The Tower

"Life delivered me a catastrophe, but I found a richness of soul."

- Michael J. Fox

Associations / Attributions

Card Meanings / Keywords

Golden Dawn

Ambition, war, courage, destruction, fall, ruin.

Waite

Misery, distress, adversity, calamity, unforeseen catastrophe. Reversed: The same in lesser degree, oppression, tyranny.

Crowley

Quarrel, combat, danger, ruin, sudden death, escape from prison.

Personal

Sudden change, complete destruction (for good or ill).

Synopsis

The Tower is associated with the fiery Mars, god of war, and sudden (often unexpected) change. The walls of security that have been built up around something of significance cannot withstand the divine powers now focused on grinding those walls to dust and burning all traces of what was once a grand achievement. One may be literally or metaphorically attacked from all sides with no safe haven in sight. While the Tower is often represented by violent, destructive images—and it can indeed be a traumatic affair—its nature can be a positive influence in the long-term. There are times when the Tower revels in striking down that to which we cling to but no longer need. Myths of divine wrath and vengeance are reflected in the Tower.

Wisdom is required to determine the best course of action in how to handle the Tower’s energies. While the Tower may not be resisted, it may be engaged and resolved, and one may need to surrender to save needless violence. Maybe there is even a way to provide a safe environment for this chaotic and explosive energy to be harnessed. Expect some amount of conflict to arise, however, in every situation where the Tower comes into play; perhaps the creative energy generated from the conflict may be transformed into the ground of a new foundation.

Poiesis

Blades aflame strike and shafts of lightning fly
Bring down the unmovable, the unthinkable now upon us
All will fall to the scorched, bloody earth
Their bones to be the foundation of a new day

What do I hold on to that no longer serves me or others? Where do I need to take decisive action? How may I transform catastrophe into opportunity?