Embracing Change: Scorpio and the Death Card

SCORPIO - The Scorpion - October 24-November 21 Greetings my Scorpio friend and welcome to an analysis of the Death card, which is all about you. The Death card depicts a skeleton swinging a scythe in a field littered with human remains. Meanwhile, the sun is just starting to peek over the horizon. In some versions of this card, you can see a scorpion or eagle in the background – these images are hints that this card belongs to Scorpio. (Both scorpions and eagles can unexpectedly strike at a moment’s notice, so both images have been symbolically tied to Scorpio.) If you think about it, this pair makes sense due to your ability to deal with heavy and difficult situations like death, birth, and other important transitions. The symbolism of the Death card centers around the mysteries of transformation. Scorpios are the living mysteries of the Zodiac. They are passionate and determined. They are more comfortable dealing with weighty topics than any other sign. I am assuming you are already prepared to dive into the depths and uncover the secrets that are hidden in your inner nature and in the Death card. Let’s start exploring!

Why This Pairing Makes Sense

Scorpios travel through life surrounded by an air of mystery and intrigue. You don’t shy away from topics that others usually find disturbing. In fact, you have little patience for small talk. Instead, you want your conversations to center around big topics – life, death, and transformation. The Death card is a symbol of the significant and inevitable events that happen in life. Though it can indicate the end of a cycle, it can also represent transformation and rebirth. In short, the Death card is a depiction of all the things that intrigue you the most. It should come as no surprise that your passion drives you, Scorpio. You hunger for transformative experiences and the emotional and physical catharsis they can bring. You crave sensation in all forms, and it is hard for you to dedicate yourself to something that doesn’t speak to and inflame your passions. Death is symbolic of all rites of passage and the overwhelming emotions that accompany them. It is a representation of the ability to surrender yourself to the events that are happening to you. It is a sign of the relinquishment of control and that is required to submerge yourself and experience things on a visceral level. You have a strategic side that can analyze events and anticipate outcomes. You can easily understand how current causes will lead to future effects. Combined with a strong will, this allows you to chart the course of your life with relative ease. Once you have your sights set on a goal, it is difficult to convince you to change course. You have a knack for turning things to your advantage. The Death card represents all the unstoppable forces that enter our lives. It cannot be diverted or delayed. It represents times of upheaval and change. You have an innate ability to surf the waves of colossal change.

The Death Card and Your Strengths

Scorpio, you are naturally independent. With your unique outlook on life and your tendency to be a deep thinker, you often feel as though you are on the outside of a group even when you aren’t. This suits you, however, because you don’t like to feel bound by society’s expectations. You don’t give a second thought to striking out on your own to find experiences to savor. The Death card helps to put issues like these into perspective. Our time on Earth is short and so we must make the most of the time we have. The Death card is our memento mori, reminding us that life is short and we should enjoy all that we can. Along with your independence, you are determined and can remain committed to a cause. You aren’t necessarily forthcoming with your support, but when you decide to nurture an effort or work towards a goal, your willpower drives you to see it through to the end. You are resilient, and will not stop trying until you get what you want. In this area, you could learn some strategy from the Death card. There are times when it is appropriate to surrender, no matter how desperately you may want something. People notice when a Scorpio walks into the room. Your natural magnetism draws people to you. Though you have an appreciation for privacy and like to spend time on your own, you are often surrounded by people who are fascinated by your depths and want to find out more about you. You can find companions for your adventures with little effort. Your charisma is based upon your acceptance of the mysteries of life. The comfort with which you manage significant transitions inspires confidence in others.

The Death Card (Reversed) and Your Weaknesses

Scorpio, occasionally your passions get the best of you and you lose yourself in them. When you get overwhelmed in this way, it is hard for you to focus on anything but indulging your desires. Interests turn into obsessions and your other responsibilities are neglected. You are eventually able to snap out of it, but after you do, you have to spend time and effort to fulfill all the responsibilities you neglected. If you want someone to tell your secrets to, tell a Scorpio. You are naturally secretive and occasionally keep secrets just for the sake of keeping them. There are times you aren’t even making an effort to conceal information. It just doesn’t occur to you to share it. You also tend to hide your true emotions. This can make you appear distant, causing friends and loved ones to question your commitment to them. When the Death card is reversed, it represents a lack of change and the potential for stagnation. When you get tangled up in your interests, when you conceal your true feelings from those you care about, you can find yourself trapped in an unchanging situation. There are times when it is appropriate to let go of your self control and times when you must maintain it. Equally, there are times you must make yourself vulnerable and share your true self with others. To keep your way clear, emulate the sweeping change that the Death card can represent. Don’t cling tightly to situations, people, or information. Allow events to come and go in your life naturally. Realize that the forces of change affect everyone, no matter who they are. Cycles must end to provide the chance for rebirth and renewal. Transitions bring fresh perspectives and new information.

The Death Card and Problem Solving

For you, Scorpio, a problem is just another mystery to be solved. If you let yourself assume the role of a detective, you can meet any issue that arises with enthusiasm and confidence. You have an inquisitive nature that drives you to find out why and how things happen, so each problem that arises gives you an opportunity to add to your knowledge. The Death card reminds us that each obstacle in our path is a miniature initiation into specialized knowledge. You are not the same person who encountered the problem by the time you solved it. When people you know approach you to ask for help, it is usually for a problem that carries a great deal of emotional weight for them. They intuitively understand that they will be able to plumb the depths of the situation with you and explore their feelings. In turn, you are an excellent guide when helping people through big transitions in life, whether they be joyous or painful. The Death card governs all rites of passage and tells a tale of the new dawn that occurs after the darkness of pain and personal difficulties has passed. Just as Chyron leads the souls of the newly dead to the afterlife, you can assist people through difficult changes. The Death card is a reminder that some problems are inevitable. It is important to pick your battles and decide which changes you will fight against and which you will accept. Sometimes the powerful changes that affect our lives strike with such intensity that the only thing we can do is surrender ourselves to the forces bearing down upon us. The scythe the skeleton swings on the Death card is a tool of separation and ending. Remember that each ending inevitably leads to a new beginning. When one cycle ends, another starts anew.

The Death Card and Your Work Life

Scorpios are most comfortable in careers which allow them to indulge in their intense attention to detail or their love of uncovering the truth. Your ability to focus and pay attention to detail makes you a perfect candidate for being a surgeon or medical specialist. Your love of research and digging up facts could point you to a job as an investigative journalist or detective. You could also find satisfaction as an archeologist uncovering secrets that have been buried for countless years. Finally, scorpios make excellent therapists or social workers, due to the ease with which they deal with deeply felt emotions and important life changes. No matter which career you find yourself in, the Death card can provide sound advice for advancing in it. One important lesson from this card is that everyone processes change and transition differently. Some people welcome it with open arms, while others avoid it at all costs. You are likely to be someone who welcomes change and the challenges it brings, so it is important to remember that sometimes it takes others time to process and accept big changes. If you can learn to help others around you manage change and make the best of situations they find undesirable, you will be a great success.

The Death Card and Your Relationships

Your natural magnetism draws a lot of people to you. Even when you are trying to avoid notice, people notice you and are drawn to what could be called your mysterious aura. You are particularly attractive to people who enjoy a challenge and to be challenged. You will find that the friends and lovers that are closest to you are those who aren’t put off by your silence or the times you withdraw from the world. When you are seeking friends and romantic partners, look for people who want to dive into the depths with you. You can’t tolerate small talk or lengthy discussions of things you consider inconsequential. So you need a social circle that wants to talk late into the night about important topics. You are happiest with people who will let you explore the mysteries of life alone, but who are also willing to take you by the hand and join in the exploration.

The Death Card’s Guidance

Meditation on the imagery contained in the Death card can help you rebalance yourself and refocus your efforts when you feel as though you don’t have the proper perspective. When you have a few quiet moments, take some slow deep breaths to calm your mind. Close your eyes and picture yourself in the setting of the Death card. Pay attention to how you appear in the card. Do you have a disembodied perspective? Are you the skeleton swinging the scythe or one of the many people who have been cut down? If you are holding the scythe, how do you feel moved to use it? What lessons can you take from your perceptions?