Major Arcana cards：XIII Death

Card Interpretation

This is one of the most misunderstood cards in the Major Arcana. The number thirteen has long been associated with death—and Tarot is no exception. Death rides a white horse, clad in armor that exudes an unstoppable aura of power. Some have already fallen; some accept this harsh reality; some try to evade it; still others put up a futile resistance. According to ancient calendars, the thirteenth month represents the cycle of death and rebirth. Thus, you should not interpret this card literally, but rather from a positive perspective: accept the truth before you, let go of some vested interests, and you will be rewarded with greater benefits. As the saying goes, "Only by facing utter ruin can one achieve regeneration". Success forged through tribulation will be all the more magnificent.

Death sits high atop his white steed, looking down upon the creatures of the earth, holding aloft a black flag emblazoned with the Rosicrucian symbol. Some say this emblem represents the process of rebirth after death; others claim it is aligned with Mars, symbolizing immortal life force. Beneath Death’s horse lie a king, a priest, a woman, and a child—each embodying one of four attitudes toward death. The king resists death, only to be trampled under the horse’s hooves. The priest places his staff on the ground, revering death and clasping his hands in prayer, seeking the Lord’s guidance to ascend to heaven. The woman kneels on the ground, fainting from the fear of death. Only the innocent, cherubic child stares at Death with childish curiosity, unburdened by understanding. These four figures, with their four mindsets—resistance, reverence, panic, and ignorance—all illustrate the same truth: death is an inevitable natural phenomenon, inescapable and needless to flee, regardless of one’s wealth, gender, or age.

Upright Position

When drawn upright, the card signifies: Failure, impending ruin, illness, unemployment, stagnation, ongoing harm, halted transactions, a tedious life, separation, a fresh start, a profound rift between two parties, and the end of a romance. In your career, you will let go of certain vested interests and gain brand-new opportunities for development. Emotionally, you are about to undergo a profound transformation, entering a new phase of your relationship. Accept the changes, and you will embark on a far more beautiful journey together.

Reversed Position

When drawn reversed, the card signifies: Clinging to a glimmer of hope, a miraculous recovery, a change of heart, emerging from a slump, redeeming one’s reputation, physical healing, a sudden change of plans, escaping reality, cutting ties with a lover, and reuniting with an ex-partner. In your career, you are trying to "have the best of both worlds", hoping for a miracle to occur. Emotionally, your partner has already accepted the necessary changes, but you are still evading reality—and the distance between you two is growing wider by the day.