The Tower
Words describing The Tower: destruction, chaos, upheaval, collapse, disaster, downfall, transformation, awakening, enlightenment, sudden change.
How to interpret The Tower in tarot
Past
Page of Cups (upright)
Present
Ace of Pentacles (reversed)
Future
The Tower (reversed)
The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)
The Tower is the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot and symbolizes sudden upheavals, chaos and change. The card’s image shows a tall tower struck by lightning and people falling out of the tower. It represents that sometimes dramatic and unexpected events can occur which shake up our lives and our fundamental structures, forcing us to adapt and change.
Upright Meaning
When The Tower appears upright in a tarot reading, it means that you can expect sudden changes, disruptions or conflicts in your life. The card urges you to be prepared to handle these challenges and to understand that they can lead to positive changes and new insights in the long run. It is a time to let go of old structures and to be open to building something new and better.
Reversed Meaning
If The Tower is reversed in a reading, it may indicate that you have already experienced a sudden change or crisis and that you are now on the way to recovering and rebuilding your life again. It can also mean that you are trying to prevent or deny such a change from happening, which can make it harder to cope when it does occur. The card urges you to be open to change and to see the possibilities in chaos and upheaval.
Example Interpretation
If The Tower appears in a reading alongside the Three of Pentacles and the Six of Swords, it could be interpreted as a sudden and unexpected change (The Tower) leading to new collaborations, efforts and successes on the material plane (Three of Pentacles). In order to achieve this, it is important to seek support, advice and help from others (Six of Swords) when navigating through this period of upheaval and change.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Tower is one of the most feared and misunderstood cards in the tarot deck. It is often associated with destruction, chaos, and sudden change. However, when viewed from a psychological perspective, The Tower represents the archetype of transformation and rebirth.
In many ancient cultures, the tower was seen as a symbol of man’s attempt to reach the divine. It was believed that through this pursuit, one would experience a profound inner awakening and emerge as a stronger, more enlightened individual. This theme is echoed in The Tower card, as the figures falling from the tower symbolize the breaking down of old structures and beliefs in order to make way for new growth and understanding.
Behavioral Patterns
When The Tower appears in a reading, it often signifies a major and unexpected upheaval in one’s life. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as a sudden loss, a life-changing event, or a significant shift in mindset. The initial reaction to this disruption may be fear, anger, or a sense of chaos. However, it is important to recognize that these emotions are natural and necessary in order to move forward and embrace the transformation that is taking place.
On a deeper level, The Tower may also indicate a need to let go of old patterns and beliefs that are no longer serving us. This can be a difficult process, as we often cling to what is familiar and comfortable, even if it is ultimately hindering our growth. The Tower urges us to confront these patterns head on and release them in order to make room for new and more empowering ways of being.
Integration and Shadow Work
Working with the energies of The Tower can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. It requires us to face our deepest fears and vulnerabilities, and to embrace the unknown. This process of transformation can be supported through shadow work, which involves exploring and integrating the aspects of ourselves that we may have suppressed or rejected.
The Tower also teaches us the importance of surrender and trust in the face of upheaval. By accepting and embracing the changes that are occurring, we can emerge from the destruction stronger, wiser, and more aligned with our true selves.