Life is full of changes and uncertainty. We must undergo dramatic changes no matter how hard we try to protect the status quo and stay in our comfort zone. It seems that the harder we try to resist these changes, the more radical they become.
It’s a frightening thought but also a part of our spiritual growth. Every time we become too comfortable and start to stagnate, a divine intervention sends a radical change our way.
The Tower is the Major Arcana card that represents these abrupt and significant changes. It’s not as positive and optimistic as some other Major Arcana tarot cards, but it doesn’t have to be negative, either.
Read this article to learn more about the Tower card and its significance for your spiritual journey.
The Tower Keywords
Upright card (keywords)
Accident or damage, Catastrophe, Destruction, Renovation, Unexpected change
The Tower Tarot Card Description
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Tower card depicts a collapsing and burning tower, with people jumping from it. A lightning bolt strikes the tower’s dome, igniting a fire. The whole scene is happening in the middle of the night.
Most other tarot decks show the same imagery. The Tower imagery was likely inspired by the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human attempt to reach the gods. In the Belgian tarot, this card depicts a shepherd standing by a burning tree (possibly the Tree of Life). In this version, the card is named La Foudre (meaning “lightning strike” in French).
The Tower Upright Meaning
The general meaning of this card in its upright position suggests that a significant change is coming, perhaps unexpectedly—like a lightning strike. The old structures will fall, as will everything you have been building. However, even in the worst-case scenario, this can be a positive change and an opportunity for new growth in the long run.
Aside from its spiritual context, this card can also represent an incoming natural disaster, health problems, or a traumatic experience. All these could be your “tower event”—something that will shake you to your core.
The Tower can also be a card of sudden realization. Until now, you have held some false beliefs, whether that is your fault or not, but the “tower experience”—most likely a traumatic event—will force you to learn and accept some uncomfortable truths. Although this seems frightening, this is a necessary step on the path toward authenticity and your True Self.
Love Meaning
If you are in a relationship, you might be approaching a “Tower moment,” in which you will feel everything collapsing around you. You have worked so hard for this relationship to succeed and poured your heart and soul into it, but now it seems one step away from destruction.
However, this card could have practically the opposite meaning if you are single. You will be meeting some new people soon, and some of them will change your perspective on love and relationships—in a good way.
If you’re looking for relationship advice, try our free love tarot.
Career Meaning
In the career context, the Tower isn’t the best card to see. Despite your efforts to advance in your career, there is a setback ahead of you—probably a job loss. This likely won’t be your fault. The company you are working at may be in a bad position, so even if they let you go, it probably won’t be because of something you did or didn’t do.
While getting fired is undoubtedly one of the most stressful life events (especially in this economy), it can be your opportunity for a fresh start, allowing you to find a better position. Don’t act like you are already being fired—keep doing your job the best you can, but watch for some warning signs and consider seeking an alternative role.
Finances Meaning
Your financial stability is at risk from some unexpected and significant expenses. These expenses will hit you like a bolt of lightning, and if you aren’t careful enough, they might cause you financial ruin. To prevent that from happening to you, always save some money for rainy days. Take a certain amount from each paycheck and place it into your savings account so that you will get by even if something unexpected happens.
The Tower Reversed Card Meaning
The reversed Tower meaning represents a more positive aspect of this card. In the reversed position, the Tower still represents some necessary changes, unexpected upheaval, and minor health issues. However, in this position, the Tower is less about destruction and more about personal growth and finding your True Self.
Soon enough, you will abandon your old ways and everything that no longer serves you. Don’t get us wrong: these changes won’t be pleasant. As a matter of fact, they will be painful, scary, and stressful, but they will be necessary for your spiritual awakening.
Love Meaning
When it comes to your love life, you are currently in a relationship or “situationship” that’s not very satisfying for anyone involved. You and the other person both know it but are reluctant to end things.
Try to start an open and honest conversation about how both of you feel. This will allow you and your partner to share and process your feelings. Then, you can decide whether you should go your separate ways or find a way to overcome your issues.
However, if you decide to stay together and try one more time, keep in mind that you will have to make some drastic changes. Otherwise, you will fall back into the same pattern, start to feel even more resentful, and your relationship will end anyway—but this time, on bad terms.
Career Meaning
There is an unexpected change at work for you. It could be something negative, such as a pay cut or job loss, but it can also be a new opportunity in disguise. So, no matter what happens, don’t panic. Always try to have several alternatives, and be ready for a new beginning when the current situation is no longer positive.
Finances Meaning
By being wise with your spending, you have already set some solid foundations for a better future—well done! However, you still might go through some stressful situations, forcing you to spend more than you planned. It’s not the end of the world—accept your losses and move on. These situations shouldn’t discourage you from being responsible with your finances.
Other Cards With The Tower Card
We already mentioned how the tarot meanings of individual cards interact in tarot spreads. When you draw several cards together, their meanings and symbolisms intermingle and affect each other. So, let’s take a look at some interesting Tower card combinations.
The Tower and The Death Card
If one of the surrounding cards to your Tower card is the Death card, sudden changes will happen to you and will be the end of the life you knew. Yes, this sounds dramatic and ominous, but it doesn’t have to be. This is the time for you to grow, learn, and embrace new opportunities that come to you.
The Tower and The High Priestess
Living in a time of chaos and unexpected events can be difficult and overwhelming. However, this turbulent time is also when you’re most likely to learn new things about yourself. Your inner knowledge, wisdom, and intuition will guide you and help you reach a more peaceful time in your life, so allow the chaos and turmoil to change you and make you stronger.
The Tower and The Wheel of Fortune
This card combination is interesting because both cards symbolize the change. The difference is that the Wheel of Fortune is more of a card of natural, cyclic, and expected changes, while the Tower is a card of sudden and unexpected changes. Together, they remind you to be flexible and ready to adapt and learn from these changes.
The Tower Card and Its Astrological Sign
The Tower card isn’t associated with any astrological sign in particular, but it is associated with the planet Mars. Those familiar with astrology know Mars is the planet of conflict, aggression, energy, and bold action. Together with the Tower card, this planet tells you to be courageous and bold in times of upheaval—it’s the only way to emerge victorious. Don’t be afraid of taking action. Even if you do something wrong, it’s better than doing nothing.
Conclusion
While the Tower probably isn’t your favorite card, you can expect it on your spiritual path sooner or later. Nothing stays the same forever, and it shouldn’t. Of course, sudden and radical changes can be challenging, stressful, and frightening, but such changes often bring even better things into your life.
Tarot cards can guide you on the path of spiritual growth; you just need to listen to them. Speak with an AI psychic or try our free tarot readings, and see what the future holds for you!
