Whenever the Death card appears in a reading I notice that my querent’s eyes get bigger and they might even rear back in fear. It’s a scary card that appears to be bringing very bad news. The death symbol means change is about to occur.

This card has many symbols to consider and I find it best to quickly assess them and work with the symbol(s) that first meets the eye. If you try to make sense out all of the symbols in the reading you might become confused or just give up and refer to the shortened version of this card.

I first encountered the Death card used by the Builders of the Adytum, an old organization that has attempted to create tarot card images based on older decks used by the French elite of the 17th and 18th century. Their Death card has a large skeleton walking along side a river holding a scythe as it cuts living hands, feet and heads that protrude up from the ground. It was thought that the skeleton was the initiator of all movement of the human body and framework of existence.

It was thought that constant readjustment of values and viewpoints caused a “death” of old concepts. The physical body goes through these constant transformations as our cells die and new ones are reborn every second. Why not the mind as well? Spirit also dictates that we grow, develop and change through our daily experiences and activities. Such institutions as life-long marriages or jobs may actually stunt our growth and purpose(s) in this life. Co-dependencies may arise and feel comfortable but are not in our best interest.

Let’s consider the symbols beginning with the Rider Waite deck, from top to bottom.

The four aspects of ourselves are portrayed by the dead king, (our wounded self), the child, (our immaturity), the maiden, (our innocence), and the priest, (our spiritual Self). All are being trampled upon and affected by change.

The Robin Wood deck shows a robed figure holding the banner with the large rose. Birch trees and dense foliage surround the figure. The deep red of the robe represents an active and passionate commitment to change. The lush forest represents growth and expansion. The yellow butterfly also symbolizes tranformation.

Upright reading:
A major change will involve new ways of thinking, behaving and feeling.
The end of the prevailing situation. You are empowered to create a change.
Remain stalwart and go through the change intact.

Reversed:
Accept that a change is necessary and go through it gracefully.
Begin the process of change by preparing yourself and organizing things.
Consider that you may be resisting change, old behaviors, job, relationship(s),
homelife, and lifestyle that should phase out and allow for a greater expression.

Troublesome Invisible Things

Throughout the history of mankind we have been aware of and fascinated by altered states of mind. Seers, oracles, channelers, trance mediums and tarot card readers have been consulted for a variety of reasons from curiosity, a desire to know the future, a better understanding of the dynamics of existence and to receive messages from loved ones who have passed on.

Traditional scriptures and highly evolved sages have warned against attracting entities. They knew that the human mind is gullible and perhaps naive when it comes in contact with lower astral entities. Some entities may pose as spiritual sages and spout words of a spiritual nature but ultimately desire power or a wish to experience their earthly addictions through mankind. There are also highly evolved beings from other worlds who wish to ‘drop in’ and see what they can stir up in their primitive earthlings.

These seeming authentic messages can also come from a charismatic entity who uses seduction and flattery to court its prey until its true nature is revealed. It appears that only a small percentage of channeled messages come from evolved beings. Are you aware of the tell-tail signs of deceit?
Here are some signs that may indicate mind invasion by errant entities:

You or your querent may be contacted by those who are open or subjective to such troublesome entities. Some personalities are gullible and can be lead to dangerous activities, even killing others. Mental health authorities say that one in ten people have such experiences and only drugs seem to be able to stop the ‘voices’. You may have seen or heard of seeming normal people who have killed or performed an act that is out of character. When confronted they do not believe they were capable of such an act.

If you are faced with such entities you can offer help in two ways:
- Treat the immediate problem by spiritual healing thoughts and calling upon assistance of a Christ Being.
- Surround your querent by imagining white light and tell them that they have the power to make their entity(ies) go away.