The Tower: One of the Most Overwhelming Tarot Cards

When you pull your first tarot card, it can be a shocking moment. And there it is—the Tower card staring back at you.

While the Tower tarot card—like the Death card—can provoke anxiety, it's essential to understand the deeper message behind it. It may not always symbolize chaos, destruction, or catastrophe, but rather an important life lesson that awaits your attention.

What Does the Tower Card Represent?

In many traditional Italian tarot decks, which were first created in the 1400s, the Tower card shows a dramatic image: a burning structure struck by a bolt of lightning under a dark, stormy sky, or figures tumbling from the building, with flames engulfing the windows. Some versions also feature a lightning bolt hitting a tree.

The Tower is part of the Major Arcana, also known as the "trump cards," which embody the most profound life themes. Out of the 78 tarot cards, 22 belong to the Major Arcana, with the Tower card being No. 16.

What Are the Meanings of the Tower Tarot Card?

There are several central themes associated with the Tower card in your tarot deck:

"The Tower [the structure itself] symbolizes our sense of security, stability, and aspirations, while the lightning bolt signifies the spark of change — think new perspectives, an unexpected job loss, marriage, or divorce," explains Tirrell Cherry, a tarot reader and expert at Smudge Wellness. "These are pivotal life events that usher in a new reality."

This card can show up unexpectedly, often delivering a jolt of surprise — typically suggesting an inevitable loss in the future. "Because this change often occurs against our will, it can feel intimidating or unpleasant," says Cherry. "But similar to the Death card, the Tower clears away what no longer serves you, allowing you to rebuild something stronger and more in tune with your true path. With mindfulness, this challenging phase can pass with less turmoil or inner turmoil."

In this case, mindfulness could be your key to navigating through adversity and instead guiding you toward a profound spiritual transformation.

What Happens When You Draw the Tower?

Drawing the Tower card isn't necessarily a sign of catastrophe or stress; rather, it suggests that outdated patterns or habits are nearing their end. These old ways, which no longer serve you, are about to phase out, and with it could come disruptions like job loss, relationship changes, financial shifts, or even a move.

Cherry explains that the Tower card is a precursor to massive transformation: "Expect the unexpected. Change is coming, and resisting it will only make the situation more chaotic." In other words, trying to avoid this inevitable change will only make it harder to bear.

For some, the Tower signifies divine intervention. When you've become stuck in situations that no longer benefit you, the Tower arrives to catalyze a shake-up. Though change can be frightening, uncomfortable, and even painful, it is often the first step towards something better. Think of it this way: Birth may be painful, but it leads to the miracle of life.

The Tower's Transformational Energy

"People often refer to 'a tower moment,' which describes the abrupt shift in their reality," says Cherry.

Whether or not you've ever encountered a tarot deck, many of us have gone through this experience. "Just when you believe you're secure or have settled in, you're suddenly pulled from the Tower's firm foundation and thrown into a sea of uncertainty," he notes.

This could be a time when your beliefs are put to the test. Something may happen that challenges your worldview to push you toward personal development and a clearer path forward. Cherry remarks, "After experiencing a tower moment, you'll be wiser, stronger, and more self-aware. Trust that this is an opportunity to see life in a way you never imagined before."

Interpreting the Reversed Tower Card

The meaning of The Tower tarot card can shift depending on the position in which it is drawn. For instance, when reversed, The Tower's significance can be nearly opposite to that of the upright card.

Shannon Aganza, an oracular astrologer and tarot reader, and creator of MoonGathering Courses, shares that her interpretation of the Tower in reverse is clear: "Crisis averted!"

While the upright Tower suggests change driven by external forces, the reversed Tower often signals a more personal transformation. This could mean stepping into your own strength, having a spiritual awakening, or finding your purpose after feeling lost for a long time.

"This might signify a significant shift or change happening in our surroundings. It’s not necessarily something that’s affecting us directly, but rather someone close to us or within our environment, and we may be called to offer support during this time of upheaval," says Aganza.

The reversed Tower could also reflect avoidance of necessary changes. Have you been sidestepping something difficult, even though you know facing it will lead to a better outcome?

You might be facing health issues and realize the need for a better diet and more physical activity, but instead, you find yourself choosing the comfort of your couch, indulging in your favorite treats. No judgment here, but the Tower card might be signaling that it's time for a fresh beginning, new routines, and the strength to push through the discomfort of change, so you can experience true transformation.

Your romantic life may also be under scrutiny; you might recognize that your relationship is unhealthy and dysfunctional, yet the thought of breaking up or divorcing feels too uncomfortable. In this case, the reversed Tower card could be urging you to find the courage to make that difficult change.

This card can also represent healing. 'We may be unpacking a destabilizing event from the past,' she says (think: tower moment). 'It often surfaces after a series of traumatic incidents or a singular event that profoundly affected our nervous system. In a PTSD-like reaction, we may respond to change with fear, holding onto the memory of that past wound. However, the reversed Tower signals it's time to heal! You now understand we're safe, and the healing process can begin.'