Everything You Need to Know About the Tower Tarot Card

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Is there a more intimidating tarot card in the deck than the Tower? Eyes widen, jaws drop, and hearts begin to race when this card is turned over, but the appearance of the Tower in a reading is nothing to fear. This is the card of change, and most people (understandably!) fear the thought of change, especially unexpected, dramatic, wild change. The Tower indicates the kind of radical change that throws you into a wild upheaval. Everything is going to be different from here on out, because nothing can ever stay the same forever.

But change isn't negative. If something's not working, it must change, and this clearly isn’t sustainable in its current incarnation. Sometimes we need a full 180. Sometimes the only resolution is complete and utter destruction. Sometimes the only way to create new growth is to burn everything you know to the ground and start again. And yes, that is dramatic, but oftentimes, major transitions must be substantial, climactic, and outrageously disruptive in order to get us to where we need to be!

The Tower Keywords

Sudden change, upheaval, destruction, chaos, transformation, resistance to change, delaying the inevitable, unexpected endings

The Tower Upright Meaning

Nothing can really stay the same forever, but isn’t that such a blessing? We always have the power to change. We can change our minds, we can change our goals, we can change our dreams. We are always changing and evolving, and these transformations illuminate our truths. If you realize that the dynamic you’re in isn’t working, then why keep participating in something that just isn’t right? Why keep going through the motions? If the foundation you have built something on is faulty, the Tower will most certainly take it out so you can begin again and rebuild. You know, it can be better than this—in fact, you totally deserve better than this!

This is an opportunity to explore your relationship with change and why the idea of a major shift feels so frightening right now. Change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and it certainly doesn’t mean that your situation is going to get worse than it already is. It might feel difficult or unsettling at first, but the pain is merely temporary. Eventually the rubble smooths out, the mess of destruction is cleaned up, and space for something new is created. Everything does get manageable, easier, and better than it was before. The benefits that come from invoking much-needed change will be long-lasting. These are the moments that remind us that leaning into change is a wonderful gift.

The Tower Reversed Meaning

We all know when the winds of change are coming, and I don’t think you need to see the Tower card in order to realize what you already know to be true. Resisting the inevitability of change is futile. You have probably known for at least a little while that this current dynamic/situation/life path/whatever just isn’t working. It can feel intimidating to unravel and uncover where to begin to create the shift that needs to happen. You might not know exactly where to begin, but you must start somewhere! Okay, you may be able to delay the inevitable slightly, but eventually you need to face the music and commit to making major changes in your life. I would do it sooner rather than later, bb.

Being at the forefront and directing the transition keeps you in the position of power. That way, rather than change being forced upon you, YOU take the lead! Let go of that false sense of security you have from the mundane of your current situation. Don’t be afraid to see the truth, and OMG, please don’t let change "just happen" to you. Let’s be honest, it’s never really a surprise, but denial can be all-consuming with its trickery. Summon all of your courage and face the undeniable reality so you can make the necessary changes now before this gets any worse. It’s so much better to be the creator of your own destiny, even when it’s difficult to do so.

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