This is one of the most emotional stories tied to this card for me. It dates back to my childhood, when my mother used cards. I was about ten years old. She repeatedly laid a Grand Tableau for my father, and each time the Scythe appeared beside him: Man with Scythe. I remember her face changing, her breath catching, gathering the cards, and laying them out again. Finally, she told my father to be careful because danger was clearly approaching.

My father dismissed it casually. He said danger was part of racing cars in the mountains and suggested we go get ice cream. I felt reassured by his confidence.

The next day, my father went out to buy bread. While he was gone, bombings began. The explosions were close. My mother and I ran to the balcony, watching the empty street. Then we saw him in the distance, walking, then running. A bomb exploded behind him. He began zigzagging across the road, just like the motion of a scythe slicing through space. Another bomb fell between us and him. We froze, holding hands, waiting for the smoke to clear. He was still running.

He reached the building as bombs fell like hail. We ran down five flights of stairs to reach him. His face was pale, in shock, still clutching the bag of bread, knowing shortages always followed bombings.

That day, I learned how serious the Scythe truly is. Looking back, his zigzag movement mirrored the blade itself, cutting through smoke and danger, racing home to family.

Traditionally, the Scythe warns of significant danger that may be prevented if positive cards surround it. It signals a serious threat to the querent. The surrounding cards reveal where the danger originates and which areas of life are affected. Careful interpretation is essential.

If negative cards surround the Scythe, difficulties may persist. If positive cards surround it, the Scythe may represent a necessary, powerful decision that enables progress, even if it requires sacrifice or painful separation.