Upright keywords
Shock, major unexpected change, hope restored, freedom from oppression, light of truth
Reversed keywords
Self deception, ineffective communication, shaky ground
As the old saying goes
Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.
Planet
Mars
Flowers
Orchid
The Tower description
The Tower is a big, tall fortress built on a mountain peak and topped with a gold crown. This card represents a big part of your life, something that is very important, such as certain defensive aspects of your ego. The Tower is being hit with sudden change, like a lightning bolt. This bolt of energy brings alchemy, heat, insight, clarity, and chaos all at once. The 22 yellow yods, signs of spiritual influence and potential, show that a higher power is at work.
This Tower must be removed so that something better can be delivered to you, something greater than your plans. The man and woman are jumping out of the burning structure, the male figure representing a vulnerable ego and the woman representing emotional gravity. The flames in the windows show that through this situation, your view of the world will change, your walls will come down, and you’ll be on to new heights.
Upright meaning
The Tower, while chaotic and unexpected, always works in our highest and greatest good. This card is often a blessing in disguise, or dodging a bullet so to speak. You may find that by removing this central belief structure in your life at this particular time opens new doors for you. And what’s behind those doors could be completely awesome!
Stay hopeful that everything will work out for the best, and it will. Be open to new perspectives and try to release attachments to things that have run their course. If you built this tower on shaky ground, it’s time for it to fall. This card will bring you enlightenment, big changes, hard truths, and exciting possibilities, if only you let it!
Reversed meaning
When reversed, The Tower a sign that you are resisting this change and caught up in complete turmoil It can feel like this is your downfall, and everything is falling apart around you. Things are changing, whether you like it or not, that is the only constant in life. But change brings rebirth, new perspectives, new paths to explore. The best thing to do in this case is practice radical acceptance, a self-healing practice that originated from Buddhist teachings.
Radical acceptance is letting go of the need to control, judge, and wish things were different than they are. Fighting against negative emotions leads to our suffering. What used to be true for you in the past is no longer for you now, and it’s time to put out the old and bring in the new.
The Tower quote
“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” Elizabeth Edwards
Want to check in with your higher self?
Tarot helps you step back and consider the bigger picture. This is just a snapshot in time. All things shall pass! Let’s take a look at past, present, and future themes in your life and consider a new direction.