Death as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw Death, it means that you’re seeking transformation, the end of a phase, or significant change that will lead to renewal and new beginnings. This card signifies a time of profound transformation, indicating that you are ready to close one chapter of your life in anticipation of something new. It encourages you to embrace the process of change, reminding you that although endings can be difficult, they are often necessary for growth and evolution.

Death as fears can represent the fear of the unknown, the anxiety of letting go, or the dread of significant change that feels like an end to the familiar. This reflects a natural apprehension towards change and the uncertainties that come with it, highlighting concerns over what these transformations might mean for your life. It serves as a reminder that while change can be daunting, it also offers opportunities for profound personal development and new experiences.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Death in the hopes and fears position means you’re open to transforming the relationship for its betterment or ending what no longer serves you, yet fear the pain and uncertainty such changes bring. This card suggests a readiness to address issues that may have been hindering the relationship’s growth, acknowledging that significant changes, even endings, can lead to healthier dynamics in the future. It encourages a thoughtful approach to these transformations, emphasizing the importance of honesty and open communication during times of transition.

If you are asking about an ex, Death in the hopes and fears position means there’s a recognition that the relationship’s end was necessary for personal growth, yet there’s a fear of completely letting go and moving forward. This indicates an understanding of the importance of closure and the opportunities for self-discovery that come with it, tempered by apprehensions about stepping into a future without the familiar presence of the past relationship. It suggests the need for self-reflection and acceptance, fostering the strength to embrace new beginnings with an open heart.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Death in the hopes and fears position means you’re hoping for a significant shift in your relationship dynamics, yet fear the loss and adjustments that may come with such changes. This card points to a desire for evolution within the relationship, possibly indicating the need to address longstanding issues or patterns that no longer serve either party. It underscores the importance of navigating these changes with compassion and understanding, prepared for the emotional adjustments that accompany such transitions.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Death in the hopes and fears position means you’re seeking a major shift in your career or financial status, embracing the need for change, yet wary of the instability this transformation may cause. This reflects a desire to move beyond current limitations or to revitalize your professional life, acknowledging that while the path may be uncertain, the potential for growth and improvement is significant. It encourages you to pursue these changes with determination, viewing any temporary instability as a stepping stone to achieving greater fulfillment and success.

Reversed Death as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw Death reversed, it means that there’s a resistance to change, a reluctance to let go of the past, or a fear of transition that prevents moving forward. This position underscores a clinging to what is familiar, even if it’s no longer serving your best interests, highlighting the challenge of stepping into the unknown. It suggests the importance of confronting these fears, encouraging you to embrace the transformative process as a path to renewal and growth, despite the discomfort it may bring.

Death reversed as fears can represent the dread of being stuck in limbo, unable to move on from situations, relationships, or patterns that are no longer beneficial. This reflects a deep-seated anxiety about remaining in a state of stagnation, paralyzed by the fear of making necessary life changes. It serves as a caution against letting fear dictate your actions, urging you to find the courage to release what no longer serves you and to trust in the natural flow of life’s transitions.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Death reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a hesitation to address necessary changes, fearing that confronting these issues may lead to the end of the relationship. This card points to a recognition that the relationship may need to evolve or transform, yet there’s a fear that such evolution could result in separation. It encourages a reevaluation of what changes are essential for the health and growth of the partnership, advocating for open and honest communication as a means to navigate through these challenges together.

If you are asking about an ex, Death reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a struggle to fully release the emotional ties or unresolved feelings, fearing what truly letting go means for your personal growth. This indicates a conflict between the desire to move forward and the comfort found in the familiarity of the past, suggesting a need for closure to facilitate healing. It emphasizes the value of accepting the end of one chapter as an opportunity for self-discovery and new beginnings, rather than a loss to be mourned indefinitely.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Death reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a fear of changing the status quo, worrying that addressing underlying issues may disrupt the relationship irreparably. This card highlights concerns about the potential fallout from confronting long-standing dynamics or behaviors, underlining the difficulty in balancing the desire for stability with the need for growth. It suggests that true strength lies in facing these fears, understanding that relationships can become stronger and more authentic through honest dialogue and mutual effort to evolve.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Death reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s an apprehension about making necessary changes, fearing the risks and uncertainty that come with seeking new opportunities or directions. This reflects a worry about leaving the security of the known for the potential of the unknown, highlighting the internal conflict between the desire for advancement and the fear of instability. It advises a careful assessment of what changes are needed for long-term satisfaction and success, encouraging you to take calculated risks that align with your core values and goals, rather than remaining in situations that no longer fulfill you. 

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.