In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Scorpio is Death. Death is ruled by the Element of Water for a number of reasons. First, Water symbolizes fluidity and the ability to change and adapt to circumstances and situations. Second, Death is representative of rebirth and it is in Water that life begins. Third, Water possesses the ability to change form...it can be liquid, solid or gaseous. Hence, Water is ideal to represent the changing aspects of the Self. The Planetary Ruler of this card is Pluto, a Planet that symbolizes human feelings related to death, the mysterious and all things occult. Pluto rules the Underworld...the subconscious drives of the Self and, in particular, the libido. The Death card is often viewed as the most fearsome of the Tarot. However, it is probably the one that is most misunderstood. While it can presage a physical death, this is a rare occurrence. Still, it does presage some form of change, which may or may not be forced. Death suggests that the time for change is in the present and if steps are not voluntarily taken to begin the transition, then those steps will be forced upon the individual. Nonetheless, the appearance of this card generally indicates a readiness for change, even though such readiness may not be apparent. The act of release can be a painful experience and it should be remembered that once these things are allowed to be let go, then pure liberation follows.
Death is a member of the Second Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana, representative of renwal, transformation and the birth of new ideas. It also indicates new possibilities and destruction of the old, followed by birth of the new. In short, it is a card of transition, indicating feelings of anxiety and/or pressure from some aspect of life that needs to undergo a change, whether that aspect be employment or a relationship, etc. Although there may be an appearance of destruction, this "tearing down" is truly necessary in order to rebuild that which will take its place. Again, it should be emphasized that if this change is not begun willingly, then circumstances will rise to a point where action becomes absolutely necessary. There can be no procrastination associated with the Death card. The call is for total and complete change immediately.
The skeleton depicted in this card is a symbol of death and rebirth, while the scythe indicates a cutting away of the old. The lily plant represents rebirth or resurrection and the fish suggests a new life and the swiftness of change. The image of the scorpion is indicative of a willingness to submit to change...despite danger or harm. The snake is a symbol of death and rebirth as well as being representative of progression. The phoenix here indicates birth of the new. It is the third and highest aspect of transformation.
In a Tarot reading, Death is indicative of changes in both the physical and the material, often as a result of the current situation. It rarely predicts a physical death, rather suggesting a drastic and sudden change of lifestyle or behavior based upon past actions. When associated with a love affair, this card often symbolizes a dead relationship, but one that comes without acknowledgment of such death. Reversed, this card relates to fear and refusal to face change. It may also indicate depression and/or stagnation. It is indicative of forcible removal of something that is tightly held and of total inner transformation. In reference to a love affair, reversed Death frequently depicts the needless destruction of a relationship.
In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Thirteenth Path...the Path of Intimacy and the Way of Transformation. It links Beauty and Eternity on a road designed to enhance transformation. Any form of transformation is obliged to involve at least a small element of death and destruction, as the old is cleared in order to plant the new. However, each death is followed by a birth...by regeneration. Here, attention must be paid to secrets, investigation, research, intimacy and sexuality. This is a path that teaches nothing lasts forever, not even beauty. It should be respected for its great abilities both to heal and to destroy. Yet another lesson of this path is the importance of working with...and combining the talents and finances of...others to further a higher aim. The Hebrew letter is Nun, which means "Fish" in the ancient language of Aramaic (similar to Hebrew). It evokes the fish that swims in the depths of the dark seas...the deep ocean that symbolizes intimacy and an intense emotional energy.
The associated Rune is Ihwaz...Rune of Defense. "Ihwaz" means "Yew Tree" and is also representative of an archer's bow, magic, deflection and prevention. It is associated with personal defensive power, patience, perseverance, foresight and protection against unexpected attack. In short, it is indicative of wisdom in the face of adversity. For many years, the Yew Tree has erroneously been linked with death due to the ancient practice of planting Yew heges around graveyards. However, the true reason the Yew was planted around cemeteries was to keep at bay any unwanted scavenging animals. The evergreen Yew is both poisonous and impenetrable year-round and many...now grown to huge gnarled trees...may still be found in early British churchyards. Ihwaz should not be a Rune that inspires fear since it also conveys continuity and endurance. The most effective longbows were always made from the wood of the Yew. As well as being strong, long-lasting and flexible, such weapons contained a protective magic. Thus, Ihwaz represents safety from attack and serves as a weapon of defence. Ihwaz symbolizes a time of transformation. It is a time to release the old and embrace the new... new beginnings, new life and new dreams, for example. Indeed, the only constant is change and quick progress demands acceptance, not resistance. Change can be a scary thing, but if individuals remains true to themselves and adhere to their paths, they will soon achieve the desired goal. The Runic Number of Ihwaz is 13 (possibly the origin of the "unlucky thirteen" superstition of Anglo-Saxon culture due to its association with death and burial customs). Its color is magenta, it encompasses all four elements...earth, air, fire and water...and its polarity is male.
The Yew is a rough tree without,
Fixed hard in the earth, the fire's herd,
Sustained by its roots,
A delight on the homeland.
The associated stone is Obsidian, which is created as a result of molten lava coming into contact with water...the fires of destruction combining with the cooling waters of rebirth. It is said to aid humankind in working through karmic blocks since it draws an individual in the right direction when he or she is seeking truth. Obsidian is credited with removing negativity, allowing a person to face forward with hope and optimism. Also known as a "Stone of Purity," Obsidian brings balance to the body, mind and spirit, as well as promoting a sense of peace. It can be used in treatment related to disorders of the veins and skeletal structure. In addition, this stone is believed to allow an individual to recognize the unnecessary patterns which can remain in life and to redesign thought patterns to provide relief from undesired conditions. It assists in actualizing the serenity of the isolated state (when isolation is manifested), stimulating surrender to the totality of the meditative state. Used in ancient times to fashion projectile points and later polished to create early mirrors, the modern use of Obsidian may usually be found as surgical scalpel blades. Pure Obsidian is generally dark green, brown or black in color. A few samples are nearly clear and in some stones, the inclusion of small crystals in the black glass produce a snowflake pattern. There are also "sheen" and "rainbow" varieties. A second associated stone is Apache Tears, a form of Obsidian that is said to weep in times of sorrow. According to legend, a party of Apache Indians were ambushed one day by an enemy tribe. The Apaches fought bravely but were greatly outnumbered and driven to the top of a very high mountain. Their arrows gone, the warriors could fight no longer. Refusing to be taken captive, they leapt...as one...from the cliffs to the rocks below. The Apache women, grief-stricken over the death of their brave menfolk, shed torrents of tears, which became petrified and turned to stone. Apache Tears is credited with bringing comfort to the grieving, as well as promoting forgiveness and release of past injuries. When held in the palm of the hand, this stone appears to be black. However, when held to the light, it is possible to see through the stone. Apache Tears, known to be a "Stone of Precision and Analytical Thought," is said to aid in the understanding of personal distress, leading to insight and acceptance.
In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the left lower back and stomach. Other associated items include peppermint, the snowdrop and the scorpion, while the associated magical symbols are the the scythe and poisons. The colors of this card are aqua blue, dull brown, very dark brown and livid indigo brown (as in the color of a black beetle). Some of the names by which this card is also known include Child of the Great Transformers, Lord of the Gate of Death, Redeeming Belly and Law of Transformation. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with Osiris, Jesus Christ, Lamia and all Resurrected Gods. Other associated mythological Deities include Ullr. The credo of Death is "Rebirth And Renewal."
"I am transformation...I am change...I am rebirth...I am endings and beginnings...I am turnings. I am death and I am resurrection. I am the Phoenix rising out of the ashes of the flames. I accept my own mortality and the mortality of those whom I love. I let go of old feelings, concepts and relationships that are no longer healthy for me."
In the Tarot Deck, the card representing Pluto (the ruling planet of Scorpio) is Judgment, sometimes referred to as The Aeon. It is not governed by a traditional Element, but rather falls under the jurisdiction of Ether, which is of the Spirit. It is not manifest, but is simply "out there" waiting to assume form. It signfies an awakening or renewal. A life well-lived and work well-done. Judgment/The Aeon is symbolic of a change in personal consciousness, which is now on the brink of blending with the universal. It is indicative of spiritual awakening, renewed energy, better health and a quicker mind. In essence, this card suggests life in transition and according to some, rulership over Judgment/The Aeon is interplanetary, with no set influences and no concentrated focus or direction. Rather, each of the planetary bodies exerts influence until the manifestation is revealed in distinct form.
Judgment/The Aeon is a member of the Last Third of the Tarot's Major Arcana. It is indicative of final judgment and the rebirth of consciousness. It suggests that the old ways have died and the new age has begun. With this new age comes the redefining of personality. This card is symbolic of the decisive final step in regard to the old and the first positive step toward the new. It often appears during a crisis situation when a crossroads has been reached. It counsels careful analysis of reality and dares the challenge of looking at a given situation in new ways.
The arched figure depicted on this card is Nuit, the Star Goddess. She is swallowed during the day by Ra, the Sun God, who is represented as a ball of fire. The union between these two Deities produces a third God, who symbolizes the polarities of both active and passive forms. The winged snake represents the God of Wisdom and the Eye of Horus is symbolic of perceiving the consequences prior to acting. The suggestion of fertility associated with this card is indicative of Karma. The wavy hair relates to the creative side of the brain...the right brain...while the straight hair relates to the analytical side of the brain...the left brain.
In a Tarot reading, this card indicates decisions that must be made and an accompanying change in lifestyle for the better. It also denotes achievement and accomplishment, as well as the taking of definite steps away from the old and toward the new. Reversed, it indicates loss, guilt and dread of change, coupled with the refusal or inability to make decisions. It may also portend possible ill health and/or fear of death.
In the Kabbalah, this card is associated with the Twentieth Path...the Path of Resurrection, also known as the Way of the Rebirth. It is the path that unites kingdom (the material plane) with splendor on a road of resurrection. It stands for the proposition of a Judgment Day...the moment when everything that is dead or "swept under the carpet" returns to the Light. It suggests that humankind should take care of their personal past and the collective past of all sentient beings. Dead feeling and dead ideas must be brought back to life. Before enlightenment can be experienced, everything must be exposed to Light and be healed. This is the path for self-analysis...not one where fault is found or blame is pinned. It is a time to fix and correct all wounds. The past is needed in order to avoid a repetition of mistakes and those who walk this path possess the strength to handle any demons that might be encountered along the way. The Hebrew letter is Shin, which means Tooth (an time that sows wisdom, as in "wisdom tooth"). Just as teeth may be used to determine the age of an individual (being "long in the tooth," for example), so Shin aids an individual to reflect on bygone days. As one of three maternal letters (the other two being Aleph and Mem), Shin rules the Element of Fire.
The associated Rune is Jera...Rune of Success and Continuity. "Jera" means "year" or "harvest." It is symbolic of fertility and fruition. This Rune indicates success in endeavors and fruition of plans, as well as being symbolic of good spirits. It suggests just rewards for past efforts and represents inventiveness, talent and/or skill. In addition, it implies movement, change and natural development. Generally considered to be positive, Jera is a symbol of cause-and-effect, possibly portending the end-result of past actions. Hence, it may represent justice...either positive or negative...reward or punishment. This Rune is indicative of a time when reward can be reaped from seeds sown in the past. It is a time of plenty...a time of joy and celebration...but it is also a time to work with no time for complacency. The harvest is followed by winter and thus, an individual should make sure that sufficient wisdom has been stored to face any upcoming challenges. This is yet another turning point in life, not a goal. There are greater harvests ahead but like the farmer, an individual should prepare the land, sow the seed, tend the seedlings and feed the fruit. The Runic Number of Jera is 12. Its color is light blue, its element is earth and its polarity is both male and female.
Harvest is the hope of men, then the gods, The associated stone is Hawk's Eye, sometimes referred to as Falcon's Eye. It is a blue/grey version of Tiger Eye and a reminder that keen vision and patient searching is required in order for an individual to come to terms with himself or herself and with others. The sharp eyesight of the hawk serves as an example of the keen perception needed when judging or assessing situations and people. The hawk's vision is at its best when it is soaring high and thus, detached from its subject of interest. Likewise, an individual would do well to become detached in order that things may be perceived more clearly...and so avoid hasty judgments that may prove to be faulty and injurious. Hawk's Eye, a semi-precious stone of the quartz family, is said to be particularly valuable when an individual feels entangled in problems or choices...or is in a generally confused situation. When some distance from a situation can be achieved, then a pattern may be perceived which can be changed. When there is detachment from emotional turmoil that envelopes a situation, then a solution can more easily be determined. In addition, the Hawk's Eye is believed to provide insight and a deepening of the aerial perspective. Often displaying an aqua sheen, sparks of this color within the stone are said to symbolize the sudden flashes of insight that occur when the perspective is altered in some fashion. Its other properies include the ability to see total truth and forgive without the crippling effect of emotion, which is said to be the height of spirituality and consciousness.
Heaven's holy Kings,
Allow the Earth to yield
To prince and pauper, glorious fruits.
In an anatomical sense, this card is said to rule the right leg, the bones on the right side of the skeleton, muscles and skeletal disorders. It is also associated with evocation and transformation. Other associated items include hyssop, yarrow, balsam, the dandelion and the hawk, while the associated magical symbols are wings, stars and pyraminds. The colors of this card are glowing scarlet-orange, vermillion, scarlet flecked with gold and vermillion flecked with crimson and emerald. Some of the names by which this card is also known include Spirit and Fire and Spirit of Primal Fire. In tales of classical mythology and lore, this card is associated with the Day of Judgment, the Salamander, Hestia/Vestia, Hephaistos/Vulcan (working in his forge) and Prometheus, who stole fire from Olympus in order to give it to humankind. Other associated Deities include Frey and Freyja. The credo of Judgment/The Aeon is "Spiritual Awakening."
"I fit into the big picture, the grand scheme...I am part of the karma of the universe. I am related to the whole and I realize that my actions have a cause and effect on the world around me...I learn to recognize this and to ponder this, and to consider this. And since I am a part of the world and the universe, I take seriously my actions and my life. I answer the call of my community...the call of my world...the call of my universe."
As a Water Sign, Scorpio is also associated with the Tarot's Suit of Cups
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Much of the tarot information found on this page is taken from
"The Royal Road," a manual authored by Lady Shyra and used with
permission provided such credit is givenAll featured tarot card designs are from "The Book of Thoth" deck
designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris
