The Tower
The Tower is the Major Arcana card 16 of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, representing sudden change, revelation, upheaval.
Something must fall to make way for what is true. The Tower clears illusions quickly — uncomfortable in the moment, liberating in retrospect.
Avoided disaster, resisting a needed collapse, fear of the inevitable.
A relationship shaken to its foundation. Whatever survives is real.
Disruption — but the structure that falls was not serving you anyway.
✦ Trust the disruption. It is clearing the path.
How to interpret The Tower
Symbolism
The Tower is struck by lightning, throwing figures from a burning structure. It represents revelation that arrives faster than comfort can manage. What falls is usually something built on denial, pride, false safety, or an unstable foundation.
In a reading
In a reading, The Tower marks disruption, truth, collapse, or a sudden awakening. It is rarely gentle, but it can be merciful because it removes what could not be repaired from inside the illusion.
Reversed nuance
Reversed, The Tower may show avoided change, delayed collapse, or fear of the truth that would actually free you. Ask what you already know is unstable and what it costs to keep pretending.
Frequently asked about The Tower
Common questions readers ask about this card
What does the The Tower tarot card mean?+
Something must fall to make way for what is true. The Tower clears illusions quickly — uncomfortable in the moment, liberating in retrospect.
What does The Tower mean in love?+
A relationship shaken to its foundation. Whatever survives is real.
What does The Tower mean for career?+
Disruption — but the structure that falls was not serving you anyway.
What does The Tower reversed mean?+
Avoided disaster, resisting a needed collapse, fear of the inevitable.
