Sun Signs Everything Under The Sun!
A New Beginning in Tarot – Death
Death, the symbol of renewal, is perhaps one of the easiest of the Tarot Stones to interpret. It does not mean literal death; it means more of an ending and a new beginning. Something must come to an end. As my favorite boss ever said to me (when I didn’t get the promotion I’d applied for), “When one door closes, another one opens.” And she was so right!
Ending
Xi – the sound of the last letter of our English alphabet – means ending. It Is Over. The Oracle tells us there is no fruit to be taken from a withered shoot. The shoot is withered. There is no point in nurturing it back to life, to enable it in the hope that it will grow and eventually yield.
Death – A New Beginning
Letting Go
Letting go, and accepting that It Is Over, is perhaps one of the most difficult human experiences. Examples of the need to let go might include finally giving up on a failed business enterprise, ending an unhappy relationship, finally embracing a committed relationship, or watching one’s children grow up and leave home. The ending ushered by the Death Stone could be sad or a welcome relief, depending on the circumstances of the person’s life. Because whatever it was, It Was, It Is Over. There is no going back because, as the Oracle reminds us, there is no fruit to be taken from a withered shoot.
Grieving
An important aspect of death, or of ending, is the process of acknowledgment and grieving. In the West, we are disconnected from the Death and Ending process – when something or someone passes. We often fail to acknowledge, grieve, mourn, or celebrate. The closing door brings an opening door, but do not fail to look behind as the door closes and be grateful for what was before. Even the saddest, most traumatic experiences bring a deeper understanding of ourselves and a greater appreciation of life, breathing, and living.
Death – A New Beginning
Near Death Experience
People who have had near-death experiences often speak of a much greater appreciation of life following that experience – perhaps of noticing the little things, of simple joys. At the same time as honoring what was, if it is an ending over which you feel sad, it is essential to acknowledge and allow that sadness. Allowing yourself to grieve is a way of honoring that which is passing.
Look Ahead
As well as remembering to look behind you to the closing door, remember to look ahead to the opening door. Remember the sign of the Yin and Yang – for even in the darkest moment, there is a glimmer of light. Even if the opening door means only learning to accept, acceptance that life is a cycle of little births and little deaths, this is still a massive step in your growth and understanding. Letting go and accepting is necessary – so easy to say and difficult to learn.