Meanings Upright, Ill-dignified, and Reversed, RX
Rider Waite Smith and Thoth
THE TOWER - MAJOR ARCANUM XVI
Astrological Association: Mars
Elemental Association: Fire
Occult Name: The Lord of the Hosts of the Mighty
Hebrew Letter: Peh (mouth)
Timing: March 21st to April 20th (same as the Emperor); and Tuesday by association with Mars.
Kabbalistic Path: Between Netzach and Hod
"Peh"
"
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Many times we adopt beliefs or ways of looking at things in life that aren't going to take us far, and that may stifle us in our quest to enlightenment of being. Sooner or later something will happen to instigate necessary change. Once again, as stated in previous majors, if at first we are resistant to change when due, the Universe will find a way to bring it to our door. It might be a tad bit dramatic in delivery, but too, we can see how at times that's necessary. Deconstruction and demolition to clear space to build a brand new set of beliefs and values, now that's one of the larger messages of the Tower.
But the above is only a part of what is told us through this card. We know that the messages delivered us via the major arcana cards provide us with one ongoing lesson, obviously beginning with the Fool and ending with the World or Universe. And one message offered us by the Tower card is that we must heed past messages, and especially those learnt from cards thirteen through fifteen.
With key thirteen we were shown that if we resist necessary change and growth in our life, it comes seeking us, and takes us along with it, kicking and screaming if need be. Through the message of key fourteen we were shown that if things aren't working out well, one way to create positive change is through the process of alchemy. And via key fifteen, we are told that if we don't follow the steps suggested by the previous two cards, we become bound by the anger, frustration, and depression we create. We basically pull a blanket of stagnation over our progress in life. Not a good energy, is it?
Then along comes card sixteen. You can no longer fight change. It tells you that you had failed to change your thoughts and do what was necessary for personal and spiritual growth. Maybe, "just maybe "if you act immediately, you can intervene to soften the impact. Do whatever it takes to create positive out of what has become an uncomfortable, inconvenient, or volatile situation.
If you do not, it's gonna blow. "And when it does, it's gonna get messy..."
THE TOWER TAROT CARD DIGNIFIED OR UPRIGHT
* Cautions of an abrupt change.
* Disruption and/or unanticipated change.
* Losing your temper.
* Unforseen interruptions pose obstacles to your strategy.
* An extremely emotional display.
* Releasing pent up anxiety.
* A serious argument.
* An extremely unsettling or traumatic situation or event.
* Sometimes refers to an electrical appliance.
* Abnormal deviation from standard procedure.
* Sudden change providing difficulty, as if having a rug pulled out from under your feet.
* You have built up an armor like defense, and it will no longer serve the purpose.
* A sudden rash of bad luck.
* You had been looking for the truth, it has arrived, and is shocking in its impact.
* The rose colored glasses have been forcibly removed.
* The way you see things is due to change, and may whether you like it or not.
* Your way of thinking is about to experience change.
* The belief system or group mentality you adhere to is about to be exposed, and is not all you had previously believed it to be.
* An explosive situation; or there may be an actual explosion.
* You had maintained control in a situation for a time, you will have to let go at some point.
* Any type of a fall including a fall from grace, a fall from a position of authority, a loss of face, an actual fall, etc.
* Brought to experience humility.
* Is symbolic of the ego taking a shot.
* A sudden view of the truth.
* Suddenly realizing what had previously evaded your awareness.
* Universal energies or higher power will intervene.
* A natural disaster.
* A raging fire.
* May foretell of an accident.
* Destruction of the old to make way for the new.
* Making a big deal out of a small and insignificant happenstance.
* Karmic repercussions will come due to current actions.
* Experiencing a nervous breakdown.
* Great sex.
THE TOWER TAROT CARD ILL DIGNIFIED OR REVERSED
* You have been putting off taking action, it's time to get on with it.
* Being stripped of power and dignity.
* Resisted change once underway will pave the way for new and better.
* An epically catastrophic event.
* The catastrophe you had expected will not come about.
* The sudden loss of something you held dear.
* While you fight so passionately to expose the truth, the other side fights to keep it under wraps.
* A financial upheaval.
* An extreme case of depression.
* The guilty party prepared a fully efficient cover-up tale in time for an accusation not to stick.
* You had previously been able to avoid dealing with the truth, but now it's right under your nose, and cannot be denied.
* Experiencing imprisonment or a restrictive situation resembling such.
* If you expose those people for what they are, there will be a backlash, you will get drawn into it.
* Someone is going to slip and reveal their true character.
* Oppressive dictatorship within a relationship or other circumstance.
* Your behavior, way of thinking, or actions are the basis to your problem.
* Your actions will draw significant karmic repercussions; do what you can to change things now.
* Destruction of the ego.
* Revealing the true and authentic self.
* A shattered or traumatized ego.
* Serious loss due to a natural disaster.
* Your ego took a beating, but you'll get over it.
* Everyone is doing all they can to keep the truth hidden.
* Absolute pandemonium, anarchy and chaos.
* A milder disruption than what you'd imagine it to be.
* Acting out in a dramatic fashion causes constant anxiety and chaos.
* No one around you has a clue of the trauma you are living with or have lived through.
* Not so great sex.
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck(R), known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright (c)1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck(R) is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Image is a Wikipedia file from a 1909 RWS deck, originally scanned by Holly Voley http://home.comcast.net/~vilex/
Thoth Images Copyright (c) US Games Systems Inc.; AGMuller; O.T.O.
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