The Tower Tarot Card Meaning

This Tarot card depicts the dramatic moment of a towering structure's collapse, crowned with a crown instead of a dome. It appears sturdy and still stands, yet the cracks and flames indicate that the tower's downfall is inevitable. The dark background of the 16th Tarot card only enhances the grim mood of the event.

The figures of a man and a woman falling headlong from the Tower symbolize the victims of this impending disaster. This Tarot card reminds us of the Tower of Babel, which, according to biblical times, was destroyed by God due to the arrogance of its builders. It suggests that human overconfidence will eventually lead to downfall.

The upright Tarot card 'The Tower' signifies catastrophic changes in life, fateful circumstances, sudden collapse of plans, and significant losses. Practically speaking, when The Tower appears in a reading, you can expect any kind of trouble—from a marriage falling apart or a fire to bankruptcy or even imprisonment.

The sixteenth Tarot card can foretell illness—yours or that of someone close, theft or job loss, natural disasters, war, revolution, accidents, or catastrophes. Any spread featuring this card takes on a negative tone.

Changes for the worse can happen unexpectedly or as anticipated results of previous life events. In any case, The Tower card predicts a painful period when it feels like the ground is slipping from under your feet. View The Tower as a test of resilience! If collapse is inevitable, you must muster courage and endure the losses. Stay hopeful—after the old breaks down, a new phase of life will emerge.

Key Meanings of the Upright Tower Card

• Total collapse, upheavals, disgrace, destruction of plans, divorce, bankruptcy, unforeseen circumstances.
• Subjugation, loss of freedom, imprisonment.
• Major losses, blows of fate, serious illness, physical injuries, suffering.
• Desolation, shock, a complete upheaval in your understanding of yourself, others, and the world; destructive conflict.

The reversed Tarot card of The Tower suggests that unsettling events are entering your life, and there's no way to avoid them. Losses seem to follow you like a relentless shadow. What you held dear, things you believed you couldn't live without—be it a beloved person, friends, job, health, home, past plans, ideals, and beliefs—are slipping away. You may feel disappointed, defenseless, and utterly powerless to change anything.

The reversed Tower card signifies loss, destruction, and negative occurrences that bring pain, heartache, and tears. Everything you once clung to and cherished seems to be crumbling. However, this card predicts that this phase is essential to cleanse your life of unnecessary and limiting things, relationships, and circumstances so that you can start afresh. This dark period will end, paving the way for building a new life!

Key Meanings of the Reversed Tower Card

• Oppression from bad news; changes for the worse.
• Misfortunes, deception, personal, material, and spiritual losses.
• Restrictions on freedom; feeling trapped by circumstances; stress, depression, pain.

The upright Tower card in love readings signifies that a relationship is on shaky ground and nearing collapse. What seemed strong and stable might actually have underlying issues that have been festering, which can only be resolved by tearing everything down to its foundation.

Partners may feel panic, adding even more chaos to their lives. The situation calls for each person to fend for themselves, without relying on their partner's support. However, after the old and outdated are dismantled, a rebirth always follows!

In the reversed position, the meaning shifts, suggesting fewer disruptions and the mending of relationships after conflict.

When Reading for a Suitor or Loved One

When reading for a suitor or partner, the upright card indicates that love is a tragedy for your chosen one! They may be ready to endure the agony of unrequited love or fear losing the relationship if it has already formed. This colors their emotions with a unique shade.

The reversed card reveals that your chosen one has faced losses and setbacks in love, often due to circumstances beyond their control.

In business readings, the meaning of 'The Tower' card is generally unfavorable—it can signify job loss, breaking partnerships, bankruptcy, defeat, or poverty. The most daunting aspect is that plans can fall apart suddenly, leaving no chance to prepare for such events. Even if some unexpected factors are anticipated in advance, losses may still be unavoidable.

To address these challenges, it might be necessary to showcase significant creativity, make unconventional decisions, and break old patterns. When the card appears reversed, it indicates financial troubles and failures in projects that once seemed promising.

In its reversed position, the card's meaning shifts to suggest a delay in changes or a fortunate chance to avoid difficulties.

When drawn upright in a reading about a person, The Tower card signifies someone with great strength. They have endured a very challenging time but have managed to retain their resilience, spirit, and self-belief.

In a reversed position, this card represents someone with life experience and a complex past, who has faced significant losses and had to start over multiple times.

In its upright position, the card encourages you not to give up in the face of life's twists and turns and to accept circumstances that are beyond your control.

When appearing reversed in a spread, the card advises you to muster all your strength to tackle challenges head-on.

If the card appears upright, the forecast for your situation is unfavorable. Unexpected circumstances might disrupt your plans.

If the card is reversed, the outlook for your situation is also unfavorable. Extremely unfortunate events could interfere with your plans.

With the 0 Fool card - Dangerous foolishness or negligence, making an irreparable mistake, letting someone down unknowingly.

With the 1 Magician card - Fumbling, having to start over, poor preparation, or a tragic turn of events, the breakup of a young family.

With the 2 High Priestess card - Upset plans, learning something unpleasant, feeling like it's all over.

In combination with the 3 Empress card - An unsuccessful marriage, a sad experience, disputes with family members.

With the 4 Emperor card - The destruction of a family, related to its head, business going downhill, negative influence from above.

With the 5 Hierophant card - A collapse of beliefs, a crisis of faith, losing connections with society or losing support.

With the 6 Lovers card - A difficult separation, cooling of relations, mutual reproaches, going in the wrong direction.

With the 7 Chariot card - Danger of a road accident, problems with a vehicle, an unsuccessful journey, or the end of a romance.

With the 8 Strength card - Losing faith in oneself, energy depletion, crumbling under pressure from circumstances.

With the 9 Hermit card - Sudden solitude, the crown of celibacy, not finding understanding and encouragement from the surroundings.

With the 10 Wheel of Fortune card - Luck has run out, cannot continue as before, a streak of misfortune.

With the 11 Justice card - Unlawful actions, judicial errors, or the collapse of a case, abuse of power.

With the 12 Hanged Man card - The peaceful life has ended, getting injured, dangerous inaction.

With the 13 Death card - Nothing will be as it was before, threats and pressure, rapid changes for the worse, or a divorce.

With the 14 Temperance card - Troubles that can be overcome, coping with consequences, a wise approach in a critical situation.

With the 15 Devil card - Hexing, financial manipulations, destructive addictions.

With the 17 Star card - There is hope, hold onto a straw, be optimistic in adverse circumstances.

With the 18 Moon card - Madness, unhealthy attraction or obsession, deteriorating health.

With the 19 Sun card - Stress will turn into success, tempering under the influence of adversity, finding positives in negatives, or coming out unscathed.

With the 20 Judgment card - Fate is trying to teach something, losing in court, not getting along with a former partner.

With the 21 World card - Rediscovering oneself, danger and troubles behind, learning an important lesson from what happened.

The Ace of Wands - There is a high likelihood of a fire, exerting efforts to preserve family or work, but it might be a futile persistence.

The Two of Wands - Feeling stuck, burdened with too much responsibility, and risking breaking something due to indecisiveness.

Combined with the Three of Wands - Loss of connections, missed opportunities, and a predisposition to expect failure.

The Four of Wands - Not all is well at home, tension within the family, diverging views, or an early divorce.

The Five of Wands - Quarrels and scandals, domestic violence or pressure, undeserved reproaches.

The Six of Wands - Dismissal or demotion at work, loss of power or influence, stepping down from a leadership position.

The Seven of Wands - Feeling powerless to resist, bending against one's own beliefs, committing something reprehensible.

The Eight of Wands - Misfortune never comes alone, the consequences of carelessness, feeling weighed down under public condemnation.

The Nine of Wands - Taking a defensive stance, attempting to hide from negativity, and a negative forecast being confirmed.

The Ten of Wands - The final straw, wanting to give up everything and leave, risking one's health.

The Page of Wands - Overcoming arrogance, the heavy lessons of life, and disappointment in expectations.

The Knight of Wands - Taking things too far, being left without support or material assistance, a competitor without principles.

The Queen of Wands - Unsuccessful pursuit of fame, unprofitable creativity, and a crisis of inspiration.

The King of Wands - Pessimism, callousness, or one-sided judgment, excessive stubbornness, and the risk of losing a business.

The Ace of Swords - Abuse of power, destructive energy, arrest, or detention.

The Two of Swords - Carelessness can lead to trouble, medical error, lack of professionalism will ruin the case.

Combined with the Three of Swords - Unforgivable betrayal, loss of self-control, fixation on something irretrievable.

The Four of Swords - Losing inheritance or property, the danger of imprisonment, fate has pushed you out of the comfort zone.

The Five of Swords - Setback, quarrel with friends or colleagues, breaking business agreements.

The Six of Swords - Escape is not an option, a bitter experience, a journey to nowhere, or exchanging former spouses.

The Seven of Swords - Utter disappointment, marauding, someone profiting from misfortune.

The Eight of Swords - The danger of losing control, carelessness leading to trouble, a failed attempt to escape vice.

The Nine of Swords - Domestic violence, psychological exhaustion, undeserved punishment.

The Ten of Swords - Becoming a victim of malice, cruel bullying, persecution, losing faith in people.

The Page of Swords - Self-destruction, a desire to harm loved ones, impulsiveness, and hurtful words.

The Knight of Swords - One-sided judgment, recklessness, an overly impulsive admirer, bad selfishness.

The Queen of Swords - Anger and hypocrisy, intending to undermine someone's career, vengefulness.

The King of Swords - A deceitful partner, suffering due to the imperfection of the system, a powerful adversary with ill intentions.

The Ace of Cups - Yielding to emotions, destructive compassion, putting others before oneself to one's detriment.

The Two of Cups - Returning to an old love, attempting to save a marriage, finding a soulmate, amidst adversity.

Combined with the Three of Cups - Joining a support group, bad reputation, falling into bad company.

The Four of Cups - Alcohol dependence, drowning in misfortunes, refusing help or fearing pity.

The Five of Cups - A heavy loss, an emotional crisis, realizing it too late.

The Six of Cups - Holding onto eternal values, finding solace in helping others, self-sacrifice.

The Seven of Cups - Dangerous plans, clouded judgment, escaping reality or experiencing schizophrenia.

The Eight of Cups - A joyless celebration, a forced parting, weariness from unpleasantness.

The Nine of Cups - Breaking free from control or guardianship, a disappointing start, not everything is as rosy as desired.

The Ten of Cups - Leaving the family, falling into extremes, heeding bad advice.

The Page of Cups - Unpleasant friends, becoming a victim of attacks, being in a precarious situation.

The Knight of Cups - Exposing a fraud, loss of reputation, usual methods won't work.

The Queen of Cups - A troubled engagement, contract termination, relationship breakup due to rumors or bad behavior.

The King of Cups - A scandalous troublemaker, falling for the "bad boy," a serious conflict in the workplace.

The Ace of Pentacles - Loss of wealth, a severe financial blow, market crash, or irreversible crisis.

The Two of Pentacles - Losing the last resources, borrowing or getting into debt, being deprived of means of subsistence.

Combined with the Three of Pentacles - Losing to a competitor, dismissal, unprofessionalism.

The Four of Pentacles - Living on the last savings, not having enough until payday, stopping savings for emergencies.

The Five of Pentacles - Poverty, losing housing or the means to afford it, rent increase.

The Six of Pentacles - Lack of disposable income, funding ends, reduced benefits.

The Seven of Pentacles - Losing a bank deposit or losing money on the stock market, investing in a dummy venture.

The Eight of Pentacles - Work not working out, a person not in the right place, losing interest in earning.

The Nine of Pentacles - Policies affecting financial well-being negatively, tax increases, devaluation of savings.

The Ten of Pentacles - Family relations in discord, conflicts over inheritance or family business management.

The Page of Pentacles - Spending a month's salary in a few days, failing exams, not completing studies.

The Knight of Pentacles - A beloved project collapsing, loss of prestige, not keeping up with changes, going bankrupt.

The Queen of Pentacles - Criminal wastefulness, carelessness about the overall budget, living beyond one's means.

The King of Pentacles - Senile confusion, using demagoguery instead of concrete actions, keeping money under the mattress.