The Tower Tarot Card Meaning
This card features the most startling imagery in the tarot, depicting a scene of disaster where a towering, majestic structure is destroyed by a sudden lightning strike. This scene is often referred to as "The Tower struck by Lightning," and while the card is named "The Tower," it does not represent the completion and stability of a tower, but rather a tower that has been struck down by lightning, or one that is in ruins or has collapsed.
The towering structure, which was a target for lightning strikes in ancient times, is a metaphor for natural phenomena. The danger of tall buildings still exists today! This reflects the deep-seated fears and unease associated with being high up and out of reach. Throughout history, this has been a common metaphor, with stories from mythology and ancient history providing relevant examples. The towering structure symbolizes human self-satisfaction, the pride of material victory, and the disregard for spirituality and faith. Therefore, anything that is too materialistic or spiritually inflated is also a target for lightning strikes.
The emphasis on the height of this tower easily brings to mind the construction of the "Tower of Babel." In this story, a building designed by humans was supposed to be praised by God and built, but later humans became too arrogant and complacent, thinking they could build a "heaven-reaching tower" to probe God and leave their eternal names for posterity. They also believed that from then on, human life could be worry-free and that they could compete with the heavens and God in height. This attitude led humanity towards destruction and eventually they were punished by God. The etymology of "Babel": in Hebrew, it means "confusion," while in Babylonian it means "gate of God."
The lightning in the tarot card scene destroys this Babel tower. Similar situations can be associated with buildings related to material desires or spiritual inflation, such as the Castle of Plutus in ancient Greece, a castle filled with mountains of money, which was also a target for God's disapproval. (This part is for entertainment)
The destruction of another magnificent building can also be seen from another direction, as the "House of God" being abandoned, losing its luster and eventually being destroyed. The historical Solomon's Temple, built by Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonian Empire due to being abandoned, which is a clear symbol. This is also a history that many people enjoy and pass on, so some people call this card "the House of God," but others call it something else, as this building can be occupied by anyone, so it is "the House of God," "the House of Man," or even "the House of the Devil," and it doesn't really matter what this card is called.
This tower not only stands tall but is also built on a towering mountain, with the top of the tower reaching into the clouds. The towering man-made structure is an unfamiliar situation for people, who are blinded inside, unaware of the impact on the overall environment, and still complacent, thinking they have reached the peak and can compete with the power of creation or nature, but ignoring the consequences that easily lead to danger. For example, the feedback force of nature and the physical and mental after-effects that humans themselves are not adapted to.
This tower was destroyed by lightning. The lightning that came from the sky, shining with a golden yellow light, turned three corners. The end is an arrow, looking like the symbol of Mars, with great destructive power. Does this lightning also represent God's arbitration and revelation? It also symbolizes all disasters, swords and weapons of war, and flames. Forming a "W" shape, it is very close to the Hebrew letter "ש", no matter where it comes from, it is a sin and punishment. Whose lightning is this? Thunder and lightning are things that humans fear, and in early Western times, it was also believed that thunder and lightning were weapons used by God Zeus to punish humans. Zeus is the god of thunder and lightning in mythology, and also the main god, using the weapon of this supreme ruler to express the action of this supreme ruler punishing humans.
This flash is also a kind of radio wave, a bright yellow fluorescent color, indicating the idea of clear consciousness awakening. It is related to enlightenment, breaking the chaos of ignorance. In fact, lightning is also a kind of stimulation and enlightenment, a sudden awakening, a thunderbolt, and a sudden awakening. And, maybe, the acquisition of higher wisdom, is to pay a higher price to obtain, sacrifice and break the past.
This tower, which has been devastated, is what kind of building? The whole tower is built of stone or bricks, with a dark gray color, representing rigidity and persistence. The crown is used to replace the top of the tower, indicating that this building is the top of wisdom, the crown of glory, the spiritual indicator. The lightning directly hit the crown, causing it to flip and fall, which is a failure of knowledge and a crisis of faith, and also implies that lightning has selective targeting. The crown symbolizes the spiritual side, and the crown that is held high by the material of bricks and stones is still inevitably falling. The whole tower collapsed and collapsed, in addition to the top of the tower caught fire and smoke, the tower's windows also emitted several flames, and the smoke was everywhere.
In this disaster, two people fell from the tower, what kind of people are the two people who fell down? Are they fleeing or are they shaken down? This picture can be a man and a woman, or if it is two men, or even two women, this is deliberately blurred by the author to allow people to extend. A man and a woman can be said to be the emperor and the queen, and the crown on the head of the person falling on the left side of the picture also fell down at the same time. Of course, it can also be seen as Adam and Eve who were exiled by God. If you think both of them are men, then the other represents the highest clergy, they can be the king and priest of the temple. Of course, they can also represent the emperor and the Pope, both representing the disintegration of the organization, or the conflict between politics and religion or the disintegration together.
The situation of these two people is a fall, but it is also a return to the origin, to the ground. They are shaken down, not jumping down calmly. It is worth noting that these two people are also upside down in the picture, which is similar to the hanging man's upside down, but more intense (falling from a high altitude). The overall feeling, the picture of this tower card in the Waite card is more vivid than the classical card painting, not only more three-dimensional and layered, but also more correct in proportion, so that it can show that falling down will be very tragic, otherwise it is just like falling from the second floor.
Regarding the three windows of the tower, they are arranged in a triangular shape. The windows are arranged in a triangular shape, representing organization. It represents the body, mind, and spirit, the past, present, and future. Now the three windows are on fire, emitting flames. The flame represents burning, all of which are represented. There is a thick smoke around the tower, and the gray clouds are diffused. These smoke that comes out is the annihilation and transformation of the existing, and the smoke will also obscure thoughts and vision, and also symbolizes negative emotions such as anger and fear. There are four clouds of smoke, symbolizing the four elements of annihilation, and each is the past clouds, the fog in front of the eyes, the uncertainty of the future, and the complete ignorance.
Additionally, on both sides of the high tower, twenty-two yellow dots fell, like things scattered in the building. The dots on the left side surround the emperor, and the dots on the right side are above the smoke under the lightning. However, the shape of these dots is very special, and it contains special meanings. This shape is the so-called "Finger of God," which comes from the Hebrew alphabet. This letter has only one dot, which is the simplest stroke and is also the most creative meaning. This Hebrew letter is also the first of the "Holy Four Letters" of the name of God, "י" "ה" "ו" "ה", and is the first creation of God's will. The "Finger of God" י represents the great power of God's creation revealed here.
There are twenty-two of these "Finger of God" dots, twenty-two is the number of the tarot major arcana, so it also connects to the tarot, and also shows the importance of this card in the tarot. These dots are divided into two sides, there are twelve dots on the left side of the tower, twelve is a whole number, representing the perfection of the body and mind? Is the whole zodiac, is twelve months or twelve hours. There are ten dots on the right side of the tower, representing the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. The emergence of these "Finger of God" light spots also indicates that God is involved in this event, and the whole event is actually related to God's will. These dots, these numbers and arrangements, can also be regarded as signs of causality and fate phenomena.
The whole scene is full of chaos, the design of the pattern is like this, and the meaning and connotation are also like this. The dark background represents darkness, emptiness, heaviness, and oppression. The dark blue part is a kind of melancholy and confusion of reason. This card is a failure, and it is also a deviation. The material structure of the tower is close to God, but the spirit is far from God, and tends to the devil. It may also offend the should not, and in addition to not being rigorous enough, what kind of mistakes have been made? This is a question worth thinking about.
The Tower Itself
The central structure, tall and solid, symbolizes the constructs and institutions we build in our lives, be they beliefs, values, or relationships. Its sudden destruction reminds us that even the most seemingly permanent and stable things can be upended in an instant.
Lightning Bolt
The bolt of lightning that strikes the tower signifies a sudden, unforeseen force of change or realization. It can also be seen as a divine intervention, cutting through our illusions and making us see the truth.
The Crown
Falling from the top of the tower, the crown represents loss of power or control. It emphasizes that no matter how high or mighty, everything can be toppled.
Figures Falling
The human figures plunging from the tower symbolize the abruptness of the change, the sense of being ungrounded, and the chaos that can ensue when our foundational beliefs are challenged or destroyed.
Flames
Emanating from the windows of the tower, the flames signal distress, turmoil, and destruction. They embody the purifying nature of fire, which clears away the old to make way for the new.
Gray Clouds
The dark clouds surrounding the scene emphasize the stormy and tumultuous nature of the event, underscoring the sense of upheaval and unpredictability.
Keywords
Upheaval, Sudden Change, Revelation, Chaos, Awakening
General Overview
The Tower card depicts a dramatic scene: a tall tower struck by lightning, with flames erupting from its windows and figures plummeting towards the ground. This scene captures a moment of sudden and unexpected disruption, upheaval, or revelation. It suggests that the structures, beliefs, or situations that one thought were stable and dependable are not as secure as assumed. The appearance of The Tower card in a reading is a clear sign that change is not only imminent but also necessary, and this change may be jarring or uncomfortable.
The card’s message isn’t entirely negative. While it does signal destruction, it also paves the way for transformation and rebirth. The destruction of the tower frees one from outdated beliefs, perceptions, and structures, offering an opportunity to rebuild on a more authentic foundation.
It’s worth noting that the lightning which strikes the tower, while a force of destruction, is also a symbol of enlightenment. This suggests that the upheavals brought by The Tower often lead to clarity and truth, even if the initial experience is shocking or difficult.
Character
Personality of the Individual
A person with an inflated sense of self-worth, who will stick to their ways for the sake of face, even when they know they are wrong and unwilling to change, thus often encountering difficulties.
Work Philosophy
Lacking adaptability at work, often dealing with matters using outdated methods, reacting to crises with irrational emotions, and thus finding it hard to succeed.
Emotional Outlook
Believing they are always right in relationships, thus overlooking the other person's perspective and actions, often resorting to breakup threats when facing difficulties without resolving the issues.
Financial Perspective
Unable to manage their finances properly, often finding themselves in poverty, with unexpected expenses sometimes taking up a significant proportion.
How to Deal with the Individual
It's best not to get too close to such individuals. You can use a challenge to motivate them to do certain things, but be wary of their emotional backlash if things don't go well.
Representative Figures
Bankrupt individuals, those under house arrest, unrepentant people, sycophants, and arrogant individuals.
Work
Work Situation
Encountering sudden major accidents at work, which are beyond your control, but for which you are held responsible, making you feel innocent and unlucky.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
Without significant destruction, there can be no significant construction. Be prepared to start everything from scratch. If you can't solve the problem, choose to give up instead of persisting.
Workplace Relationships
These people can only share happiness, not hardship. They can be friends when times are good, but they will not help you when problems arise. You must rely on yourself.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
A temperamental boss whose thoughts you cannot fathom, and even if you follow their demands to the letter, you may still be scrutinized. It's best to maintain a safe distance.
Job Prospects
This job has no good future development, only more tragic situations waiting for you. If you have a choice, you should leave this place as soon as possible.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
Job hunting now is just asking for trouble and won't solve any problems. If you don't want to rest at this time, you may end up with a job full of troubles.
Love
Love Situation
Experiencing significant setbacks in love, which are beyond your control, and may face significant opposition, making it impossible for the relationship to continue.
Possibility of New Romance
No new romantic interests will appear at this time. Stop being stubborn and focus on completing your tasks. Don't think about love.
View on This Relationship
This is a hopeless relationship. Even if both parties genuinely want to be together, they are destined to part ways. The more you invest now, the more painful the separation will be in the future.
Sexual Attraction
There is no sexual attraction in this relationship, and one or both parties may have sexual dysfunction. Poor sexual life can also hinder this relationship.
How to Resolve Arguments
Any argument now may have devastating consequences, making it very difficult to salvage the relationship. Perhaps taking a break is the only option for both parties.
Possibility of a Breakup
As long as one party stops insisting, the relationship is considered over. There is no point in holding on, so just write a letter to inform them.
Possibility of Reconciliation
Breaking up is the inevitable outcome of this relationship. Any effort to reconcile is just a waste of effort. The feelings between the two cannot continue.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You are facing significant difficulties in interpersonal relationships, which are due to your insistence on wrong practices leading to rejection by others. You should quickly adjust your actions.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
This friendship is likely to end, and it's not something you can salvage by doing anything. Since the misunderstanding cannot be resolved, it's better to look for new friends.
Family
Family Situation
A significant unexpected event has occurred at home. At this time, you should first stabilize people's emotions and emerge from sadness or fear before you can solve the problem.
Relationship with Elders
The elders have many dissatisfactions with you and may often scold or beat you. You often counterattack in such situations, leading to a tense relationship.
Relationship with Peers
There are many dissatisfactions and conflicts among peers, and it is difficult for them to communicate or cooperate. Everyone just stands on their own ground to view matters.
Relationship with Juniors
You have many dissatisfactions with juniors and try to control them with various coercive measures. If they do not submit to your control, you may become furious.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your current academic performance is extremely poor, with almost no subjects passing. If you continue like this, you may be expelled or held back.
Learning Methods
You must first acknowledge your failure before you can stand up from it, discard your original ineffective methods, and learn more effective methods from others.
Relationship with Teachers
When encountering a teacher who mainly uses punishment, try your best not to make mistakes. If you don't do well, even if you are punished, you have no complaints.
Relationship with Classmates
Most of the time, classmates are noisy and quarrelsome. Although it doesn't affect your mood much, it doesn't help your studies either. Everything still depends on yourself.
Finance
Financial Situation
You are currently in a state of bankruptcy or facing a bankruptcy crisis with no ability to solve your financial difficulties. It is necessary to consult an expert when necessary.
Investment Situation
Investing now will inevitably lead to a total loss, and may even cause you to lose everything. How to make a decisive decision to reduce losses depends on your own judgment and determination.
Purchasing Strategy
Purchasing at this time will inevitably face significant problems, so it is best not to make any purchases at this time, otherwise, you may end up spending money foolishly.
Keywords
Avoidance, Delayed Upheaval, Fear of Change, Internal Unrest
General Overview
When The Tower appears reversed, it signals that the anticipated upheaval or disruption is either being delayed, avoided, or is happening internally. In some cases, it might indicate that one is consciously trying to avoid a necessary collapse or change, potentially prolonging the inevitable. This resistance can arise from fear of change or unwillingness to face certain truths.
Another interpretation could be that the disruptive events symbolized by the upright Tower have already occurred, and now there’s a period of dealing with the aftermath, or perhaps there’s a more subtle, internal realization without external drama. The reversed Tower can also indicate internal turmoil, where one’s inner world is going through upheaval, even if outwardly everything seems calm.
While the reversed Tower might seem gentler than its upright counterpart, it’s essential not to overlook the card’s warnings. Avoiding necessary changes or not dealing with the consequences of past actions can lead to greater complications in the future.
Character
Personality of the Individual
A person who is rather timid and fearful, often feeling that they live a miserable and painful life, and thus indulging in self-pity and unnecessary worries.
Work Philosophy
Afraid to take responsibility at work, hence also afraid to make any decisions, tending to stay far away from issues, and finding it difficult to cooperate with others to handle matters.
Emotional Outlook
May have suffered serious emotional harm in the past, always feeling inadequate and prone to self-criticism, often feeling unworthy during arguments.
Financial Perspective
Often feels financial stress, but even when opportunities to earn money arise, they cannot seize them, believing they will never be wealthy and thus letting good opportunities slip away.
How to Deal with the Individual
Sometimes displays arrogance due to extreme inferiority, but lacks the courage to face problems, so it's best not to make decisions for them.
Representative Figures
Panicked individuals, losers, refugees, firefighters, rescue workers, paratroopers.
Work
Work Situation
Possibly suddenly fired or penalized for inexplicable reasons. Instead of living in constant fear, it might be better to quit the job quickly.
How to Solve Work Difficulties
First, overcome your own psychological barriers. If you don't believe you can do it, how can the problem be solved? Just bravely follow the original plan!
Workplace Relationships
Lack of interaction at work, yet everyone is scheming against each other. Everything depends on your own efforts, and be careful not to be framed by colleagues.
How to Get Along with Your Boss
A very self-righteous boss who thinks he is the only genius in the world and everyone else is stupid. It's best not to voice any objections when dealing with such a person.
Job Prospects
This job has reached its worst state, and there is no room for improvement in the future. If you can't stand this miserable life, leave quickly.
Job Hunting/Changing Jobs
The jobs you are looking for now are not good. It's better to take this time to rest and adjust your physical and mental state, and start again when you have recovered.
Love
Love Situation
This relationship can no longer continue. No matter how hard you try, the relationship cannot be improved. It's time to choose to leave this painful relationship for both parties.
Possibility of New Romance
There are no good romantic prospects at the moment. You should first let yourself recover from emotional harm. Using a new relationship to heal is impossible.
View on This Relationship
This relationship brings a lot of worry and pain, with no hope for the future. If this relationship can be quickly ended, it would be a relief for both.
Sexual Attraction
Sexual life is not important in this relationship, and there is not much sexual attraction between the two. Even if there is a sexual life, it will not affect this relationship.
How to Resolve Arguments
The current argument has become a matter of pride, with both parties just trying to save face without any real right or wrong. As long as one party concedes first, there will be a turning point.
Possibility of a Breakup
This relationship is already on the brink of danger. As long as you propose a breakup, the relationship will end. However, it's best not to do it face-to-face to avoid violent incidents due to shame and anger.
Possibility of Reconciliation
This relationship has been completely destroyed, and there is no emotional foundation. So even if you want to reconcile, it's just wishful thinking. It's impossible for the two to be together again.
Friendship
Interpersonal Situation
You are too conservative in interpersonal relationships and cannot adapt to the environment and adjust your actions, which leads to an inability to make new good friends, and old friends are drifting away.
How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends
This friendship is hard to recover. At most, it can only reduce the harm to each other. It's best for both parties to separate for a while and not contact each other, which may be more calming.
Family
Family Situation
The family has encountered unexpected accidents, and everyone is still in shock and hurt. At this time, you should first stabilize everyone's emotions before discussing how to solve the problem.
Relationship with Elders
You are very dissatisfied with the actions of the elders and will confront them directly. They will also have many opinions about you, and the relationship between the two parties will conflict.
Relationship with Peers
Peers can only take care of their own affairs and there is no emotional communication. Sometimes they will be dissatisfied with you because of your own stubbornness.
Relationship with Juniors
You often feel that juniors do not understand your feelings and difficulties, but you are unwilling to show your care for them, and sometimes you will not be able to feel each other's hearts.
Academics
Academic Situation
Your current learning situation is very poor, and many subjects are almost beyond remedy. If you do not wake up and start working hard, you will leave a bad record.
Learning Methods
You must first overcome your own fear and do not think that this subject is so terrible. Start learning from the basics again, although it is slower, there is still hope.
Relationship with Teachers
When encountering a teacher with a bad temper, it is best to avoid provoking him as much as possible. Do not deliberately provoke him because of mischief, and you will definitely receive the strictest punishment.
Relationship with Classmates
You are now in a situation where you are isolated by classmates, and no one can help you. Because everything depends on yourself, it will also make you learn to be more independent.
Finance
Financial Situation
You are now facing the crisis of bankruptcy, and every step must be handled with extra care. Unexpected situations may also hit you, making you feel that you are really unlucky.
Investment Situation
It is not suitable to make any kind of investment now. An unexpected event may turn your efforts into nothing, and the partnership business is facing the crisis of dissolution.
Purchasing Strategy
It is not suitable to make purchases at this time. Even the purchases that were originally planned may encounter changes. Don't be obsessed with your own ideas and be flexible to cope with changes.