The Tower is struck by lightning; its crown flies off and two figures fall in flames. It is sudden upheaval, revelation and collapse of what was built on false foundations: painful, but liberating, because it clears the ground for truth.
The lightning strike: a false tower falls so that the truth can stand.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Misery, distress, adversity, calamity, deception, ruin; above all, unforeseen catastrophe.
Reversed
Reversed, the disaster is averted or delayed, or the collapse happens inside: resisting the inevitable, fear of change, or a crisis that comes in slow motion.
A disaster narrowly avoided, or a collapse delayed and drawn out.
Waite’s keywords (1911): The same in a lesser degree; also oppression, imprisonment, tyranny.
In love
Upright A sudden break, a shocking revelation, a relationship shaken to its foundation.
Reversed A crisis narrowly avoided, or a slow collapse you refuse to see.
In work
Upright Sudden job loss, restructuring, the collapse of a plan; then a chance to rebuild.
Reversed Instability you sense coming; prepare rather than deny.
In money
Upright A financial shock, unexpected losses; do not take risks now.
Reversed You narrowly avoid a loss; secure your finances.
At home and in the family
Upright Upheaval at home: a sudden move, damage, revelation in the family.
Reversed Tension that builds up; a crisis you can still prevent.
On your path
Upright Spiritual awakening through crisis: false beliefs fall.
Reversed Resisting an inner upheaval that would free you.
Its counsel
Upright Let what is false collapse. Build again on truth.
Reversed Do not wait for the lightning. Change before you are forced to.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Major Arcana, card 16
- Element
- Fire
- Number
- 16
Dreams that carry this card
The Major Arcana
The Fool · The Magician · The High Priestess · The Empress · The Emperor · The Hierophant · The Lovers · The Chariot · Strength · The Hermit · Wheel of Fortune · Justice · The Hanged Man · Death · Temperance · The Devil · The Star · The Moon · The Sun · Judgement · The World