Although some of us have been anticipating the arrival of Halloween since September 1st (Not pointing any fingers here, but I resemble that remark!), the official witching season is now upon us.
Although Halloween is a time for merriment, creating elaborate costumes and candy, the holiday itself asks us to go inward and prepare for the upcoming cold season. It also asks that we remember and honor what we’ve lost and gained. Basically, it’s a time for honoring hardcore change.
This season of change is what inspired us to take a look at the Death Tarot card. Don’t freak. It’s much less scary than you think.
I used to be scared when I pulled the death card! But no longer, now I try to lean into what change will come.
— Kristel Penn (@Kristel_Penn) September 10, 2018
The Death Card’s Meaning
Remember this: the Death card doesn’t mean actual death. Biddy Tarot explained that although the Death card is “probably the most feared and misunderstood of all the cards in the Tarot deck,” it shouldn’t be.
If the Death card pops up in a reading, it’s typically an indication that you’re going through a big change or that change is near.
“Upright, Death is a card of transformation and typically refers to needing to start completely over by letting go of the past,” Biddy Tarot explained. “In the reversed position, Death [the card] can indicate that you are on the verge of major change but, for some reason, you are resisting making that change.”
And that makes sense — death is technically all about change. It’s one of the life’s greatest transitions.
I pulled this card three times this week.
— That Bitch (@LadyBellaKush) September 11, 2018
Seasonal Change
Halloween season, similar to life, is all about change.
According to History.com, Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain (also known as the witch’s New Year), marks “the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death.”
“Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth,” according to History.com.
Halloween is also known as “All Saints Day” or “All-Hallows,” which was created as a day of remembrance by Pope Boniface on May 13, 609 A.D. During this time of year, other cultures celebrate by remembering their loved ones, too. (Last year, we discussed the Day of the Dead and what it means.)
How to Incorporate “Death” into Your Life
If you pull the Death card during this season, try to take some time to reflect on the change you’re experiencing.
“Death signifies something coming to an end, a change, a rebirth,” Corii Siren, cam model, phone sex operator, witch and tarot reader, reminded us.
“There is no life without death and there can be no new chapters in our life without the end of the previous one. Just like the seasons change and go through a rebirth, this is what the Death card signifies for us,” Siren added.
Siren said this “change” could be a job, relationship, hobby… anything. “It’s up to us to figure out what clutter we need to clear and what is no longer serving us and move on,” she explained.
“If you’re in the transition phase of moving on from something big, this card can also come up to show that you’re on the right path to rebirth. You will bloom again!”
If you’re looking for a small ritual you can do to help you reflect on the Death card during this season of change and rebirth, consider the following (courtesy of Corii Siren): Light a blue, white or purple candle, use incense and just be.
“Be open to receiving messages,” she encouraged. “Some people may feel weird doing this, but hey, it’s Halloween. Let yourself get spooky!”
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Abbie Stutzer is a writer and editor from Lawrence, Kansas. Find her on Twitter at @abbiestutzer and on Insta at @abbiestutzer. Email her at abbie@ynotcam.com.
Editor’s note: This is my fav video ever, so I’m gonna go ahead and share it for you to enjoy too!
Image via Paige Foster.
