THE TOWER

SUDDEN CHANGE
RELEASE
DOWNFALL
REVELATION

[ Actions ] [ Opposing Cards ] [ Reinforcing Cards ] [ Description ] [ Reversed? ]

ACTIONS

going through sudden change: experiencing upheaval
having plans disrupted
being surprised
undergoing a crisis
having routines shaken up
being in chaos
releasing: exploding
having an emotional outburst
erupting in anger
crashing through ego defenses
breaking through pretense
letting everything go
falling down: being humbled
experiencing a crash
toppling from the heights
having a downturn in fortune
suffering a blow to the ego
having a revelation: suddenly realizing the truth
exposing what was hidden
having a burst of insight
seeing through illusions
getting the answer
seeing everything in a flash

OPPOSING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Chariot - victory, control
Temperance - middle ground, staying together, contained
Star - serenity, calm
Six of Wands - acclaim, pride
Ten of Cups - peace, serenity

REINFORCING CARDS: Some Possibilities

Death - sweeping impact, powerful forces
Sun - enlightenment, revelation
Five of Pentacles - hard times

DESCRIPTION

The Tower is an unsettling card. Fire, lightning, falling on jagged rocks - definitely looks like trouble! Card 16 will not be welcomed by those who dislike change. It represents a sudden, dramatic upheaval or reversal in fortune. Usually change is gradual, giving us time to adapt, but sometimes it is quick and explosive. This is the action of the Tower.

In films, the hero sometimes slaps someone who is groggy or babbling. Having tried everything else, he finally resorts to a sharp sting to snap him out of it. Sudden crises are life's way of telling you to wake up. Something's wrong, and you're not responding. Are you too full of pride? Expect a blow to your ego. Are you holding back your anger? Expect the dam to burst. Are you stuck in a rut? Expect a surprise.

How you respond to the Tower's change makes all the difference in how uncomfortable the experience will be. Recognize that the disruption occurred because it was needed. Perhaps embracing the change is too much to ask, but try to find the positive in it. In fact, you may feel tremendous release that you have finally been forced in a new direction. You may have a burst of insight about your situation and reach a new level of understanding about it.