Death as What Someone Wants (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 What Someone Wants

If you are asking about what someone wants, and you draw Death, it signifies that they may be seeking transformation, an end to a particular situation, or the start of a new phase in life. This card typically signals a deep desire for change, often after a period of stagnation or difficulty. The person may want to leave behind certain aspects of their life that no longer serve them, welcoming a transformative journey that opens doors to a fresh, new stage of their existence.

Drawing the Death card, when asking about what someone wants, can represent a desire for profound change, the need for endings to make way for new beginnings, or embracing life’s inevitable cycles of transformation. This signifies a strong urge to discard the old to create room for the new, recognizing that endings are essential for growth and renewal. Embracing life’s transformational cycles denotes an acceptance of life’s impermanence and the constant flux of experiences, relationships, and self-perceptions.

In the context of a romantic relationship, Death as what someone wants suggests they may be yearning for a significant change in the relationship dynamics or the end of certain habits or situations. They could be looking for a shift in how they interact with their partner, especially if current patterns aren’t serving the relationship’s health and growth. The desire to end certain habits or situations could be driven by the understanding that such changes are necessary for the relationship’s evolution and progress.

As for an ex, drawing Death indicates they might be desiring a definitive end to lingering ties, a fresh start post-breakup, or transformation in their emotions towards their ex. The definitive end to lingering ties implies a desire for closure, while a fresh start post-breakup points to their readiness to move forward without the baggage of past relationships. The transformation in emotions signifies a wish to change negative or unproductive feelings towards their ex, aiming for a more peaceful emotional state.

When asking about a friend or family member, Death as what someone wants means they might wish for a change in the relationship dynamics, the end of old habits, or a transformation in their interactions. They may desire an overhaul of how they communicate or relate to each other, especially if old patterns are causing friction or dissatisfaction. Ending old habits might be a way to foster healthier dynamics and more fulfilling interactions within the relationship.

Finally, in terms of career and financial matters, Death as what someone wants suggests they may seek a major change in their career, the end of a particular job or project, or the beginning of a new financial phase. They might be ready to transition into a different job role or industry, recognizing that such a change could open up new opportunities. The conclusion of a particular job or project signifies the desire for completion, while the start of a new financial phase may reflect an aspiration for improved financial health and stability.

Reversed Death as What Someone Wants

If you are asking about what someone wants, and you draw Death reversed, it signifies that they might be resisting change, fearing the end of something, or avoiding the reality of transformation. This resistance could be a manifestation of their reluctance to leave their comfort zone or fear of venturing into unknown territories. Fearing the end of something often points to an attachment to certain aspects of their life that they perceive as safe and familiar, while avoiding the reality of transformation could indicate an unwillingness to accept the impermanence of life’s stages.

Drawing the Death card reversed, when asking about what someone wants, can represent a fear of change, resistance to inevitable endings, or a reluctance to embrace new beginnings. This could stem from a sense of insecurity or fear of losing control over known and predictable circumstances. Resistance to inevitable endings suggests a struggle with letting go and moving on, while reluctance to embrace new beginnings could indicate a fear of uncertainty associated with new chapters in life.

When it comes to a romantic relationship, drawing Death reversed means that the person may be unwilling to let certain aspects of the relationship end or transform, or they may be avoiding change within the relationship. They may be clinging to patterns or dynamics that feel comfortable, even if they no longer serve the relationship’s growth. Avoiding change could be a sign of fear or insecurity about how the relationship might evolve and what that could mean for them.

Regarding an ex, Death reversed as what someone wants suggests they might be resisting closure, holding onto the past, or avoiding the transformation needed to move forward. This resistance could imply an inability to let go of past emotions or experiences. Holding onto the past may provide a sense of security, despite the pain it might cause, while avoiding necessary transformation may signal fear of embracing a life without their ex.

As for a friend or family member, Death reversed implies they may be unwilling to let old dynamics end or resistant to changes within the relationship. They might find comfort in the known patterns of interaction, even if they are not fulfilling or productive. Their resistance to change may stem from fear of disturbing the status quo or potentially creating conflict.

Finally, when inquiring about career and financial matters, drawing Death reversed suggests they might be resisting necessary changes at work, fearing the end of a financial phase, or avoiding the reality of a career transformation. They could be holding onto a job or role out of fear of the unknown, despite it not fulfilling them. Similarly, fear of ending a financial phase may suggest worries about financial stability, while avoiding career transformation could be an indicator of a fear of failure or of stepping out of their professional comfort zone.

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.