Death as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw Death, it means that there was a period of transformation and change, a time where old things ended to make way for new beginnings. This phase likely brought about significant shifts in your life landscape, orchestrating the end of certain paths and initiating new ones, more aligned with your growth and transformation. Through this transformative period, you were called to release outdated beliefs or situations, opening up space for new energies and opportunities to enter your life.

Death as the past can represent a time of significant transitions and transformations, where you embraced the end of one chapter to pave the way for a new one. This card signifies a period where profound change was not just inevitable but necessary, facilitating a renewal that brought fresh perspectives and experiences into your life. It speaks to the courage it took to let go and the wisdom gained through embracing the transformative power of endings and beginnings.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Death in the past position means the relationship has gone through transformative changes, with old dynamics ending to allow for growth and renewal. This transformative energy suggests a relationship that has evolved, shedding outdated patterns and encouraging a fresh start with a more profound understanding and connection. It highlights a journey of shared growth, where both individuals have come to embrace new facets of themselves and each other, nurturing a more authentic and deep bond.

If you are asking about an ex, Death in the past position means the relationship went through an ultimate ending, a closure that was necessary for personal transformation and growth. It signifies a chapter that had to close, bringing with it deep learnings and personal developments. While it marked an end, it also opened up the path for you to grow, encouraging you to evolve and welcome new possibilities in life with a refined understanding of your desires and needs.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Death in the past position means the relationship might have transformed over time, evolving through phases of endings and new beginnings. This transformation could have involved changing dynamics and roles, fostering a more mature and understanding bond over time. It speaks to an evolving relationship that, through changes, has forged a connection that is more authentic and grounded in mutual growth and understanding.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Death in the past position means there were moments of endings and new beginnings, where you had to let go of old paths to embrace new opportunities for growth and development. This period likely signaled the necessity to adapt and evolve, encouraging you to seek avenues more aligned with your skills and passions. It points to a time of bold decisions and transitions, ultimately steering you towards paths that offer greater potential for personal and professional growth.

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Reversed Death as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw Death reversed, it means that there was resistance to change or transformation, possibly leading to stagnation or missed opportunities for growth. This resistance to change could have kept you in situations longer than necessary, hindering your ability to move forward and evolve. It suggests a period where fear of the unknown might have outweighed the desire for growth, urging you to hold onto the familiar even if it was not conducive to your personal development.

Death reversed as the past can represent a time when you avoided necessary endings, potentially prolonging situations that were no longer serving your best interest. This period was marked by reluctance to face the inevitable changes and endings, which could have fostered an environment of stagnation and discomfort. It’s a time to reflect on how avoiding closure might have impacted your journey and what lessons can be drawn from that experience.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, Death reversed in the past position means that there might have been a reluctance to let go of outdated dynamics, potentially stifling growth and renewal in the relationship. This could have led to a phase where the relationship felt stuck, not able to move forward due to holding onto patterns that were no longer beneficial. It is a call to acknowledge the areas where flexibility and acceptance of change were lacking, and to understand how this influenced the trajectory of the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, Death reversed in the past position means there was hesitation in ending things, possibly leading to a prolonged and potentially more painful separation process. This card reflects a period where indecision and fear of letting go may have created a dragged out and more hurtful ending. It brings attention to the importance of clarity and decisiveness in relationships, and how the reluctance to end things when necessary can sometimes lead to more pain and regret.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, Death reversed in the past position means there was a resistance to evolving the relationship, maybe holding onto patterns that were more comfortable but not necessarily healthy. This period saw an unwillingness to face and address issues head-on, which might have stifled growth and understanding in the relationship. It suggests a time where comfort took precedence over necessary evolution, potentially limiting the depth and richness that comes with growth and change.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, Death reversed in the past position means there might have been a hesitation to embrace necessary changes, which might have led to missed opportunities or stagnation in your career progression. This time was characterized by a resistance to venture out of your comfort zone, possibly holding you back from exploring new opportunities and avenues for growth. It’s a nudge to reflect on the importance of being open to changes and the potential rewards of embracing transformation in your professional life.

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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.