The Tower
Major Arcana
Keywords
Reversed Keywords
Card Imagery
A tall stone tower is struck by a bolt of lightning, setting its crown ablaze. Two figures fall from the tower against a dark sky filled with flames and falling debris. Twenty-two flames — representing the 22 major arcana — rain down. The tower was built on a rocky foundation, and the lightning bolt of truth has shattered its illusions.
Upright Meaning
The Tower represents sudden, disruptive change — structures built on shaky foundations crumbling to make way for something more authentic. While shocking, this destruction clears the way for truth and renewal.
Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Tower can suggest narrowly avoiding disaster, resisting necessary upheaval, or the same shake-up happening internally rather than externally. The change is coming; how you handle it is up to you.