In tarot there is one card that is often met with total Resistance and fear. So much so that people ask can the tower ever be positive?
Sudden changes, drastic upheaval. Tower energy is that moment when you were a child swinging off the rope swing. You landed so deep under the water that you didn’t know if you would make it back to the surface.
This tower tarot guide will explore all the meanings of the tower, upright, reversed and in different contexts. (Love, career, health and more!). By the end of this article you will be so confident with your understanding of the tower card, you’ll be reading it like a pro.
Upright Tower Card Keywords : Upheaval, Sudden Change, Revelation, Awakening,
Tower Reversed Card Keywords : Resisting or Fearing Change, Avoiding Disaster, Personal Transformation
Tower Card Description : Artwork and Energy
The art of the tower card depicts a disaster. Sitting on a rocky mountain is a tower on fire. Lightning strikes it causing the flames. Two people leap out of the windows, arms outstretched ahead of them.
Though the structure of the tower should be solid, it’s been built on rocky ground. The foundation is weak. It only took one lighting strike to destroy it. This represents false premises. If your goals, ambitions or life has been built on an illusion, then it doesn’t take much to bring it down.
The lightning is a surge of energy. A sudden flash of insight. This is a break through moment, the revelation destroys what is false, leaving only the truth to remain. The lightning enters the top of the tower, knocking of it’s crown. Which represents the energy of the universe flowing through the crown chakra. Though it looks like chaos, it’s divinely inspired.
Yes, the people are falling from the tower. My friend the tower is on fire! The people are headed to the safety of the water. This shows that while the leap is scary, it’s better to move with the change than stay put and burn with the tower.
There are 22 flames on this card, representing the 22 major arcana cards, as well as the 12 signs of the zodiac. There are also 10 points of the tree of life. These spiritual symbols on the card represent divine intervention. The tower falls for the benefit of your highest good.
Upright Tower Card Meaning
The tower is powerful energy. You’re going through a period of sacred destruction. Anything in your life based on false premises will not last. Only what is authentic to you can remain. Get on board with this energy by making the changes you need to make in your life.
Nothing moves you forward quite like something falling apart. Quitting (or being fired from) that job you hate, opens the door for you find one that’s better! Leaving that relationship that wasn’t aligned with you, means you’re now available for deeper love. These changes are momentum in your life. A beautiful rearranging to get you closer to what you desire. To who you authentically are.
Yeah it can be scary. Yes it feels like chaos. When you’re thrown from the tower, there’s a moment where you don’t know if you’re going to survive. You will. On the other side of this upheaval is exactly what you’ve been wanting. The tower is a divinely inspired card. It comes into your life for your greatest good.
It’s important to understand that while the tower can represent big life changing moments, sometimes the changes look subtle on the surface. An upheaval in the way you see the world. An awakening to the truth of a situation. A change that looks small on the outside while carrying powerful implications for your life.
Like changing the position on the rudder of a boat. Even a small shift in direction can mean you end up on an entirely different continent.
Reversed Tower Card Meaning
What are you resisting? There’s a change that needs to be made and you’re holding back. You’re headed straight for a collapse if you keep waiting.
It’s like you’re on a boat out at sea. You see another boat in front of you that you like more, it makes yours look like a dinghy. The universe is inviting you to step on that new boat. To make a change that will benefit you. But you’re comfortable, you know this boat you’re on, the other one is unknown. So the universe starts poking holes in your little dinghy. Showing you how wrong it is for you. Look, it’s leaking over here. Now over here too. You’re getting more and more uncomfortable, still you stay. You make excuses not to hop over even though you know you should. How long will you wait to make a change? Will you wait till the boat is sinking and you have no choice?
If you’re feeling a deep relief when you see the tower upside down, then you may have avoided a disaster. Good for you! Don’t let this complimentary meaning be an excuse to stay put if you know you need to change something.
Is The Tower Tarot Card A Yes Or No?
In a yes or no tarot reading, the tower is always a no. Regardless of its position.
Find a complete guide to yes or no tarot card meanings here.
Time Frame of the Tower Tarot Card
As timing, the tower is fast and often means the event you’re asking about could happen immediately. It will definitely be before you’re ready for it.
An alternative interpretation from the hermetic order of the golden dawn suggests the tower can signify a time period of up to 2 years. Ruled by Mars, the event may happen on a Tuesday.
Learn how to predict timing with tarot on this page.
The Tower as Feelings
As feelings, the tower shows this person is having a revelation in regards to you. They are finally seeing through the illusions they had, right to the authentic truth. This could mean a sudden change in how they interact with you, or in the structure of your relationship with this person.
Meaning Of The Tower Tarot Card : Future Position
In the future position, the tower shows illusions falling apart to reveal the truth. If there’s anything you’re looking at with rose coloured glasses you can be sure those glasses will be coming off. You’ll have an awakening moment where you see things for what they truly are.
It can of course indicate a big change coming in your life.
Love meaning of the tower
Upright Love Meaning
For love the upright Tower Card shows a drastic change.
If you’re in a relationship that’s not working this means it will end. Circumstances will lead to a breakup. Trust it. It’s the right thing for you even though it might hurt for a bit. If your relationship is working with some challenges then you’re having a massive upheaval in how you relate to each other. An old pattern is falling away. You’ll be connecting with each other on a more authentic level. You’re gaining a powerful insight into your part in the problems in your relationship. Trust this and let it change how you approach your love.
If you’re single then you will be undergoing a change in how you relate to the idea of love. Your illusions of romance and dating are falling away. You’re starting to look at love more honestly and getting in touch with your authentic needs in a partnership.This awakening is an important step on your path to a fulfilling relationship.
Reversed Love Meaning
In reverse, the tower card indicates that you’re experiencing a transformation in your love life.
If you’re single this is a powerful personal transformation. You’re changing in such a way that you’ll be attracting totally new partners and relationships. You’re finally putting your negative patterns behind you.
In a relationship you’re resisting a change you need to make out of fear. Often when people see the tower their minds immediately go to a break up. However, that is not the only way a relationship can change. How you relate to your partner requires a shift in yourself. Whatever problems you perceive in your relationship, start to pay attention to your part. Especially in the heat of conflict. What are you doing to add fuel to the fire? This change doesn’t necessarily mean a breakup, but if nothing changes that could be where you’re heading.
Drawing the Tower Card as a Person
As a person, the tower card shows someone with catalyst energy. They’re unafraid of change and can serve as initiators of it in people’s lives.
Connected to the planet Mars, the tower can also indicate someone with strong Aries or Scorpio placements in their astrology chart. Usually they will carry an intense version of these energies.
In reverse, it can show someone who is resistant to change and moving forward in their life. They are the type to dig their heels in and must be dragged forward. Often this person will be lacking stability and a firm foundation because of this tendency.
Career Meaning of the Tower Tarot Card
Upright
Drawing the tower in the upright position indicates a sudden change. Something could happen that makes you jump ship. If you feel the urge to quit or retire than its in your best interests to follow that desire. Alternatively, look for a new role opportunity within your current workplace.
The tower can also indicate a change outside of your control. It may feel like disaster when it happens, but you’ve got this. Trust whatever’s happening is for your highest good. You’ll make it out the other side.
Upside Down
The upside down tower appears when you’re in a rut in your career. Your job may be giving you just enough security for you to stay. Is there another opportunity calling to you?
Expect your job situation to remain stagnant if you don’t make personal changes. You’ll keep having the same issues with your boss, coworkers, or workload until you take the initiative to do something about it.
The Tower in A Money Reading
When you draw the tower in a financial reading it shows that the way you’ve been approaching your money isn’t working. You need a total upheaval in how you spend, save and allocate your resources. This is a good time to be a little extra cautious with your money. The tower doesn’t always indicate disaster, however this sort of financial shake up can come with surprise costs.
Health Meaning Of The Tower Tarot Card
Upright Meaning
If you draw the tower upright in a health reading it can be unsettling. This card does show a sudden change to your health. You may experience something like food poisoning that will be dramatic but short lived.
There will be no more space for illusions in regards to your health. If there is a habit you need to change, do it before you’re in the position where you no longer have a choice.
Reverse Meaning
In the reverse position in a health reading the tower can be a good sign. It shows you’re avoiding a disaster. This might mean you’ve made a healthy change before it could affect you. Or, if you’ve recently had some tests done they’ll come back with favourable results.
Advice of The Tower Card
If you see the tower, something in your life needs to change. It’s time to pull the trigger. There’s no benefit to stalling. Whatever it is isn’t right for you, and it’s blocking your best life.
Dreaming of the Tower Tarot Card
If you’re dreaming of the tower that is a clear sign from your subconscious. You’re stressed out. What in your life feels like it’s falling apart? Are you desperately trying to hold something together when you should be letting go? Whatever it is you need to do something relaxing for yourself. You’ll be able to handle everything better if your nervous system is taken care of. The tower in a dream can also show something in your life needs to change, what do you think that is?
When interpreting dreams it’s important to understand there are many ways to do it. Your personal associations matter more than a textbook on dream symbolism!
Interested in dreams that predict the future? Learn about prophetic dreams here.
Getting the Tower as Your Tarot Card of the Day
For a daily tarot reading the tower indicates upheaval. Illusions are dropping today and you’ll be seeing the truth. This isn’t necessarily a big shocking change. Sometimes it can be a subtle yet meaningful shift in your life.
I’ll give you an example from a client of mine who pulled the tower as the card for her trip home. She hates the tower! Immediately she thought the worst, should she cancel the trip? When she arrived at the airport in her home town she noticed her aging father was tired. The drive to pick her up was becoming hard on him. The change she needed to make was telling her father that from now on, she’ll find her own way from the airport. Not as scary as she thought and still a big deal, in a subtle way. Something she relied on for years changed.
The tower shows life is shifting for you. Pay attention and get on board with the changes you see. The quicker you adjust, the easier and less dramatic it will be!
Tower Major Arcana card combinations
Strength and The Tower Together
The combination of the strength and the tower is a beautiful one. While the tower shows a sudden upheaval, strength brings you peace. You have the inner fortitude and resilience to ride this wave of change in your life. When facing challenges or obstacles, turn your attention inward and you will find a powerful reserve of courage. It takes bravery to face the end of an illusion. Seeing the truth of your situation might be painful and scary. You are strong enough to handle whatever is coming your way.
Dive into the strength tarot guide here.
The Tower and The World Card
Together, the tower and the world show a profound life altering experience. Something is falling apart and being destroyed. When the smoke clears, and the wreckage settles you will see the attainment of one of your life goals. The world signifies a major milestone being reached. Success, and completion are within your grasp. On the other side of the chaos is a beautiful feeling fulfillment.
Understand the world tarot card by reading this guide.
The Tower and The Empress Tarot Cards
When you draw the Tower and the Empress cards together it shows an emotional awakening. Whatever stress or chaos you’re experiencing in your life is directly serving your growth. Nurture yourself with love and compassion. The Tower and Empress show an intense level of creative inspiration entering your life. You will grow and prosper through whatever changes come your way.
Learn more about the Empress Tarot card on this page.
The Chariot and The Tower
The Chariot and the tower card combination appears when discipline will help you navigate the chaos in your life. Use your willpower and strong sense of what you want to steer yourself in the right direction. With the tower this means powerfully changing what needs to be changed. Before it’s done for you. Clear the path between where you are and what you want.
Find out the meaning of the chariot card here.
If you want to know more about these cards as your birth cards, scroll down to frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions about the tower
Is the tower tarot card always bad?
No, the tower isn’t always a bad card! Frequently The tower appears because your life needs rearranging. Though these moments can be uncomfortable, often they’re leading you directly to what you want.
If a tower in your life falls, it’s because it was standing directly in the way of your best interests.
What’s the astrology sign of the tower?
The tower is ruled by the planet Mars which makes it associated with the zodiac signs of Aries and Scorpio.
Discover the astrology sign of every card in your tarot deck on this page.
What does it mean to have the tower as your birth card?
If the tower is your birthcard then you’re a change maker, a mover and a shaker. When you walk into someone’s life you have the power to say the one thing that will initiate a totally new path for them. You create a real impact on people and aren’t easily forgotten. Big catalyst energy!
Remember not everyone is as comfortable with change and forward movement as you are. It takes real discernment to know when you’re acting as a catalyst for someone’s best life, vs pushing someone who doesn’t want to move.
You’re likely not afraid to blow things up. Quit that job, take that risk, and leap into the unknown. Plus when you have the tower as your birth card, you also have the chariot. Which is all about momentum and forward movement. When you want something you’ll head towards it with an awe-inspiring amount of energy, drive, and focus.
You handle chaos well, and may be other people’s life support when things are falling apart. You’re a powerful person to have around!
(The tower and the chariot are your birth cards if your life path number is 7).
Looking for more?
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