3 Card Tarot Reading

The Death Tarot Card Meaning

The Death card is probably the most dreaded and misunderstood of all the Major Arcana cards. Remember, not all deaths are literal. Death symbolizes a level of permanence that many of us have a hard time dealing with. But what this card really represents is the end of a cycle, coming to the point of making a large transition or change in your life rather than true or physical death.

If the Death card is prominent in your reading you will find that there is a large amount of change coming your way and you should not fight or resist it. Death is transition; you have a higher power guiding your way that knows more than you do in this moment and that is a fact that must be accepted for the road before you to clear. Think of it as the death of the phoenix. There are aspects to your life that are ending or changing dramatically and these changes may even be exceptionally hard to deal with. Like the phoenix, these transitions in your life are leading to a glorious rebirth or something new and better. Often we like to hold on to aspects of our life even after they serve no more purpose. Now is the time to let go of that which is not aiding you or bettering your life in some way. Allow these things to fall away from your life so that you have room for new fantastic prospects that bring you joy.

Within the Tarot there is no death, only rebirth and new life and a continuing story. Death is only a small part of the story that is the Major Arcana. Consider where we started with the Fool so full of adventure and whimsy. Up to this point you have learned so much and death is not the end of the story. If Death shows up in your reading, you can expect that new growth is going to be arriving in your life and you should choose to welcome the change, not fight it. The worst part of death is the struggle of acceptance. Yet death, like birth, is completely natural. In this day and age we attach to a potential level of immortality; we like to think that we never leave this space and time. After all, we have put a lot of time and energy and money into to our lives and we don’t want that to suddenly just go away. But the Death card reminds us that it is time for you to confront your fear of the end of the chapter. Many say that Death is a journey and that ‘the only constant is change’. This is undeniably true. You must not fight death, only practice acceptance.

Keep in mind that all things come to an end, but this is not just referring to life. Our lives are filled with the different cycles of relationships, jobs, partners and experiences that are unique to your existence. New data comes in, is processed and utilized and then, spent it dies to make room for more new data. This energy is constantly being recycled. Death is life-giving transformation and it is telling you that now is the time to allow room in your life for this transition. Friendships end, people pass, jobs are lost that give way to new jobs and better experiences. Allow the waters from the river of life to wash you clean so that you might start anew. For just like weeds must die to make room for new growth, so must we all, make room for new life by letting what does not serve us pass on.

Take time to reflect on the ways in which you are resisting change in your life. If you are a person that naturally despises change or avoids it, think about the new opportunities that you are missing out on by holding on to the old. Allow the cycle to complete and be true to yourself. This is a time to embrace the new, accept the changes that are happening, and to let go. In letting go there is sometimes a sense of freedom. You deserve to experience all that life has to offer.

Death in Love

When the Death card arrives in a reading about love and relationships you can expect several things to occur depending on your situation. If you are single and looking for love, Death gives you the message that it is time for you to slough off the old parts of you that do not serve so that you can attract someone brand new by being sparkly, fresh and exciting. Death tells you that the pursuit of love now through transformation of self is an exceptionally productive step forward and you should take that advice. If you are in a relationship and you are seeking wisdom regarding your future, the Death card expresses that a change is coming that you need to be aware of. Either something is going to happen that will make you see things differently thereby changing your whole relationship, or this could also happen to your partner.

Sometimes the Death card can indicate the end of a relationship or divorce. In cases like this, it can be a frightening time indeed. If this is the case for you try to focus on why this could be happening. Usually, it will indicate that the relationship was beyond the point of repair because emotions had been too damaged or that the relationship was unhealthy. It can also indicate that the relationship is going to end as it currently is. For example, it may not be a divorce per say but the dynamics of the relationship need to change completely. In cases like this, it usually takes two exceptionally dedicated people to work on the problems of the relationship. If you are absolutely certain you want to keep this relationship and you have spent time honestly meditating about it you may want to consider a marital or relationship counselor. The issues that accompany the Death card are usually ones that include very deep hurt or trust issues and can be difficult to navigate without guidance.

Try to respond to this change with a positive spirit. Reacting negatively might only serve to sabotage. If your relationship is rocky, then the Death card is telling you that a change might be on its way and that if you want to stay together you should weigh the pros and the cons of the relationship and find out if it is really serving you and your partner, or if you are only staying together to avoid change. If avoidance is in the equation, Death tells you to call it out and bring it to light. Good conversations and productivity will come as a result of this.

Death As Action

Death indicates that the situation will not change. There is nothing that you can do it is out of your hands. Death as the main interpretation is focused on accepting a situation as it is and the door is no locked and you need to move forward to discover another way. It can also signify the end of the situation. Let an old part of your life die and you will be liberated. If you refuse to move on and close the chapter, you may suffer difficulties as a consequence, this card highlights that a clean break is best.

Death Yes Or No

Death usually relates to change, transformation, or loss. If you are looking for a yes or no answer and the Death card is drawn, you need to reflect on your question. In most circumstances, this card points towards an unwavering ‘no’ because of its strong association with the negative. However, in a very certain reading, it may point a different way.

Death Past

Seeing this card in your past position is a clear sign that you have moved on from something major. This is usually a positive position to see this card in because it refers to a change or difficult period which has already past. Of course, that does not mean moving on was easy. Indeed, this card specifically points to a dramatic, life-altering situation. The Death card regularly appears in this position for people who have had a difficult childhood, gone through a heartbreaking separation with a longterm partner, or even those who have experienced grief for a person who left their life (whether literally or emotionally). 

Death Present 

When the Death card appears in relation to your present situation it likely refers to a period of great upheaval. As already touched upon, it is important not to panic. Except in rare circumstances where the Death card is regularly appearing, it is unlikely to indicate an actual, physical death. Instead, it is the death of something which makes up a major part of your life as you know it. It could be your job, a friendship, a relationship, even your home. Your best course of action is acceptance and nonresistance, stay strong, you will come out the other end. 

Death Future and Outcome

Of course, death is in all of our future, but that’s rarely what it is pointing to when drawn in the future position. Instead, it is a suggestion of something in much closer proximity. Change is definitely on its way.

Death As Relationship Outcome

I’m sorry but this sometimes means the end of the relationship. When I have carried out readings for myself and the Death card appears I know it is the end or something major will happen. I know that it may hurt to think that right now but it is what the universe is trying to tell you. Death is about cycles and for some reason the two of you are not supposed to be together right now. 

Death Love Reconciliation

When the Death card presents itself in a love and reconciliation spread it is abundantly clear that your romantic life is in need of transformation. Relationships can die before the people in the partnership actually realize this has happened. 

In some circumstances, this card may be a sign that your relationship needs to mature and develop, rather than end altogether. This may be the case if an unhappy chapter has befallen your partnership. It will take effort from both parties to reinspire passion and heal past wounds. For those who are single, this card still carries a heavy meaning, the exact interpretation depends on your own, personal life at present. If you have been living through a dearth of romantic connections, then this is about to change dramatically. 

Death As Feelings

It can be a bit worrying to see the Death card when trying to understand how another person feels about you, but this card is not always a bad sign. In fact, if the person in question has shown indifference towards you in the past then know that they are likely experiencing new, strong feelings for you now. 

Death As Friendship

If your friendships are not currently undergoing any change in physical distance, then this card more than likely suggests the end of a toxic relationship. Perhaps you are a loyal person who dislikes letting go of friends, even ones who are draining your mental and emotional energy. This card is telling you it really is time to move on. Sometimes there’s nothing more you can do for a person, and the only way they’ll find redemption is to look within themselves. 

Death in Health

Death is trying to tell you that a change must happen and that this change is natural. So if you or someone you love is having an issue of health, Death explains that the change is coming but that you can control which side it goes. For example, by changing your entire thought process about healing from an injury or recovering from a disease you can control the progress that you make. If you desire to feel well, your entire body and senses must be focused on that healing in order for that to change. Another way that Death influences health is Death describes the end of a disease, or in applicable circumstances: the removal of growths or of physical pains. No matter what happens, what you know now versus what you will know six months from now will be entirely different circumstances. Do not get stuck believing that the way life is now is how it is always going to be. Make positive changes to better your life experience.

Death in Work and Wealth

Death in matters of wealth and work is integral to business strategies. For example if you are trying to start up a business with a friend, but your old job is taking up most of your time, Death would tell you that the change is necessary and so you would want to spend more of your time perpetuating the new business. Death in business and wealth tells us that the way that we spend our money, the way that we spend our time, all is subjected to the constant of change and one should never get too attached to one thing and one thing only. The concept of not putting all of your eggs into one basket becomes very important when Death influences your business.

Reversed Death in a Reading

The Death card makes an appearance in the reversed position when one is depending too much on old habits and routines that are not encouraging a level of physical emotional or spiritual growth. Part of the reason that change is so necessary is that new environments encourage new stimulate which provides creates in us the ability to flourish in a vibrant and lush atmosphere. We must join the rock tumbler so that we may become more smooth and shiny. Create a new space for opportunities to connect with you in your life.

Death Reversed - Love and Romance

When you see the Death card reversed in a love spread it usually indicates that you are on the brink of positive change, but you are getting in your own way with feelings of uncertainty that are preventing this transformation from taking place. While seeing the Death card upright points to a need to move on, reversed it suggests that resistance to change is coming from within. 

More often than not, in a romance reading, this card appears reversed because you are holding onto an unhealthy relationship. Do not allow your fear or feelings of loneliness to keep you in a bad relationship, it will only cause you more pain in the long run. For those who are single, this card reversed is a sign you need to learn from your past. It is easy to fall into bad habits in prospect relationships, but you need a new dynamic if you are to really find true love. 

Death reversed - Family and Home

In a family and home reading, the appearance of the Death card reversed is a loud and firm signal that something is not right. Because this card has been drawn reversed it adds an extra layer to the reading, you are likely experiencing familial tension which is driving a wedge between you and loved ones. It is likely that this strain relates to a difficult history or unhealed wounds, someone in the family cannot move past this scenario - maybe it’s you, maybe it’s someone else. 

Either way, something’s got to give. Communication and respect will be integral in moving on from the difficulties currently at play in the family dynamic and the home.

Death Reversed - Work and Finances

Seeing the Death card reversed in regards to your work and financial situation, points to stagnation and lack of satisfaction. You are likely not happy in your career, yet you aren’t doing anything to change it. Comfort zones are easy to get stuck in, but sometimes we need to break out of routine in order to improve prospects and chances of happiness. 

Death Reversed - Health and Wellness

The presence of the reversed Death card when looking for signs about health and wellness is usually a signal of some medical trouble. In rare cases, this reversed card can appear when someone has begun to self-identify with a longterm illness. In this case, the Death card reversed is a warning sign, allowing yourself to overcome things in life.

Death Reversed - Personal Spirituality

The reversed Death card in a spirituality reading points to an inner journey that has stagnated. Your spiritual progress has become stunted and you either can’t or won’t get back on track. For those with psychic abilities, this reversed card indicates resistance to your powers and natural abilities. 

Upright Death Tarot Card Meaning in Keywords

• Transition
• Transformation
• Major change
• Endings
• Letting go
• Rejuvenation

Reversed Death Tarot Card Meaning in Keywords

• Inner change / growth
• New Traits
• Improvement
• Progress
• Exploration

When you have received the Six of Swords, this is a sign that the difficult cycle that you have been experiencing is now ending.

You must allow yourself to flow with the phase so that it can completely eliminate itself from your experience. Now is the time for you to investigate the possibilities at your disposal. You have been experiencing unpleasant times, therefore to fully get rid of the frustration you have to completely separate yourself from all energy that is even remotely similar so that you may find peace of mind and harmony. This is very similar to the sunshine after a storm that was mentioned in the Three of Swords. You have gotten through the worst of. Now, full of ammunition as a result of all that you have learned you begin to take strong steps out into the sun to celebrate. Make sure that you realize that everything is relative to the viewpoint that it is perceived and try your hardest to communicate in a non-combative way with others so that you appear to be a receptive person. When listening to what others have to say, you will learn different perspectives that you had not considered prior to this moment.

The image of the card in the Rider Waite deck is that of a woman who has clearly been through something difficult. She and her child are taken across the waters to calmer shores. This is a time when are going to be blessed with a better future; you will have success over your anxieties. Often times this card is symbolic of a physical move in addition to an emotional transition. This card describes what it feels like to have gotten through a difficult period. You have basically escaped with your metaphorical life and now you are heading to territories that will be healthier for you and for any that come with you. You no longer fill your life with confusion or frustration.

You do not start painstaking and pointless battles with others and you have begun to understand that an attachment to an internal fantasy world where you are paranoid about what others think about is not going to benefit you and in fact, never has. This card is applauding you for making positive choices for yourself because, through this motion that you have decided to take, you will be able to be free and contented. Starting over is the absolute best way sometimes, to come to a refreshed state in your existence. Your burden is made lighter and you have much to rejoice in.

Now that you have been blessed with the support that is provided to you after having terrible adversity, you are able to maintain the perspective of someone who is tranquil in times of turmoil. If you have already been through it, then you won’t feel as afraid as you did originally. You will get better at taking things in stride. Just as the woman is doing in the image on the card, you are willing to take you across the metaphorical waters. This willingness shows strength in character that will only bring you greatness in the future. You do not waste your energy on pointless drama, for you have learned your lesson.

The number six throughout the suits stands for expansive lessons, currently, boundaries of self do not stop at the surface of your body and your goals begin to take on the air of your extended self. You begin to help others, you feel expansive and enlightened.

The Six of Swords in Love

When the Six of Swords appears in your reading about love and relationships, you can expect to find new love in your new environment. You have decided to get rid of everything that makes you unhappy and you no longer perpetuate negativity by holding onto baggage. Therefore, this card shows you putting your past behind you and going to a whole world of new opportunities. In love, after you have had time to settle into your new situation, you will feel that everything is sparkling and new in your home, and in this there will definitely be someone who is going to sparkle their way right into your world. You no longer have to worry about being abused, for you look forward to your future and nothing can hurt you right now.

The first assumption when looking at the ferryman is the fact he is taking the women and child away on his boat. Is she leaving a lover? This card indicates that there is an end or new relationship beginning and calmer waters are on the horizon. There is a feeling that trauma has taken place in love. The child and mother are moving away to a new start via the waters of emotion. We often overlook the third person in the picture, the child sits helplessly next to his Mother and it was most probably the mother who decided to leave. Is she removing herself from abuse? Is the child removed from love and friendships due to her fleeing? Is this "you" as a child? It could simply be that your parents have controlled your love life to the point of this being intolerable. I do feel in love this card means “think about the child” this could be your inner child - or a child (born or unborn) in real life. The child is being held closely by the mother for comfort, this card can also mean possible children from love. In my experience, this card often comes up when the relationship is challenging or that there is a new start of two lovers. It could simply be that a partner has just stopped listening to you and walked away. This indicates two people who were in love but that this relationship is just gone - vanished without conflict. If you are asking about a "future love outcome" the six of swords in a spread can often indicate that you are moving away from a difficult past and to the future. As their backs are turned to the past this indicates a better, more happy future in love.

The Six of Swords in Health

The Six of Swords in Health refers to all of the changes that you have and are going to make for your body. You are getting out of a phase of stagnation or dormancy with your physical body and must continue building the momentum by pursuing cardio as well as perhaps yoga or anything that is going to stretch your body out so that it continues the momentum of restretching itself into the body that is healthy and no longer full of emotional or physical baggage.

The Six of Swords in Work and Wealth

The Six of Swords only appears in a work or wealth reading to point out the passing phase of a job that was extremely frustrating for you. If you are in a bad job situation right now that is making you miserable and you are trying to decide if you should leave, the Six of Swords supports you in your decision to make the change. As of now you feel abused, exhausted and you need to make the change. Now is the time to do so.

The Six Of Swords Reversed

There is either too much or too little happening for you right now and you feel as if you need a mental retreat but have absolutely no desire to make it happen for yourself. You are distracted from all of your projects and you are experiencing a level of neurosis that is hard to control. With this information overload, the best thing to do is to practice clearing your mind and putting your thoughts in order. When there is a situation of physical or mental abuse you need support. This should either be from a professional if the situation is severe, or through the help of a friend or loved one who has the additional perspective that you need to get out of this negative time in your life. The more distance you have from this abusive pattern in your life, the easier it will be for you to rise above it. Make the changes; get across the river to safety as fast as you can.

Six of swords reversed love

In the Waite tarot deck, the six of swords reversed means that someone will declare love to you. It can imply that you have come to a stalemate in a relationship. The rough waters mean you are not balanced. You do feel now the time is to give up "come what may." There is a time of transition romantically, maybe obsessing over a relationship and also a lack of action. It is a card to say that you are sick of trying to make someone happy and you will go it alone if needs be. The good thing about this card appearing in the spread is that you are ready to work on problems and mend strained relationships. Battles are ahead I am afraid and tenacity is needed. The future does look quite rough but you can overcome any problems. Don’t lose any hope at the moment. 

Upright Six of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Don't rock the boat
• Physical travel
• Changing location/moving
• Moving from one path to another
• Leaving 
• Holidays
• Running from something

Reversed Six of Swords Meanings in Keywords

• Being ruled by your heart
• Dealing with trauma
• Post-traumatic disorder
• Healing your heart
• Building yourself up
• Taking care of yourself
• A fresh start

Temperance Tarot Card Meaning

In my readings this card is about balance. It normally appears when life is going to be okay. Temperance calls to question your true priorities in life and requires that you be sure that you are not the one blocking your own success by stretching yourself too thin or unwilling to meet in the middle on a significant issue. This is a card to hard to see things from the universe’s perspective and understand that the tarot is not pointing a finger at you directly, but merely trying to guide you to lessen your load. Taking on too much or too little can be detrimental to your purpose at this time.

Temperance by its very meaning is a bending of ones will to direction of the almighty. The card depicts this through multiple layers of symbolism. Usually noticed first is how the card shows a cup, and in some decks an archangel (often said to be Michael) mixing water between two chalices as a representation of balance between the elements and the dissolution of the liquids between each other. On my card, a lady is reaching up to the universe in order to find balance. A commonly missed symbolism is the feet of the angel, one in the water and one upon the land which reinforces the concept of balance and of both body and mind. Many querants will be reactive to this card, because often it is shining light on a flaw within them or within a relationship that they are seeking to develop.

Temperance in Love

When seeking advice from the tarot about love and relationships, the Temperance card indicates a need for balance in either the relationship your relationship. If you are currently single then the card is more direct and states that there is likely something blocking you from love in your life and usually represents the fact that you are giving too much in another area. For example, you are looking for love but are you really ready for it? Are there other commitments in your life such as work or family that are holding you back and taking too many resources and creating a situation where you are unlikely to be successful?

Temperance As Feelings

In a relationship reading for feelings, the temperance card will show a need for balance between both individuals. This card is drawn when compromise and compassion are needed between two people. It is a positive card that tells you that this relationship is worth the extra effort at this time.

The Temperance tarot card can also signal a balance between fire and water. It reflects that we all have the power to control our emotions, even when things around us seem chaotic. It speaks of suppressed feelings and holding back on expressing people in order to maintain peace.

Temperance in Health

In regards to health and wellness, the Temperance card is an omen that you need to either take it back or turn it up a notch. Both ends of the spectrum can be bad for one’s health, being slothful or being too lax with your health can be just as bad as overexerting yourself or doing too much. We usually see this card when health issues are on the rise and it is likely that you have already noticed deterioration in your wellness in some way. The positive news is that it is not too late to do something positive and see improvement. Think of this as a warning to take a keen look at your own mind and body and see where additional care needs to be taken. The answer will be quite obvious as rarely ever does someone in peak physical condition pull this card. If you feel however that physical health is not a problem, it is also indicative of mental health and can do not ignore signs or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or overindulgent behavior.

Temperance in Work and Wealth

Right now you need to take your money and put it under your mattress and be careful of taking risks. While the card itself means balance, more often than not when it comes to money and career it is a sign to take a step back and be more conservative with your income. It’s a touchy time for you to be taking huge risks in either avenue of your life. You need to be very careful with actions you take and possibilities that seem to arise at this time are not as good as they seem. Often this card will show that it is a good time to wait on an opportunity that arises, stating that with patience you will see a better one down the road that will pan out more fruitfully for you. A rule of thumb with the Temperance card and financial aspects be it money or work is: If it’s too good to be true… it probably is.

Reversed Temperance in a reading

In the reversed position indicates a personal balance is needed and the card is usually more internal than external. Rather than looking around and pointing fingers at others, now is an excellent time to see where you personally can scale back, create harmony in a rough situation, or literally suck it up. With the reversal of Temperance we see an even wider swing of negativity around as well. Health problems you have require more attentive care, financial problems need to be curbed immediately, and in relationships you need to seek the truth of the matter before making a decision. Often this card is drawn when a person is in a downward spiral situation and is unable to see the rational side of the problem. You need to stop and ask yourself where you could use assistance in your life to get back on track and possibly consider seeking advice from others to turn your perspective to a more productive and healthy outlook.