is the card of transformation, change, and rebirth. Although it has a bad reputation (made worse by B-horror movies), Death is actually one of the most positive cards in the Tarot! Death sits upright on his horse, ushering in a new era. Without winter, there is no spring. Death is the other side of life, making rebirth possible. 

Death reminds us to let go of what is not serving us. When we let go of what is no longer healthy, we open ourselves to positivity and possibility. When one door closes, another opens. Similarly, Death signals that a major phase in your life is ending, but another is starting. When we lean into its energy, we can let go of the past and focus on our present and our future. 

Upright Death as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw Death, it means that transformation, endings, and the need for letting go to make way for new beginnings are shaping your current experiences. This card suggests that you are at a pivotal point where significant change is not only imminent but necessary for growth. It’s a reminder that while endings can be difficult, they are often precursors to fresh starts and opportunities, urging you to embrace the cycle of renewal.

Death as external influences can represent people such as transformative figures, those who catalyze change, or situations that signify the end of one phase and the start of another, impacting your life significantly. These influences might come in the form of mentors who challenge you to evolve, circumstances that force you out of your comfort zone, or events that close one chapter of your life, making room for new adventures. Their presence is a powerful force for change, pushing you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your path.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Death as external influences means that significant changes are underway, which could lead to the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one in your relationship. This transition might be challenging, but it is essential for the development of a healthier, more fulfilling partnership. Whether it’s redefining the relationship, renewing your commitment, or parting ways to grow individually, this period of transformation is crucial for true connection and happiness.

If you are asking about an ex, Death in the external influences position means that final closure or the transformative process following your separation is influencing your personal growth. This phase is about letting go of what was, to make space for who you can become. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and to use these insights to forge a stronger, more resilient self, ready to face new experiences and relationships with wisdom and grace.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Death in the external influences position means that major changes in your relationship or their life are affecting your connection, possibly leading to a new dynamic. This could manifest as shifts in interests, life stages, or even physical distance that alter the nature of your interaction. While these changes can be unsettling, they also offer a chance to deepen your relationship in new ways, finding different methods of connection and support.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Death in the external influences position means that profound changes are necessary for progress, which may involve ending certain paths or ventures to pursue new opportunities. This might feel like a risk, but it’s a vital step towards finding work and financial avenues that are more aligned with your evolving goals and values. Embracing this period of transformation can lead to discovery and success in areas you may not have previously considered, highlighting the importance of flexibility and openness to change.

Reversed Death as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw Death reversed, it means that resistance to change, clinging to the past, or delayed transformations are currently affecting your situation. This card’s appearance suggests that there is a holding pattern in your life, where progress is being stifled by a reluctance to accept the end of one phase and the beginning of another. It’s a reminder that while change can be daunting, it is also an essential part of growth and development, urging you to confront what you are holding onto and why.

Death reversed as external influences can represent people such as those unwilling to let go of outdated beliefs or behaviors, affecting your ability to move forward. These individuals might be close to you, their resistance to change mirroring your own or influencing your perspective and actions. Their presence in your life at this time highlights the need for introspection and possibly reevaluation of the relationships and beliefs that no longer serve your best interest.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Death reversed as external influences means that fear of change or an inability to progress from past patterns is hindering the relationship’s growth. This might manifest as repeating the same arguments, reluctance to address underlying issues, or a general sense of being stuck in a rut. It indicates that for the relationship to flourish, both partners need to be willing to confront these patterns, to let go of what is not working, and to embrace the possibility of a new way of being together.

If you are asking about an ex, Death reversed in the external influences position means that unresolved issues or an inability to fully let go is impacting your emotional well-being. This could be due to lingering feelings, idealization of the past relationship, or even guilt and regret over how things ended. Acknowledging these feelings and working through them, possibly with the help of a therapist or supportive friends, can help you find the closure you need to move on.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Death reversed in the external influences position means that their resistance to change or growth is affecting your dynamic with them. This situation may lead to frustration, misunderstandings, or a feeling of distance, as it becomes increasingly difficult to relate to each other in the same way as before. Open communication about these changes and a willingness to adapt your relationship to new realities can help preserve your bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Death reversed in the external influences position means that stagnation or reluctance to embrace new opportunities is limiting your professional advancement. This might be due to fear of leaving a secure but unfulfilling job, hesitation to invest in further education or training, or a general sense of uncertainty about the future. Recognizing and addressing these fears, perhaps with the guidance of a mentor or career counselor, can open the door to new paths and possibilities, allowing for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, Death reveals the power of transformative change. For the end of every cycle comes the beginning of another. In order to grow, we must shed beliefs and behaviors that are no longer serving us. Death can mean the literal end of a relationship. Equally, it can mean the end of one phase in your relationship and beginning of another. There is no life without Death. Embrace the transformative energy of this card to feel radically empowered. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.