Cards of the Major Arcana: Death – Temperance – The Devil

Today, we will present three more cards from the Major Arcana of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Together, they illustrate the cyclical nature of life, balance and temptation in our life's journey.

The Death card is often misunderstood, but it symbolises transformation and new beginnings rather than a literal end. It embodies the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that letting go of the old is necessary to make way for fresh opportunities.

The Temperance card represents balance, moderation and harmony. It encourages a measured approach to life, blending different elements to create harmony. Temperance signifies the importance of patience and self-control, as well as finding peace in the midst of chaos.

In contrast, the Devil card explores themes of temptation, addiction and materialism. It serves as a reminder to look closely at the bonds that may restrict us, inviting self-reflection on what truly controls our lives.

The following are extracts from the author's book on tarot. Further information about the book can be found in the notes.

Card XIII of the Major Arcana: Death

Everyone is terrified when Death appears. The Grim Reaper, who wears black armour and visits everyone regardless of who they are, is not exactly a popular figure.

In the Rider-Waite Tarot, however, Death rides a beautiful white horse and carries a mystical five-petalled rose as a banner. This archetypal flower symbolises many things, but is especially sacred to the Mother of the Ancient Ways. In the background, the sun can be seen setting or rising between two towers. This is a perpetual repetition. It never changes.

Everyone bows before the horse and its rider, who has an open visor and is unarmed. Dignitaries and kings, mothers and children – no one can escape. Yet no one in the picture appears desperate. They appear to be calmly awaiting and welcoming him.

The Arcanum shows a peaceful scene that is by no means gruesome. It rarely depicts an actual death. Rather, it is about the end. You could also say that it signifies the end because the number XIII always refers to the end of a state or situation. This end is always inevitable – a natural conclusion when the time is right. ... End of excerpt.

Card XIV of the Major Arcana: Temperance

After the disturbing images of Death and the Hanged Man, Temperance offers a haven of peace. An angel – or rather, a winged female figure – stands beside a body of water. Holding a goblet in each hand, she transfers water from one vessel to the other. The fact that she is allowing the water to flow rather than pouring it is an important clue to its meaning.

One of her feet is in the water and the other is on dry land, creating harmony. The woman or angel calmly handles and observes the river of life, her face completely relaxed. In the background, the sun resembles a crown, a symbol of victory. Yellow orchids bloom on the riverbank. Everything is calm and flowing.

This card is also known as 'Art' in other decks, and the background is the same. Harmony and balance are the major themes of this Arcanum. It is about mastering powers in the sense of nurturing, not abusing them. Yin and yang, light and dark, hot and cold, birth and death: opposites in harmony. ... End of excerpt.

Card XV of the Major Arcana: The Devil

After a harmonious card, the Devil Tarot card appears, causing confusion. At first, this seems illogical, but on closer inspection, it becomes clear why.

If you look closely at the card, you will notice similarities with the Lovers card, which has the number VI. As in that card, a man and a woman are depicted here. However, here they are wearing chains around their necks and, instead of an angel, a devilish, winged creature towers above them. It has horns and is depicted as both human and animal. Between its huge horns, it bears an inverted pentagram. Throughout the centuries, the devil, the adversary of good, has always been depicted in this way.

The naked couple have also changed slightly, acquiring animal attributes, such as horns and long tails. Their chains are forged to the block on which the Devil sits. The background is completely dark, with only the three figures visible. Everything else is negated – only the Devil matters. ... End of excerpt.

Would you like to find out more? Eleonore's book offers valuable guidance on using Rider-Waite Tarot cards. You can read some excerpts here:
– Using Tarot cards as a guide: Explore the wisdom of the Rider-Waite deck
– Mistakes when dealing with Tarot cards: The right way to use the Tarot
– How to interpret the hidden significance of Tarot cards: The Major Arcana
– Try swinging a pendulum. Communicate with your inner self
– Cards of the Major Arcana: The Magician – The High Priestess – The Empress
– Cards of the Major Arcana: The Emperor – The Hierophant – The Lovers
– Cards of the Major Arcana: The Chariot – Justice – The Hermit
– Cards of the Major Arcana: Wheel of Fortune – Strength – The Hanged Man

© 'Cards of the Major Arcana: Death – Temperance – The Devil. Exploring the themes of the cyclical nature of life, balance and temptation in Tarot': A series of essays by Eleonore Radtberger (translated by Izabel Comati), 12/2025. Image credit: Pressenet.