Does drawing The Death Tarot card signify misfortune?

Answer (2)
Leonard Nichols
Leonard Nichols
Experienced astrologer, 10+ years practice.

Don't worry, don't worry, drawing the "Death" card is arguably the most misunderstood card in Tarot. Its name alone can seem terrifying, but you can rest assured that it generally does not signify actual, physical death.

You can understand it as "ending" and "new beginning."

It's more like a message telling you that it's time to bring a certain phase of your life or a particular matter to a close. Just like we do a thorough cleaning for the New Year, you need to clear out the old, useless things to make space for new ones and welcome a fresh start.

These "old things" could be an unhappy relationship, a dead-end job, a bad habit you should have changed long ago, or old thoughts that have troubled you for a long time.

The appearance of the "Death" card is actually helping you to "declutter and let go." Although this process of ending might be a bit uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or even painful, it's an opportunity for you to gain a new lease on life. It compels you to release what no longer serves you, so you can move forward unburdened and embrace the new life ahead.

So, drawing this card absolutely does not mean "bad luck." It's simply a very strong signal telling you, "It's time for a change." This is often a very positive turning point, foreshadowing a brand new, better beginning awaiting you.

Kathryn Howe
Kathryn Howe
Mystic, specializing in divination arts.

Oh dear, this is a huge misunderstanding! Many people get scared when they see the "Death" card, thinking they're in for terrible luck, but that's not the case at all.

In Tarot, "Death" almost never represents actual, physical death. It's much more accurate to understand it as "ending" and "transformation."

You can imagine it as a "graduation."

Graduation means the end of your student days, right? That's an "ending." You might feel a bit sad to leave friends and campus life, and the process can be tinged with melancholy. But at the same time, you're opening a new chapter in your life, whether it's starting a job or continuing your studies – it's a brand new beginning.

The Death card signifies this "graduation ceremony" moment. It tells you: something must end so that new, better things can have space to happen.

This could refer to:

  • An unhealthy relationship coming to an end.
  • A job that makes you unhappy is about to conclude.
  • An old, stubborn belief within you needs to be broken.
  • A bad habit needs to be given up.

Of course, this "ending" process can be quite difficult, much like a breakup or leaving a job; there will definitely be a period of pain. So, when this card appears, it might be reminding you that you are going through a period of necessary change, and this change might not be easy or pleasant.

But if you look closely at the card, you'll find many positive details. For example, behind the knight, on the distant horizon, the sun is rising. This tells you that, after the night passes, dawn and hope are ahead.

So, all in all, if you draw the Death card, you have absolutely no need to be afraid. It's more like a powerful reminder: it's time to let go of the past and embrace the new. It foreshadows an important turning point, and while the process might be difficult, it's ultimately for your growth, leading you to a better stage.

It's not bad luck, but an opportunity for rebirth.