365 Tarot Spreads: Revealing the Magic in Each Day - Sasha Graham 2014

Death Card Spread

On This Day

Antiquated times held the Death card as the end of all things—a veil of darkness blotting out all life, a flame extinguished, or a life ended. The Death card is commonly read by modern readers as transformation into a new state of consciousness and the beginning of something new.

Vlad the Impaler became ruler of Walachia, a section of Romania, on this day in 1476. Rumors of his excessive cruelty spread, as did his fondness for impaling his enemies, and a few hundred years later Bram Stoker would based the character Dracula on Vlad.

Summation of Spread

If we are sensitive and allow it, the Death card is a literal metaphor that can be our greatest teacher. Reminding us of the value of life, death teaches us how to live.

The fictional Dracula and nonfictional Vlad are both symbolic of Death. This spread is based on symbols found on the Death card.

Cast Your Cards

Use this spread to answer any question. Format your question before casting the spread or simply let the cards answer the questions posed. Pull the Death card from your deck. Place it in the center of the spread and cast your cards around it as follows:

1. Skeleton: What is temporary?

2. Armor: What protects me?

3. Horse: What moves me?

4. Dead King: What is overthrown?

5. Praying Child: Who is listening?

6. Bishop: What role does religion and dogma play in my life?

7. Twin Towers: What has been built?

8. Sunrise: What new beginning awaits?