A skeleton in black armor approaches astride a white horse 
holding a black flag emblazoned with the Mystic Rose of life.

The Emperor lies dead underfoot, the crown tumbled to the ground.
To attempt to resist is to be immediately overcome.

The Hierophant stands with hands outstretched in prayer.
To negotiate is futile.

On her knees, the maiden surrenders.
To gracefully accept is to allow change to happen as it should.

The child faces the skeleton, offering a white rose.
To embrace change without fear is to accept the gift in it.

This card does not signify physical death but
transition, change, movement to a new phase.

In the distance the Sun shines
between the towers of imagination.

This is a mystical death. 

This is the death of the present self 
to reach higher consciousness.