The Tower Keywords
Upheaval, unexpected change, breakthrough, break-up, liberation, disaster, sudden change, destruction, surprise, shocking
The Tower Numerology
16
The Tower Astrology Zodiac
Aries, Scorpio
The Tower Tarot Suit
Major Arcana
Journal Prompts for The Tower Tarot Card
– What can I do during times when I’m feeling helpless and/or powerless to the changes occurring within/around me?
– What significant adjustments/changes are needed in order for me to experience a breakthrough, liberation, etc?
The Tower Tarot Card Meaning
A dark, stormy night (or what appears to be night) with grey clouds surrounds a stone tower on a mountaintop, setting the scene of The Tower card. A bolt of lightning strikes The Tower with an arrow-like tip, setting it on fire and knocking its golden crown off.
Two people–one dark, one fair–shocked and alarmed, dive head first toward the craggy cliffs below. Yellow/golden flames scatter the sky, trailing the fallen individuals. They are both wearing blue garments, except one is draped in a red cloak while the other appears to have kept their crown on, despite the person’s upside-down position.
*Based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck
The Tower Upright
While The Tower obviously appears upsetting and even scary, the deeper meanings and even potential breakthroughs that it brings, often paves the way for a dramatic change, transition and/or a shift in perspective. When this energy shows up in a tarot reading, it may signal an unexpected upheaval of some kind. Something is, has and/or will be coming to a swift and/or sudden end in some way, shape or form–the journey is typically not a pleasant one.
The Tower may signify difficult news and/or times. The crown falling from the tower top symbolizes that something significant has been or will be lost, altered, changed and/or sacrificed. Whether it manifests in the form of a breakup, a loss (of a job, relationship, significant item, etc)–an unexpected alteration in plans, etc is likely being indicated.
If this is the case, remember that after the loss/hypothetical crash, comes a realization, shift, etc. However harsh the fall and/or landing, trust that there will be one. Once you do hit bottom, it is a whole new viewpoint–perhaps a whole new experience.Â
Consider your current state of being, especially in regards to your mental health, wellness, etc. Recognize whether or not you have already been experiencing anxiety, stress, worry, etc. The Tower and its upright meaning is here to remind you to take a step back and do a self-check. Take a moment to be aware of your thoughts, how you are feeling, what are you currently experiencing and/or dealing with, etc. There may be something and/or someone that you are worrying about, perhaps to the point of distraction.
You may be experiencing a high level of anxiety, nervousness, etc due to previous traumatic experiences. You could also be going through a time when it feels as though everything is falling apart. Whether it is a job, a relationship and/or just life in general. It is often the case that breakthroughs follow breakdowns. If anything, consider that to be a silver lining during difficult moments.Â
The Tower upright meaning may indicate feelings of helplessness, powerlessness and/or a lack of control over your current circumstances. You may be experiencing difficulty when it comes to focusing, grounding and/or clearing your mind, energy, etc. If this is the case, understand that The Tower is not here to punish you, but it may simply be a reflection of what you are moving through on a karmic level.Â
No matter how difficult and/or disorienting things may be, it truly does no good to continue to focus on the negative. This major arcana tarot card could be an indication that you will need to go through a complete overhaul (whether in your attitude, your ways and/or your perception/perspective) in order to move forward. It could also indicate that if you continue to focus, fixate and/or take action without consciously and/or actively altering your behavior, current trajectory, etc–The Tower will likely intervene one way or another.Â
Ultimately, The upright Tower encourages and reminds us that while stormy times may happen, they do pass. What you do and how you react/respond in the process will ultimately shape your overall trajectory.
The Tower Reversed
If you have come across The Tower in reverse, you may have managed to just barely avoid major catastrophe. Perhaps you even staved off or temporarily prevented a breakdown, breakup, etc. The reversed meaning of the Tower is a reminder that even though things have not completely fallen apart, change is still necessary and required, nonetheless.
When this archetype appears reversed it may indicate that you, yourself, may even foresee an impending disaster. Perhaps you are very strategic and able to see many steps ahead. Therefore, you are/were able to soften what could have been a potentially disastrous and/or tough blow. Regardless of whether or not this deals with finances, career, relationship(s), plans, etc, the reversed Tower may also be giving you a heads up that if you do not deal with the greater, underlying issue, things will only eventually break down in the end, anyway.Â
One way or another, adjustments and/or attention to detail as well as focusing on your foundation and stability, overall, are needed. You may have been able to maintain the status quo in spite of any external challenges and/or shifts. However, with the reversed Tower, the Universe is calling you to recognize that change will be needed and eventual either way. This does not have to translate as a bad thing, just a reminder that there may be more work to be done before the cycle is complete.Â
Just because you happened to slip through the proverbial cracks this time, it does not mean that you are necessarily better off in the end. Take a moment to reflect on your situation and ask yourself whether or not you are preventing your own growth. It is possible that you are clinging to what may seem comfortable and holding yourself back at your own expense.Â
Should this be the case, lean on the reversed version of The Tower as a bridge of sorts. Use this time to observe, reflect and make any adjustments as needed so that you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
The tower reversed meaning reminds us that sometimes the only way to get through it, is to go through it. There are moments in which you cannot avoid or put off whatever it is that needs to be done. It is more than likely that you already know what that is and/or could mean.
Whether it is a difficult conversation with someone you love and/or it is a difficult decision that you simply can no longer put off. Some kind of change is needed in order for success, relief, etc to follow and/or to avoid stagnation. With this major arcana card in reversed, you will likely have more control and/or foresight over the situation.
The reversed version of this energy may also indicate that you have and/or will overcome an obstacle, difficult time, etc. For example, if losses are expected, rest assured that you will manage to make it through unscathed, even if just barely. It is not recommended that you rely on such graces, but rather you should take the necessary steps and precautions to further curb any potential hardships, struggles, etc.