Introduction
You have freed yourself from the voluntary bonds that anchored you to the Devil’s plinth. You did that, right? Perhaps you didn’t heed the Devil’s warning. Not to worry, if you can’t loosen your chains by yourself, the Tower’s going to do it for you.
The Tower could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Climb the steps to its top to see the big picture. Be assured, the way down will be quicker, but don’t worry – it will be over soon enough. The Tower is falling, and you are going with it. Is it the end of the world? Maybe, maybe not.
Stories
The Tower has often been connected to the Tower of Babel. The link is tenuous as that edifice was abandoned, not destroyed when God decided to punish humankind for its audacity. The people decided to build themselves a mighty tower that would reach up to the heavens. God got miffed at this and took away the language that unified the people of the world so they babbled in “nonsense tongues”. Hence the “Tower of Babel”.
Other sources have cited the dramatic expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden – the worst thing that could have happened to them as they became separated from their Creator.
General Meanings
The Tower signifies catastrophe, danger, and disaster. It is life-changing. Things will never be the same after a Tower event. People say, “It came out of the blue, I had no warning.” In fact, there were probably warning signs all along. The seeker suddenly realizes that his life was built on a foundation of sand; that he failed to address the important issues or make adequate provisions for potential disaster.
Once the dust settles and relative normality resumes, understanding will dawn. The family left standing in the street because the fire consumed their home and possessions will turn to each other and realize what is really important in life. The cancer diagnosis will shock a person into turning his life into something meaningful. These happenings create ripples all around so that others also see the positive effects of a Tower event.
The Tower clears out life’s detritus, gives us the impetus to move forward more assuredly, and to show us the true meaning of love and connection to others. It will cause you to question your values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. You will make huge strides towards becoming a better version of you; you will be closer to who you are. There will be no more hiding your true self under the shell of a carefully constructed, but false, persona.
Imagery
The Tower often depicts our hapless lovers/enchained slaves tumbling from a burning Tower. Older decks show a man standing by as lightning strikes his apple tree. The 97-card Minchiate deck, used in the 16th century for a card game of the same name, demonstrates its equivalent of the Tower as two naked people rushing or being pushed from the interior of a burning building.
The Rider-Waite Tower shows two richly dressed people, a man and a woman, falling head first from a burning tower that is simultaneously being struck by lightning. A golden dome roof blasts off the top of the building. The people are falling head first because everything they are familiar with has been turned upside down. Waite has also depicted tongues of fire which represent Hebrew Yods – the letter “J”or “Y”, the initial sound of Jehovah, indicating God’s displeasure at whatever transgressions were taking place.
Interpretations in Various Areas of Life
Work
Work has not been enjoyable for some time, and it comes as a shock when you are laid off. You have no idea what you are going to do or how to support yourself. You realize that the time has come to create the job of your dreams or do something about that business idea that has been fermenting in the back of your mind. Alternatively, the appearance of the Tower may cause you to quit suddenly, as you fear that you are wasting your time on work that means nothing to you. Your family experiences the shock of the Tower, but you hold fast — you know that the time is right to clear out the old and bring in the new. Sacrifices will be made, but ultimately they will be for the good.
Love
You may have been bumbling along, taking your partner for granted and getting in a rut, so it is a huge surprise when he or she ends the relationship. It feels awful, especially if you feel wronged. However, know that this is the best thing that could have happened. Your life will radically change direction and, once you accept that this was a necessary break-up, will improve dramatically.
If a breakup does not occur, then it’s possible that you will experience some external factor that will have a significant impact on your relationship so much so that you have to restructure it. You develop a new understanding of each other and, if you can get through the crisis, the relationship will become stronger.
Finances
Income dries up. The company you were heavily invested in goes bust. You might even win the lottery, but it is the worst thing that could ever happen, bringing a whole new set of problems. If finances are currently stable and the Tower turns up in a reading, begin to safeguard your money. Don’t take risks or negotiate new contracts. Move your savings to a less risky investment vehicle. Consider extra insurance.
Health
The news is not good. There may be an accident or a newly diagnosed health issue. Fear not; this is an opportunity to make considerable lifestyle changes. Lose the weight. Stop drinking alcohol. Give up smoking. Move to the countryside and grow organic food. Be the change you want to see. An upbeat and positive attitude will go a long way in facilitating the healing process.
Spirituality
You are awakened. The experience may not be a pleasant one, but you are forced to change your beliefs in a fundamental way. Your eyes have been opened, and you now take the first steps on a completely new spiritual path. The old you has gone, and you emerge from your old protective cocoon like a glorious butterfly ready to create a beautiful life.