The Scythe

The card

A scythe with the blade turned to one side. Like the Clouds, this card is read with its direction in mind.

Traditional meaning

Traditionally the Scythe is a sudden cut and danger, and also harvest — taking in what is owed.

How to read it

The keywords are "fast" and "cut". Unlike the Coffin’s long ending, the Scythe is one clean stroke: surgery, a break-up, a resignation, a matter closed in one move. Whatever the blade points at is the thing being cut.

In context

Love

A sudden separation, or one decisive conversation in the relationship.

Work

An abrupt cut, a contract terminated — or a decisive harvest of what you built.

Timing

Sudden; it can happen at any moment.

Common combinations

• The Scythe + The Heart · Feeling cut off abruptly
• The Scythe + The Tree · Surgery, or a sudden turn in health
• The Scythe + The Fish · Money in quickly — or money cut off in one stroke
• The Scythe + The Ring · A contract terminated, or a marriage cut short
• The Scythe + The Fox · A sudden resignation or redundancy
• The Scythe + The House · Leaving home in a hurry, or an abrupt change at home
• The Scythe + The Key · Cutting the knot; solved in one move
• The Scythe + The Mountain · Forcing through the obstacle
• The Scythe + The Rider · News out of nowhere
• The Scythe + The Cross · A painful cut that has to be taken