Upright
End, mortality, destruction, corruption also, for a man, the loss of a benefactor for a woman, many contrarieties; for a maid, failure of marriage projects.
Reversed
Inertia, sleep, lethargy, petrifaction, somnambulism; hope destroyed.
Reflection
Light
Bringing an unpleasant phase of life to an end
Recognizing and celebrating the conclusion of something
Putting bad habits to rest
Becoming a new person
Leaving one person, place, or thing for another
Letting go
Shadow
Obsessing on death and dying
Refusing to give up old habits or unhealthy relationships
Insisting that everything and everyone should stay the same forever
Failing to take good care of yourself
Symbolism
The veil or mask of life is perpetuated in change, transformation and passage from lower to higher, and this is more fitly represented in the rectified Tarot by one of the apocalyptic visions than by the crude notion of the reaping skeleton. Behind it lies the whole world of ascent in the spirit. The mysterious horseman moves slowly, bearing a black banner emblazoned with the Mystic Rose, which signifies life. Between two pillars on the verge of the horizon there shines the sun of immortality. The horseman carries no visible weapon, but king and child and maiden fall before him, while a prelate with clasped hands awaits his end.
The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Hierophant