The Symbology of Death

Two weeks ago, I wrote a column on the symbolism of death in relation to the changes in season. This week we will delve deeper into the symbolism of death in a spiritual and metaphysical context.

When we speak of death in a symbolic sense, let us not confuse it with literal death, the end of life. Instead, we are looking at the symbol of death as change and rebirth.

Take, for example, Pluto in an astrological sense, or ancient Saturn. Here we have the symbolism of death in astrology. While literal death does at times take place on a physical level during a major Pluto transit, in most cases during these times we will see a symbolic death in our lives. The symbolism of Pluto (and, incidentally, the sign it rules, Scorpio) reeks of change and growth. When a transit of Pluto hits a major point in the natal chart, we will often find old habits and other ways of life that we once held fast to slipping away, seemingly out of our control. The motto here can be seen as "Out with the old, in with the new." Different things in our lives will have to end to begin new ones. This is also the symbol of the phoenix: death, rebirth, and regeneration.

Another example is the "death" card in a Tarot deck. While getting one of these cards in a Tarot spread might sound like it is scary, rarely does it mean a physical death for any of the people involved. Instead, like Pluto in astrology, it is a symbol of change. Death may sound like something we would all like to run from, but the reality of the symbolism of death is more in the perception of the changes taking place than it is in the execution (pardon the pun!) of the change.

In other words, this can be good or bad, depending on what side of the fence you are looking at it from. We all need to be uncomfortable at different times in our lives in order for growth to take place on a spiritual or mental level.

Another example is the images of death in dreams. I cannot stress how much dreams can at times be our friends, even if they are terrifying or leave a bad taste in your mouth for the better part of the waking day after having one. Dreams give us signals as to what types of changes need to be going on in our lives. Dreams about death are generally not about the actual end of life. They more regularly signify a need for change in waking hours. If you are on the wrong path in life and need adjustment, listen to your dreams and the symbolism that they bring with them to get clues on where to go next. A dream about death is often supposed to be used as an impetus to change the way you are doing things. It is no wonder that many people have dreams about death when their lives are at their lowest or in the greatest amount of flux.

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