Death
As Depicted by the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
"There is a sense in which the catastrophe is a reflection from the previous card… The Tower has been spoken of as the chastisement of pride and the intellect overwhelmed in the attempt to penetrate the Mystery of God" - Arthur Edward Waite
The Divinity
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The Components of 'Death'
In the iconic Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the Death card is a symbol of transformation and transition rather than literal physical death. The figure of Death, shrouded in black robes, rides a pale horse, carrying a black banner emblazoned with a white rose. The horse represents the relentless passage of time and the inevitability of change, while the figure of Death himself symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Despite its ominous appearance, the Death card encourages us to embrace change and let go of the past in order to welcome new beginnings and opportunities for growth. It reminds us that through endings, there is the promise of renewal and rebirth.
In the Death card of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the figure of the priest stands as a poignant symbol of spiritual transition and guidance amidst change. Clad in ceremonial robes, the priest raises his hand in a gesture of blessing or prayer, signifying the presence of divine wisdom and spiritual understanding in times of transformation. His presence suggests the importance of introspection and spiritual contemplation during moments of transition, offering a reminder to seek inner guidance and clarity as we navigate life's inevitable changes. The priest embodies the notion that amidst endings and beginnings, there is a sacred opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment, encouraging us to trust in the deeper, unseen forces at work in our lives.
To others, the appearance of a priest within the card has symbolized a sense of pleading to the higher powers during times of upheaval and change. The world around him is barren and there are others who have obviously suffered, yet the priest continues to raise his hands toward the heavens to receive forgiveness in times of crisis so as to not be forsaken.
In the background of the Death card in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck loom two towers, standing as stark symbols of upheaval and destruction. The towers suggest that moments of transition can bring about the collapse of what is familiar and comfortable, but they also pave the way for renewal and transformation. Amidst the chaos depicted in front of the distant towers, there lies the promise of a new day with the rising sun and opportunities emerging from the ashes, urging us to embrace the process of letting go and trusting in the inherent cycles of growth and evolution.
These towers appear at other points in the deck. They are often interpreted as representations of established structures or beliefs, appear to be crumbling, engulfed in flames, and struck by lightning. Their dramatic imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the inevitable dismantling of outdated paradigms and structures in the face of profound change.