The Tower Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Tower Keywords 

• Upright: breakthrough, disruption, upheaval, realignment, awakening, sudden change, crumbling foundations
• Reversed: false security, rebuilding foundations, suppression, resisting change, avoiding chaos, inner conflict

The Tower: Description and Symbolism

As number ‘16’ in the Major Arcana, the Tower card introduces themes of chaos and destruction to the tarot. The card’s black background represents dissatisfaction and limitation. The tower itself represents the established structures and beliefs that you entrap yourself in. While the foundation may provide a sense of safety, the tower’s gray color symbolizes the repressive quality of that structure. A yellow crown is struck off the tower, symbolizing the destabilization of ego and authority. 

By the strike of a lightning bolt, it is time for the established structure to crumble. The bolt of lightning symbolizes destruction that catalyzes change. Its yellow color represents divine influence and enlightenment. No one could have predicted that the Tower would be brought down by lightning. The unpredictable quality of this natural catastrophe represents a surprising yet inevitable change. Even still, the 22 drops of yellow fire represent that divine forces were at play.

 There are 22 flames to correlate with the number of Major Arcana cards. They are in the shape of a Yod – the first letter of God’s name in Hebrew. These divine flames symbolize spiritual forces intervening in a worldly structure or situation.

Two figures are depicted falling from the Tower, symbolizing loss of control over a situation. They are dressed in red and blue to represent active and passive principles, respectively. Whether you are initiating or receptive to change, some circumstances are simply beyond your control. The gray smoke represents the uncertainty of this untimely change. While the figures may be falling, they are also free from the structure that limited them.

The Tower – Upright Meaning

When the Tower card appears in a tarot reading, the time has come for a shift in focus or priorities. You may notice increasing frustration or discord at work, home, or within your relationships now. These disruptions are a sign that something needs to be changed.

The Tower could also symbolize a period of divine intervention. It may feel like the foundations are crumbling around you at this time. There has been a gradual buildup of energy in an area of your life that has led to unexpected news or events. Your routine is being disrupted to raise awareness to a deeper issue.

Love Meaning – The Tower Upright 

When the Tower appears in a love context, you may notice more disagreements cropping up in your relationship. Pay attention to the common theme amongst your interactions with your partner. Even if these confrontations feel unprecedented, they could be resolving long-existing concerns and misunderstandings.

Whether you are single or in a relationship, the Tower could also signify a truth about someone’s intentions being revealed. Use your discretion at this time to determine the best course of action in your given situation. Chances are, the sudden energetic shifts that you are experiencing are meant to save you time and energy in the long run. 

Alternatively, the Tower card could be alerting you to an outgrown attitude towards love and relationships. Perhaps you are experiencing surmountable consequences after putting others’ needs before your own, or someone from your past could reach out as a test. This card challenges you to make necessary adjustments for your long-term satisfaction. 

Career and Finance Meaning – The Tower Upright

In a career context, the Tower card suggests you could be going through a period of unexpected changes and endings. Perhaps you receive news that your company is laying you off, or you realize you aren’t enjoying the town you live in anymore. Whatever surprising feelings or events are affecting you at this time, you are encouraged to trust your intuition to guide your next move. 

The Tower card may also suggest increased disruptions within your work and finances. Conflicts in the workplace may be getting harder to ignore, leading to increased stress or irritation. You may also notice that your spending budget is suffering due to unprecedented events. When your ideas aren’t going to plan, the Tower asks you to see it as an opportunity for realignment. External factors that are frustrating you now may be redirecting you towards a more fulfilling path.

Health Meaning – The Tower Upright

When the Tower card appears in a health context, it may signal a concern that requires your immediate attention. This card suggests you may be pushing your mental or physical limits, so it would be a good time to put your needs first. Be gentle with yourself as you find a way to slow your pace and ease stress.

Spirituality Meaning – The Tower Upright

The Tower card suggests that a spiritual awakening is just around the corner. You are on the precipice of a major realization about your needs and purpose. Pay close attention to sudden changes in your circumstances – these events could be the Universe’s attempt to redirect your focus. 

The Tower As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Tower card represents feelings of shock and surprise. You could be going through an adjustment period at this time. Through the lessons, you will reach a breakthrough that will support your growth.

The Tower As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Tower represents sudden adjustments and realignment. Your circumstances could leave you feeling like you have lost control of your situation. Try to keep the faith as you determine your next steps.

The Tower – Reversed Meaning

When the Tower card appears reversed in a reading, you may have recognized the need for change but have not taken action. This moral dilemma about your next steps could be causing stress and inner conflict. This card applauds you for accepting the limiting situation you find yourself in, but pushes you to dive deeper. Trust your intuition to guide you through the fear of the unknown at this time.

The reversed Tower card could also signify an abrupt change that you are struggling to rebuild from. Perhaps you are grieving the security you once had in a past routine or structure. Whether it was a relationship-ending conflict or a lay-off, you are encouraged to push forward. Resisting necessary endings will only stagnate you in outgrown beliefs, so look within to derive the meaning of this lost structure.

Love Meaning – The Tower Reversed

When the Tower appears reversed in a love context, you could be going through a period where you are accepting a need for change. Suppressed needs and feelings could be piling up within your relationship, leading you to reconsider your approach. Reflect on the boundaries you have set and whether you have properly advocated for your needs. It is a good time to prevent conflict by addressing concerns when they first arise.

The reversed Tower card may also suggest that you are keeping a guard up to avoid conflict altogether. Whether you are going on surface-level dates or brushing over your feelings with your partner, this card encourages you to delve deeper. The walls you have built are keeping you stagnant, so it is a good time to open up.

Another interpretation of the reversed Tower is that you could be struggling to rebuild after a previous conflict or separation. Perhaps you are settling into a new mindset or mentality towards love. Consider whether a fear of the unknown could be playing a factor in your readjustment period. 

Career and Finance Meaning – The Tower Reversed

The reversed Tower card could suggest that you have acknowledged a need for change in your work or spending, but have not acted on it yet. Perhaps you have wanted to spend less on nights out, or you have been meaning to apply for a new job. This card encourages you to take your long-term satisfaction seriously at this time. You will thank yourself later for the difficult judgment calls that you make now.

In a career context, the reversed Tower may also suggest that you have not released suppressed feelings around a recent change in circumstances. If you had to keep yourself busy through an unexpected redirection or ending, it would be a good time to give your thoughts and feelings room to breathe. You can only push through so much, so be gentle with yourself as you grieve the past.

Health Meaning – The Tower Reversed

In a health context, the reversed Tower card suggests that you are beginning to acknowledge the areas of life that you have put on a mask. You are more interested in fulfilling endeavors at this point – it is just a matter of letting go of the past. Once you make the changes you have been wanting to, you will have more energy and mental clarity.

Spirituality Meaning – The Tower Reversed

The reversed Tower card suggests that you are spiritually awakening to a need for change. You are ready to pay attention to your intuitive drives, but it will require acknowledging your fears of the unknown. Consider journaling about your recent circumstances to gain clarity on how to move forward.

The Tower As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Tower card may suggest that you feel trapped or conflicted about a limiting situation. You are craving freedom from restrictive patterns, learning to navigate your fears as they arise.

The Tower As Actions Meaning – Reversed

As actions, the reversed Tower card represents both avoidance and prevention. You may be avoiding a necessary change, or preventing a chaotic situation by reflecting on the purpose of your efforts. 

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

The Tower card in the ‘past’ position refers to a previous disruption or realignment. A past change in circumstances gave you an abrupt awakening that is now guiding you through your current situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Tower card signifies a period of unexpected chaos or discord. Your usual schedule and routine have been disrupted by a change in circumstances, forcing you to view the situation from a new perspective. You are encouraged to work with this change rather than against it.

Future Position

When the Tower card appears in the ‘future’ position, it indicates that your current situation will lead to a significant consequence or disruption. Depending on your gut feeling about your current circumstances, this divine intervention could be an inevitable awakening to realign you with your purpose. Trust your intuition to guide your actions rather than fear at this time.

Yes or No Meaning of The Tower Card

• The Tower Upright and Reversed: No

When the Tower card appears upright or reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. You are experiencing a necessary breakthrough about your long-term satisfaction. It is best to accept the lessons of your current situation than to force a particular outcome at this time.

Advice and Message of The Tower Card

The Tower appears as a sign to realign with your true purpose. Your current circumstances may need to be disrupted to give you a profound breakthrough. Rather than resisting change, you are encouraged to accept it with open arms. This sudden change may feel frustrating or disorienting at first, but the lessons will serve you in the long run.

Summary of The Tower Tarot Meaning

When the Tower card appears, you are being pushed to challenge old structures or beliefs. Events beyond your control are unfolding before you, forcing you to reconsider the path you are on. Now is not the time to get discouraged, as these abrupt changes are meant to serve you. It is time to trust the Universe and your intuition to guide you through the unknown. When reversed, the Tower could suggest that you are struggling to adjust to an unexpected change. Give it time for the meaning of these sudden events to come to the surface – you will soon see the purpose behind this divine realignment.