The Tower
Upright: Sudden change, upheaval, chaos, revelation, awakening
Reversed: Personal transformation, fear of change, averting disaster
When the Tower card appears in a Tarot reading, expect the unexpected-enormous change, upheaval, destruction, and chaos. There's no escaping it. Change is here to tear things up, create chaos, and destroy everything in its path. Just when you think you're safe and comfortable, a Tower moment hits you and throws you for a loop. A lightning bolt of clarity and insight cuts through the lies and illusions you have been telling yourself, and now the truth comes to light. Your world may come crashing down before you, in ways you could never have imagined. You are now questioning what is real and what is not; what you can rely upon and what you cannot trust. This can be very confusing and disorienting, especially when your core belief systems are challenged. But over time, you will come to see that your original beliefs were built on false assumptions, mistruths, and illusions. With a card like the Tower, you have no choice but to surrender to the destruction and chaos, though change on this deep level is difficult. After a Tower experience, you will grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. These moments are necessary for your spiritual growth and will bring about a positive change.
If you become too comfortable or egotistical, divine intervention (represented by lightning in this image) knocks you from your tower (with its lofty ideas and beliefs), shaking the very foundation of your beliefs. What must crumble for a better structure to be built? The Tower card shows a Mexican "Mission" style church and a skeleton, falling from the bell tower. Lightning can also represent the ideals of humanity being brought down a notch, though the Tower card doesn't always have to be associated with pain and turmoil. If you are highly aware and in tune with your inner guidance system, then this Tarot card can indicate a spiritual awakening or revelation. Before the structure comes tumbling down, you may be able to take action. In its most positive form, the Tower card is your opportunity to break free from the old ways of thinking that have been holding you back.
Elemental: Fire.