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The Rider-Waite-Smith-Key 13-Death, departed from the Tradition set by the Golden Dawn or the older Marseilles cards. Here, Waite displays his own personal experience with this Card. The warrior quality of the Death card is expressed as a Skeletal Knight. His medieval presentation of Death as the Black Knight, riding past the fallen King of Matter. Before the Death Knight is the bishop with fish-shaped Miter, implying the passing of the Piscean age. The rising sun behind the two towers (first seen on the Moon card) refers to resurrection which is the conquest of death. The flying banner depicts a white rose with ten petals, five inner and five outers. Being based on five, the white rose refers to the 5th Sephiroth on the Tree of Life- Geburah's Martian force. However, the totality of the petals refers to the entire Universe under Kether, as Kether is presented as the White color (perfect balanced Weight of all colors). This also relates to the 0-Fool and Uranus, to which the White Rose is related.

The Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms-Key 13-Death illustrates death riding in on a white horse. This card also is like the traditional tarot card illustrations where death is often shown riding a white horse. However, there are no kings or queens obviously present. The background is a hazy battlefield as shown by the carrion birds and dark figures.

Like the Thoth tarot death card, this card is about an end of a cycle, a transformation and/or change. Rather than be seen as a bad thing, this card actually represents a transformational change that benefits you. Here, the transformational change is occurring to end a cycle of events that have sabotaged you or hurt you in some way. Thereby, removing the gravity in your life and freeing you to renew and move on.

To the Qabalist, motion, is the function applied to Nun, the Hebrew letter supplied to the Thoth Death- Card and all tarot death cards used by Western Hermetic Qabalists. Both the RWS Tarot and Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms show Lord Dread on a prancing horse, an image representing the Qabalistic knowledge of the motion of Transformation. Hence, from this we gather many other meanings, such as, to travel, to pass away, to depart, to whirl, to sail away; all pointing at change/transformation helping arrive at the notion that change/transformation is the basis of manifestation and/or a Universal Constant of Becoming.

The river seen in the RWS Key 13 is a symbol for this transformative force, as a river is a part of Water's Transformative manifestation, as it arises from a Sea, to become a vapor, that condenses into clouds that become saturated and form rain, snow, and/or ice that change the landscape. Hence, the Element of Water, "dies" to one state and forms in another, just like bodies and Souls. It also is a symbol of Dark Water, which represents the subconscious and its fears.

The Sun is shown setting in the West, which is attributed to this card, as well as the planet Jupiter, which governs all circular and rotational movement. The direction of South relates to the Sun and on the RWS Card the Sun is shown rising between the towers of both Life and Death.

The Zodiacal House of Scorpio, a fixed, watery sign, is assigned to the Death Card. Scorpio is ruled by Mars (and/or Pluto) which is the Power of the Key 16-The Tower and is said by astrologers to be the sign of exaltation of Uranus (Key 0 the Fool). Scorpio rules the sex organs, making it strongly associated to reproduction. Interestingly, it relates to the 8th house of the horoscope which is called the house of death. The corresponding color is blue green, and the musical tone is G-natural.

Scorpio is the eighth astrological sign in the zodiac, and it is associated with the element Water and ruled by the planet Mars (traditional) and Pluto (modern). People born between October 23 and November 22 fall under the Scorpio sign. Here are some key characteristics often attributed to Scorpios:

1. Passionate: Scorpios are known for their intense and passionate nature. They approach life with depth and emotion, whether it's in relationships, work, or personal interests.

2. Determined: Once Scorpios set their sights on a goal, they are highly determined and focused. They don't easily give up and are willing to put in the effort needed to achieve their objectives.

3. Mysterious: Scorpios tend to have a mysterious aura about them. They may keep aspects of their thoughts and emotions private, making it challenging for others to fully understand them.

4. Resilient: Scorpios are often resilient and can bounce back from challenges. They possess a strong sense of inner strength that helps them endure difficulties and setbacks.

5. Resourceful: Scorpios are resourceful problem-solvers. They have a knack for finding solutions, especially in challenging situations, and are not afraid to delve into the depths to uncover hidden truths.

6. Loyal: Scorpios value loyalty in their relationships. They can be deeply devoted to their friends, family, and partners, and they expect the same level of loyalty in return.

7. Independent: While Scorpios appreciate deep connections, they also value their independence. They may need personal space and time to recharge their emotional energy.

8. Determined: Scorpios are known for their strong will and determination. When they set their sights on a goal, they pursue it with intensity and tenacity.

9. Strategic: Scorpios often have a strategic mindset. They can analyze situations, plan ahead, and make calculated decisions, especially in areas of their life where they have a vested interest.

10. Intuitive: Scorpios tend to have a strong intuition. They can sense and understand underlying emotions and motivations, which contributes to their depth of perception.

Keep in mind that while these characteristics are associated with Scorpios, individual personalities can vary based on various factors such as upbringing, experiences, and the influence of other astrological placements in an individual's birth chart.

Qabalistically Death -key 13 is known as "the ground of similarity in the likeness of all beings" and is called the Imaginative Intelligence by Dr. Paul Foster Case, a Western Hermetic Qabalist. Hence, it is the intelligent basis of resemblances that are transmitted through reproductive functions and/or DNA. Therefore, the Death card suggests the Ageless Wisdom which states "causation is mental".... Therefore, DNA is an intelligent molecule that has recently been suggested to be over 14 billion years old, while the earth has only lived for 3.8 billion years! This makes our DNA a celestial paradigm rather than an earthly one which is often discussed in the theory of panspermia.

The forces of transformation which result in physical death are inimical and feared only because the survival mind of the Subconscious misunderstands and fears them. These transformative forces are connected to reproduction, and by right use of Imagination (I-Magi-Nation) they can be tamed and transformed, so that they can be utilized for indefinite prolongation of physical existence. As many yogis prove. "There is only One Energy that cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed (and Transmitted)." which is the 1st Law of Thermodynamics. This Tarot Card-Key 13-Death is but the image of this statement.

Death, like every other event in Organic Manifestation, is a manifestation of Law, for image must begin and end as it is an "assumption of measurement". When one understands the Law, the personality will not "die", it just moves forward into the next journey of Self-Assumption/Awareness. However, the "fear of death" puts the Soul's created personality into a "darkness of sleep", as it supposed it belongs to the brain that just ended. One finds this not to be true, when one conquers the fears of the Subconscious, which are all based on fear of death.

I can remember many lifetimes, that some accused me of "being only your imagination" yet there is a wisdom of the ages in my soul. I AM, is the truth of existence, but "Me" is only Imagined, and /or assumed. Hence, all of us are "being only our imagination" and the I -Magi-Nation is the Nation of Imagination's Manifested Self. Understanding this, will never come to those who fear, until fear of not only of dying, but of the action of death is shown to be an inevitable act of transformation necessary to accumulate Wisdom and by the knowledgeable interpretation of the phenomena of physical dissolution that imitates immortality. Here we understand that death of the physical transforms one paradigm of organic being into another; a recycling process that keeps the Earth alive.

The Rider-Waite-Smith relates the key 13-Death to the Piscean Age and its religious dispensation of Patriarchy. However, TAROT was not invented for the Piscean Age only, and to limit the operation of the Law depicted in Key 13 to this one period of human history is to obscure the fact that Key 13 represents something that is at work in every age. Hence, the Tarot version of death has evolved even though, like older versions, the newer cards show a walking or riding skeleton with a scythe instead of a banner. Behind there is a river, and a sun. The river moves from the north-west to the south-east, as does the skeleton. The skeleton is the basis and/or essential thing in all movements of the human body.

The RWS Death carries a black flag decorated with a white, five-petal rose, reflecting beauty, purification, and immortality and in numerology-the number five representing change. Together, these symbols reveal that death isn’t about life ending. Death is about endings and beginnings, birth, and rebirth, change and transformation.

I AM The Spirit, and not seeking one! I make "bodies" in my name of "I Am"! Bodies allow intimacy with all measured creation and turn information into experience, by in-form-action. Experience builds Wisdom and death is merely a wise change.

The white horse is a powerful and versatile symbol in various cultural, spiritual, and mythological contexts. Here's an overview of its symbology:

Purity and Innocence

• Color Symbolism: The white color is often associated with purity, innocence, and virtue. A white horse embodies these qualities, symbolizing a pure spirit or intention.

Divine and Supernatural

• Mythology and Religion: In many traditions, white horses are linked to divinity or supernatural realms. For instance, in Greek mythology, the winged horse Pegasus is often depicted as white, representing divine inspiration and the transport of heroes to the heavens.
• Christianity: In the Book of Revelation, a rider on a white horse symbolizes conquest and the spread of the gospel, often interpreted as Christ or the forces of good.

Power and Victory

• War and Triumph: White horses are frequently depicted in art and literature as mounts for heroes and conquerors, symbolizing victory and glory. This can be seen in historical accounts where leaders rode white horses in triumphal processions.
• Nobility and Leadership: The association with power extends to symbols of nobility and leadership, where white horses are seen as noble and majestic creatures fit for kings and leaders.

Transformation and Spiritual Journey

• Psychology and Myth: Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, considered the white horse a symbol of the transformation of the self, representing a journey towards enlightenment and personal growth.
• Spiritual Significance: In various spiritual practices, the white horse can signify a guide or a companion on a spiritual journey, helping the seeker to navigate the realms of the unknown.

Cultural Variations

• Hinduism: In Hindu mythology, the god Vishnu's final avatar, Kalki, is prophesied to arrive on a white horse to bring an end to the current age of darkness and ignorance.
• Celtic Mythology: In Celtic lore, white horses are often magical beings that can travel between worlds, symbolizing the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

Symbol in Tarot

• Tarot Cards: The white horse appears in several tarot cards, such as the Death card in the Rider-Waite deck, and the white horse in the Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms deck, where it represents transformation, endings, and new beginnings. In this context, the horse signifies purity and the inevitable passage from one phase of life to another.

In summary, the white horse is a multifaceted symbol that can represent purity, divinity, power, victory, transformation, and spiritual journeys, depending on the cultural and contextual framework.

The Death Card or Release Card-Key 13, during a reading, suggests:

• Time, Age, and transformation.
• Rarely does it symbolize physical death and only if borne out by the accompanying cards.
• For the Querent, this is the principle of letting go, and moving on.
• A rebirth out of old conditions. 
• A type of transitional metamorphosis which destroys something old to build something new.
•  The Realization of Life Power as it is released from past confines and revitalized by change and regeneration.
• Inner wisdom and consistency.
• Moving forward.
• Freedom to change.

If reversed:

• Fear of Death (the root of all fears and phobias).

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