Tower tarot card meaning: upheaval, sudden revelation and overturning

Key points

Here are 3 key points about “The Tower Tarot Card Meaning”:

Represents catastrophic upheaval, sudden revelation, and overturning of priorities.

Indicates built-up false beliefs being shattered and swept away, leaving change.

Shows structures we relied on being unraveled to make way for a new start free from illusions.

Introduction to The Tower Card

The Tower card is about abrupt changes and huge shakeups. It’s one of tthe most amazing cards of disruption and drama in the tarot. When this card comes up in a reading, you can expect some huge major changes to be afoot. What you built may be lost, but what you lose can be rebuilt differently, and this will open doors for fresh beginnings.

Overview of The Tower card in the Tarot deck

In the original Rider-Waite tarot card, The Tower picture a tall castle being struck with lightning. In the tower, two people are seen falling off as the tower burns and crumbles. It’s a very scary image. The Tower tarot card is from the Major Arcana which means it is a significant life event or turning point.


The Tower in a tarot reading means change will happen even if you aren’t ready for it. What you presume to be rock solid could very well be built on sand and false beliefs. While it’s hard to think about ever having a divorce, sometimes it can be necessary. It may be shocking and hurtful, but it is also necessary in order to be able to build on stronger foundations later.

Symbolism and imagery associated with The Tower

The bolt of lightning hitting and damaging the Tower means the huge devastation that can come all of a sudden. When people fall from the tower, it indicates that their confidence in safety and security is being taken away. The crown from the tower shows that those at the top can still have their fall. The orange flame symbolizes purification through fire, while the tower on a rocky outcrop suggests that it is resting on an unstable base.


The imagery in The Tower tarot card is violent and disturbing but does tell us. From destruction, there is enlightenment and an opportunity to rebuild. It is an eye-opener to the old habits and principles, which we can replace with a new one.  When the tower collapses, we become better aligned with who we really are and what we value.

Upright Tower Card Meanings

The Tower tarot card stands for an unexpected shock. You know when something happens that totally takes you by surprise? It’s clear that false ideas and structures will be broken down. The current era is characterized by revelation but crisis and chaos.

Sudden change and upheaval

When the Tower appears in a reading, be prepared for a major upheaval. Things are about to change quickly and probably catch you off guard. Things that have been happening for a long time may suddenly change or even completely collapse. It may feel shocking or somewhat destructive at the start. But this card signifies impactful and important changes that will set you free.

Revelation and awakening

A new understanding comes with change. The Tower reveals insight and knowledge about things that hide. You’ll become aware and see through illuisions. It feels like a wake-up call that shows you what should fall apart so you can build strong foundations.

Breaking down of false structures

The Tower removes what is flawed to promote deep transformation. Anything that built on lies, ego or misjudgment will crash. It is a chance to begin anew and recreate with honesty and sincerity. Going through pain is a process that helps you grow and progress deep inside.

Reversed Tower Card Meanings

Essentially, the Tower card reversed indicates that you already know something is about to occur it’s only you’re deluding yourself. There might still be unhealed chaos in your life that you haven’t resolved yet. Instead of letting the tower crumble, you try to ignore it.

Avoidance of disaster

The Tower may indicate that you are aware of something bad but that you are hoping that it will go away if you ignore it. Sometimes, when faced with major upheaval we can feel overwhelmed.Your brain thus, denies or downplays changes around you.

Resistance to change

Chances are you already know what you need to do in your life to make significant changes, but the Tower in reversed state scares you as to what that would mean. So, you hold on very tight to what’s familiar regardless of how unstable or unhealthy it is. You avoid anything that would shake up your life.

Lingering chaos

Even though a big shake-up came about, the reversed Tower indicates that there is still some fallout. Your life might still feel messy and uncertain. You’re wallowing in the wreckage instead of rebuilding and unsure how to move forward.

The Tower Card in Different Contexts

An Appearance of Tower in A Reading Means That Major Changes are Coming This powerful card can mean destruction and chaos of whatever has been established already. While it might sound scary, look at it as an opening to building something new. The Tower wants you to get rid of limiting beliefs and false securities so that you can create the life you actually want.

The Tower in Love and Relationships

If you get this floating tower card in a love reading, you’re likely experiencing some turmoil in your relationship! This could mean that you will experience a shocking upheaval. Problems that were ignored before are now happening. Think of this as an opportunity to sort things out and move forward. The Tower could also indicate a sudden split. Even though this may hurt, it paves way for a better relationship.

The Tower in Career and Work

So if the Tower shows up for a career pick, more often than not, it means job loss or an unexpected change in your work situation. This can be a chance to work on something that really excites you. The Tower is basically urging you to change, even if you are not ready to. Just relax. Everything is going to be well!

The Tower in Health and Well-Being

When this card shows for health readings, it indicates that your addictions or self-care routine is catching up with you. This powerful card is asking you to make a big change to be healthier. Might feel all your stability is falling away from you. Just stick to the good habits and you will rebuild on a better foundation.

Interpreting The Tower Card in a Reading

The Tower card stands for fast change, disorder, carnage, and havoc This is a heavy hitting card which indicates that you should expect the unexpected. The Tower making an appearance in a reading indicates a significant shakeup is about to occur. This may signify a split, getting fired, crash, sickness, or otherwise major disruption. Here comes the real deal so buckle up. Face these changes with open arms instead of resisting them. Hanging on to the old ways is only going to make it worse. Just let everything go that doesn’t help you in any way anymore. From the wreckage, you will gain great insights necessary for the renewal.

The Tower’s impact on surrounding cards

The Tower has a very strong impact on the cards that surround it in a spread because it is very transformational. The Tower can mean an explosion of misunderstandings related to those cards placed before it. The cards that follow show us how we can pick up the mess and move ahead after the dust has settled. The Tower also boosts all Major Arcana cards around it in the spread. The two things together send a signal that lots of different kinds of big changes are on the way.

Common misconceptions about The Tower

Many people think The Tower is about destruction only. Others think The Tower is a negative card. Others feel there’s really no way to prepare for it to lessen its impact.

Actually, this card is concerned about destroying something which needed tearing down to build something better. it brings chance of better change Though shocking, the changes it brings allow old parts of your life to fall away so you can create space for growth and renewal. You might not be able to evade the tough transition, but you can steer yourself through it mindfully while being open to the gift within the difficulty.

Advice for dealing with The Tower’s energy

Stay flexible and open when The Tower shows up, that’s the best advice. Don’t dig your heels or resist a necessary change by any means. Be open to letting go of things that are not working out anymore – even if it hurts a bit. Seek the message behind the uncertainty. Ask yourself how this disruption can allow you to get back up on your feet again stronger than before. Even though the transition is difficult, it will lead to a new sense of freedom and possibility. Have guts, offer a smile and believe in your beliefs. You’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What is the most uplifting tarot card?

The Sun is often considered the most positive and uplifting card in the tarot deck. As the central planet that gives life and energy, the image of the smiling sun represents happiness, joy, vitality, optimism, and accomplishment.

What does temperance mean in tarot?

The Temperance card represents balance, patience, purpose, and moderation. It encourages us to exercise restraint, find the middle ground, and achieve equilibrium in our lives.

How do tarot cards make predictions?

Tarot cards do not actually make predictions themselves. The tarot reader interprets the cards based on their archetypal meanings and positions in the spread. The cards offer spiritual guidance by reflecting energies, patterns, and potential outcomes for the questioner to consider.

Can you do a tarot reading for yourself?

Yes, you can absolutely do a tarot reading for yourself! It is often useful to get an outsider’s perspective, but reading for yourself can provide valuable self-reflection and inner wisdom if you remain open and objective.

What does the High Priestess card mean?

The High Priestess represents inner wisdom, intuition, sacred knowledge, and the subconscious mind. She encourages us to trust our instincts, look within for answers, and connect to our deepest selves.

How do you properly shuffle tarot cards?

To shuffle tarot cards properly, split the deck into two stacks, riffle the cards’ short ends together a few times, then rotate the deck 90 degrees and riffle again. Shuffling helps you disconnect from the cards’ previous readings.

What does the Hermit card mean in love?

In love readings, the Hermit often represents a time of solitude and inner reflection about the relationship. It can signify a need for space or alone time before making a commitment.

How do you store tarot cards?

Wrap tarot cards in scarves or silk. Store them in cardboard boxes or bags, keeping them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Treat them with care and respect.

Can tarot cards predict pregnancy?

While tarot can’t definitively confirm pregnancy, certain cards like the Empress, Ace of Cups, Ten of Cups, or Pages can suggest fertility, new beginnings, and family happiness as potential outcomes of a reading.

How long does it take to become a skilled tarot reader?

It takes consistent practice over several months or years to become truly skilled at reading tarot cards. Factors include building familiarity with the deck, learning card meanings, intuitively linking the cards, and experience doing readings.