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Category: Major Arcana
The Tower tarot card – positioned as the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana – emerges as a potent symbol standing on the precipice of upheaval and revelation. It beckons seekers to confront the inherent chaos and transformative energies embedded within the human journey. And it urges them to navigate through the lightning strikes of truth and destruction.
Before we delve into the depths of the Tower tarot card, let’s take a moment to recall our weekly rendezvous at Born Under Saturn. Every Friday, we unravel the meanings and unlock the key symbols of a new tarot card. Join us in this ongoing exploration, and return in the weeks ahead to discover new cards. If you’ve missed any revelations, click here to explore the tarot card meanings we’ve previously unveiled.
The Tower tarot card: Description
The Tower tarot card in the Rider-Waite deck unveils a scene of striking tumult and transformation. At the card’s center stands a formidable stone tower, crowned with a symbolic representation of authority and stability. The crown, however, is abruptly struck by a jagged lightning bolt, tearing it asunder and setting the tower ablaze. The flames illuminate the night sky, casting a stark light on the unfolding chaos.
Within the card, two small figures are in free fall from the Tower, their expressions reflecting the shock and dismay of sudden upheaval. The ground below is rocky and uneven, emphasizing the harsh and unpredictable nature of the changes depicted. The imagery underscores the abruptness and disruptive power of the events depicted, leaving no room for gradual adaptation.
Against the backdrop, swirling clouds evoke a sense of turbulence, mirroring the chaotic and transformative forces at play. The Rider-Waite rendition masterfully illustrates the visceral impact of revelation, portraying the profound shifts that occur when the very foundations of existence are shaken.
The Tower tarot card, as depicted in the Rider-Waite deck, prompts contemplation on the inevitability of change, the deconstruction of preconceived notions, and the potential for rebirth following destruction. Its presence in a reading signals a potent and transformative moment in the seeker’s journey, urging reflection on the disruptive but ultimately liberating forces of change.
By the way, if you don’t have the Rider-Waite deck, one of the most popular choices, you can get it by clicking here. As we emphasized in our article about the best tarot decks, it’s a must-have for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Additionally, we suggested to consider exploring the Marseille tarot deck, which you can find here, for a habitual check and diverse insights into the world of tarot.
The Tower: Keywords
UPRIGHT: Upheaval – Transformation – Revelation – Chaos – Destruction – Sudden Change – Liberation – Awakening – Unveiling Truth – Disruption
REVERSED: Resisting Change – Avoidance – Delayed Revelation – Inner Turmoil – Stagnation – Refusing Liberation – Denial – Repressed Truth – Unacknowledged Disruption – Suppressing Transformation
The Tower: Meaning
What does the The Tower tarot card mean? As the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana, its imagery and symbolism unfold a narrative of destruction and rebirth. It urges seekers to confront the inevitable changes that life may bring.
In this section, we’ll explore both the upright and reversed meanings of the Tower card, unraveling the layers of its significance and the guidance it offers in a tarot reading.
Upright Meaning
In its upright stance, the Tower card announces a moment of abrupt and impactful change. It’s the chaos we didn’t see coming, hitting us like a thunderbolt. At first, it feels disruptive, maybe even destructive. But within this chaos lies the potential for relief.
This card signifies the collapse of old structures, beliefs, or situations that no longer foster personal growth. While the initial shock may be tough, the Tower kickstarts a crucial process of renewal and enlightenment. It nudges us to let go of ties to the past, clearing the path for authentic transformation and personal development.
The Tower isn’t just about spiritual or mental shifts; it can also denote profound physical changes. It encompasses cathartic events like the loss of a loved one, a divorce, job termination, or health issues – anything that completely shakes a person’s life. It may even signify a deep spiritual revelation, altering one’s perspective on life and how they perceive things.
Change, in the Tower’s realm, is about cleansing and rebuilding. Metaphorically, to construct a new palace, you need to unleash chaos and dismantle what was there before. It’s a necessary chaos, a precursor to a better, improved creation.
When the upright Tower card emerges, it throws down the gauntlet, daring individuals to welcome change with open arms. It urges an acknowledgment that destruction sometimes paves the way for a more authentic and liberated existence. When this card appears, it’s crucial to recognize that chaos and destruction aren’t there to annihilate; they’re catalysts, assisting in the process of renewal and growth.
Embrace the chaos. And, within destruction, find the seeds of genuine renewal.
Reversed Meaning
When the Tower card flips, resistance to change surfaces. Old beliefs or habits might be clung to, hindering progress. The reversed Tower prompts reflection on fear and reluctance to embrace necessary transformations.
It may signal a delayed change, where one resists life’s natural flow or delay the confrontations needed for personal growth. The reversed Tower doesn’t negate transformation; instead, it reminds readers to confront internal resistance or fear impeding personal growth. It urges them to dismantle barriers hindering their evolution.
In reverse, The Tower challenges readers to reassess values or, in tough situations, even completely change belief systems. Doubting life’s purpose is tough but not off-limits. The reversed tower says: don’t avoid questions, face them.
Embracing change, though challenging, is vital when navigating the reversed Tower’s energy with resilience and openness.
Face the resistance. And, within doubt, discover the seeds of profound transformation.
The Tower: Love meaning
In matters of love, the Tower tarot card brings a surge of transformative energy. Its presence signals that profound changes are on the horizon, challenging the foundations of a romantic relationship. This upheaval may initially appear unsettling, yet it serves as a catalyst for much-needed growth and renewal.
For those in committed relationships, the Tower prompts a reassessment of the dynamics, urging couples to confront underlying issues and obsolete patterns.
For singles, it suggests a period of self-discovery and the potential for unexpected romantic upheavals that, in the end, pave the way for a more authentic and fulfilling connection.
While the Tower’s influence in matters of the heart may seem disruptive, its ultimate goal is to clear the path for genuine love to flourish.
When the card appears reversed in the realm of love, it signals a reluctance to embrace necessary changes within a romantic relationship. Couples may resist addressing underlying issues or avoiding necessary conversations. The reversed Tower urges individuals to examine their fears and hesitations; it encourages open communication and a willingness to navigate the complexities of love with transparency. It may also suggest a period where the natural flow of emotional growth is hindered.
The Tower: Key symbols
Delving into the Tower tarot card in the Rider-Waite version, we unravel three pivotal elements that enrich its narrative: the Tower structure, the lightning bolt, and the falling figures. Let’s delve into their insights.
Tower structure
The tower itself is a crucial symbol: it represents established beliefs, institutions, or situations that are on the brink of collapse. The crumbling structure highlights the impermanence of worldly constructs and the necessity of breaking down outdated foundations to make way for authentic growth. The Tower prompts a reevaluation of what one holds dear and challenges the resistance to necessary change for personal evolution.
Lightning bolt
At the heart of the Tower tarot card lies the prominent symbol of the lightning bolt. This powerful force represents the abrupt and transformative energy that shatters existing structures. Striking the crown of the tower, it symbolizes a divine intervention, challenging the established order and paving the way for renewal. The lightning bolt serves as a catalyst for change, urging individuals to embrace the inevitable upheavals with resilience.
The lightning bolt is intricately tied to the concept of Divine Fire, as articulated in the Bible. According to biblical references, the Divine Fire serves a purpose: it selectively destroys what is deemed Evil and purifies the essence of what remains.
The connections between this tarot card and biblical narratives are numerous and noteworthy; they will become more apparent in the upcoming section about the historical insights of the card.
Falling figures
Two figures – often interpreted as a king and queen – are depicted in free fall from the tower. Their descent vividly embodies the Tower’s sudden and uncontrollable nature. Their expressions of shock and terror mirror the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. The falling figures emphasize the need for surrender to the forces beyond one’s control and the acceptance of transformative events.
Linked to the figures in the preceding Devil card, an evolution unfolds. In the Devil, these figures are nude and entangled, symbolizing earthly desires and material attachments. Contrasted in the Tower card, they are now in free fall, opening their horizon. As they descend, they gain the chance to see new perspectives, liberated from the entrapment of the Devil’s influence.
Historical insight about the Tower Tarot Card
This card carries profound symbolism and unveils intriguing historical insights, as revealed by Jodorowsky in his bestseller, “The Way of Tarot” – available for purchase here. Let’s delve into his revelations.
A. Jodorowsky emphasizes that the Tower card, in today’s context, brings spiritual relief. However, before the Tarot de Marseille restoration, it was commonly associated with the Tower of Babel in the XVI card. Interpretations often spoke of punishment for pride, catastrophes, divorces, castration, earthquakes, and ruin. Oswald Wirth, the medieval tarot creator, depicted a king and queen falling from a tower, with a brick striking the woman’s head.
For more on Oswald Wirth’s significance, click here to read our dedicated paragraph in the article about the history of tarots.
Despite some tarot interpretations linking the tower to destruction, the Bible’s Tower of Babel narrative portrays a different perspective. The destruction of the tower, rather than a punishment, becomes a solution to a problem.
Jodorowsky elaborates on what the Bible conveys – after the flood, the irrigated planet becomes fertile, with very few surviving humans. Instead of despairing, they gather to build a tower reaching the sky to God. Initially an act of love, a desire to know the creator’s realm, God, aware of its unrealizability, refrains from destructive measures. He creates diversity in languages, separating people. It’s more of a blessing than punishment, prompting men to conquer the land anew.
Understanding these evolutionary shifts in card meanings is a fascinating journey. Importantly, tarot cards, irrespective of deck or edition, are rich in symbolism, mirroring human emotions, feelings, and paths. This complexity also makes yes-or-no readings impossible, as discussed in our yes-or-no readings dedicated article. Treating Tarot as merely a tool for binary answers diminishes its potential and limits the depth of insights it can provide.
The tower: Does it mean Yes or No in a tarot reading?
As emphasized at the end of the preceding paragraph, relying on yes-or-no readings is not the most enriching approach to tarot. Although some interpretations suggest that drawing the Tower in response to a yes-or-no question signifies a definite “No,” we encourage a more profound exploration of the card’s symbolism.
Rather than using tarot cards to simply predict or prevent the future, we advocate delving into their intricate meanings. It’s more beneficial to view tarot as a tool for introspection and gaining insights into the complexities of one’s path.
