There are definitely worse cards than Death, but it is true that it is one of the few Tarot cards that anybody can recognize at first glance and immediately reach the worst conclusion possible.

Of course, if followed by positive cards, you can always translate it as the end of the sickness. I would probably give it a deeper twist, since it is a Major, after all, like: this illness/accident/problem will cause/is causing a very deep change in the person's outlook. It is usually true, but unless you sound pretty convincing, the querent will keep staring at the skull and ignore everything else! It is a shame, but I guess one of the reasons Tarot works is because of its images impacting most of us the same way -as tutorials here have proved-.

So we will just have to speak with some authority or refuse to read some of those questions. In fact, I believe health questions were a bit taboo, like those for underage people. I also try to discourage questions not concerning the querent directly.

Good points there Pirbid.

I keep in mind with respect to the Death card how Kali dances and that a new world emerges from the destruction of the old.

Hi Guys,

AHA, Death Card and the act of "moving on" Yes, most querants are absolutely terrified at having the Death card in a reading. My opinion, to some extend it may indicate a actual death, be it physical, spiritual or mental. Some people truly need to have their brain die, to accept reality!!!

But, this is where the reader need to really have clarity of mind and discernment. Actuall death, as in physically is not only described by one single card, but a few cards, appearing in one spread!!!!!!

I have one single card---Nine of Swords, which I call the "death" card. Normally when I have this card in a reading, I refuse to do that reading at all, unless it is in the past. I had this card as a "jumper" before, and when I asked the querant if they had a death recently, the answer was "yes, a friend" this person is very far far away in law family of mine, and I would have known if someone died, in the family.

Now, expanding a bit. When I have the Moon (reversed) and specifically the Queen of Swords, it predicts mental illness, bereivement, etc. This combination I had, and the querants father, suffered from brain cancer and obviously "mental illness and finally death. Then also, another, where the querants parent, just "released" and a certain set of circumstances had to complete, before, her, crossing over.

But as for the Death card. I'll post a discussion on this card, it was done some time back, and I'm not going to go scratching to find it.

In this sense, we can't predict a specific date, nor can we play God, nor are  we the end of the road. No, Death can not be predeicted as fact, at a certain time, but curcimstances can point to the event, be it soon or somewhat later.

Blessed be