Rider Waite Major Arcana - The Tower

The Tower is the sixteenth card in the Major Arcana. From the illustration we can tell this is a negative card; a tower, blazing inferno. While from the outset you may not think it, the Tower is widely regarded as one of the most negative cards you can draw in a spread. Just take a look at the card illustration again!

The Tower is probably one of the most negative cards you can draw, representing disaster and sudden change. Take notice when you draw the tower for any occasion.

You may be feeling the Tower in your life right now, or this may be completely unexpected. In any case take the Tower as a warning; things may get much worse very soon. What happens may even be unavoidable; it’s too late to stop now.

tower tarot card anime

At a glance

The Tower tarot card is associated with sudden change, upheaval, and destruction. It typically depicts a tower being struck by lightning, with people falling from the tower to the ground below. The lightning represents the sudden and unexpected nature of the change, while the people falling from the tower represent the destruction and chaos that can result.

The Tower card suggests that you are about to experience a sudden and unexpected change in your life, and that this change is likely to be disruptive and chaotic. It indicates that you are being forced to confront difficult truths and to let go of old beliefs and patterns that no longer serve you. The Tower card can also represent a need for liberation and freedom, indicating that you are feeling trapped or oppressed by something in your life and that you need to break free in order to move forward.

In some readings, the Tower card can indicate that you are being supported and guided by a higher power or spiritual guide who is helping you to navigate the changes and challenges in your life. This guide may be a teacher, mentor, or trusted friend who can offer wisdom and guidance as you move through this period of upheaval and transformation. The Tower card can also suggest that you are being called to use your own experiences of change and transformation to help others, and to make a positive impact in the world.

Overall, the Tower card is a reminder of the destructive power of change and the importance of being open and flexible in the face of upheaval. It suggests that you are about to experience a sudden and unexpected change in your life, and that this change is likely to be disruptive and chaotic.

Card meanings

Past

A traumatic event can still affect you years down the line. The Tower in the past position can represent a chaotic or disturbing childhood or recent past. You may still be in shock and you might avoid thinking about certain things.

A bad breakup or a death in the family can be hinted at here. Remember that bad things can and will happen to us all, and we have to deal with these things as they come. That is life. The mere existence of the negative allows the positive to exist also.

The Tower can be best drawn in the past position however; as it’ll show that the worst truly is behind you. You can rest knowing that at least, for now, things are going to start improving. You hit rock bottom, and you’re climbing back up.

Present

The Tower in the present position can represent a very bad patch that you’re going through. If nothing seems awry at the moment, look beneath the surface.

Issues may soon just feel like they appear from nowhere and happen all at once. Sudden change is the key. It’s impossible to be prepared for every eventuality, but generally being cautious will be a good idea.

The Tower in the present position shows that things may be at their very worst right now. While we do usually think about the worst things that can happen, you should try and look on the other side. What is the best I can make of this situation? If you can survive this, you can survive anything. The negative can be twisted to become positive.

Future

The Tower is probably worst drawn in the future. It outlines a difficult, unpredictable future. Life is going to become unpredictable and possibly dangerous.

However you can consider this a warning for your current path; now that you know what is coming you may understand what you are potentially doing wrong and find out a preemptive solution.

Treat the Tower in the future as a clear warning; consider the outcome of your current path; where could it possibly lead you, both positive and negative. Expect the best and plan for the worst.

Work, careers and education

Examine your work or classes at the moment. Are things going as expected? What is the worst possible achievable reality? What is the worst thing that could possibly happen right now?

The Tower in regards to work or education can suggest a sudden change for the worse. Maybe you won’t get the grades you desire, maybe you will have issues with job security. Expecting the worst doesn’t make you a pessimist, usually just a realist.

Something may hit you out of the blue; a sudden change in classes, classmates or teachers. A sudden change in the hierarchy at work. What is the worst that could happen?

Remember that nothing is set in stone. It’s best to take The Tower as a warning rather than a clear cut future. You can always change things given enough willpower and drive.

Love and Relationships

If you’ve read the general meaning of The Tower thus far, you may have a clear idea of how The Tower relates to relationships. Prepare for a rocky road ahead in any relationship when you see the Tower.

You may be hit by a crushing revelation which will completely change your view of your relationship. It’s always better to know the truth when it comes to relationships, whether it is the news you want to hear or not. If you’re single, then now is definitely not the time to start looking.

If you’re single and looking, then it’s best to just keep to yourself for the near future. The Tower does not give much in terms of positive outlooks for the near future.

Wealth

The Tower is not a good sign when it comes to money and wealth. You should expect sudden losses. Don’t take any risks or gamble any serious amounts, as you’ll more than likely end up with nothing. Be conservative with your funds.

The Tower suggests a sudden downturn in your finances when drawn for money or wealth. You should look to secure as much as you can. The Tower is a warning, but the actual effect may be unavoidable.

Sometimes destruction can bring opportunity. The risk of losing everything can clear your mind and help you see the goal ahead. Have you been working on side projects or procrastinating too much? Aim clear for the goal ahead, and while things may be rocky, you should be able to steer through eventually.

Health and well-being

The Tower is not a good sign when it comes to health. Illness can hit us at any time and is generally unexpected. If you’ve been putting off that health check, then should force yourself to get in touch with a medical professional as soon as possible.

Health is one thing we should have as a priority in our lives. We only get one body after all! As expected, the Tower acts as a warning here. You should look to prioritise your own mind and body.

tower tarot card anime girl

Other associations

Element: Fire

Astrology: Mars

As a Yes or No question: No

Crystal: Red Agate

Keywords

Destruction, change, cataclysm, danger, surprise