The upright Tower card represents unseen and unwanted change. Be prepared for a drastic shift when you see this card and know that things will probably get worse before they get better. You might even feel you’re under attack by forces beyond your control or understanding.
Whatever happens, it will be unexpected, so you won’t be able to prepare for it or control it. There will be something wonderful waiting for you on the other side, but you’ll have to face challenges and hard times to get there. The Tower card represents the last of the big life lessons in the Major Arcana: You can’t control everything, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. The only question is: What are you going to do about it?
When you see The Tower card reversed, it can mean there is a major change on the horizon, but you’re resisting it. You might avoid this shift because you’re afraid of what’s coming and how you’ll need to adjust. Often, the reversed Tower card means you’re in denial about the transformation that’s upon you. Here, you must accept that change is inevitable and necessary.
The reversed Tower card can also represent deep internal change. Rather than external factors influencing your life, such as with the upright Tower card, the reversed Tower suggests a shift from within. Here, you are activating the transformation by challenging your beliefs and redefining your values. This can be a scary process, but the reversed Tower card encourages you to keep questioning the status quo.
Reading this reversed card using the “blocked/restricted” meaning
Okay, let’s talk about the different ways you can read your reversed Tower card. First, you can use the “blocked/restricted” reversed card meaning. When you read your reversed cards like this, you’re looking for an obstacle standing in front of the card’s upright meaning.
For The Tower card, this means something is blocking major change or upheaval from your life. Depending on your situation, this can be positive or negative.
As an example, say you pull the reversed Tower card while thinking about your love life. You’re in a relationship with someone capable and caring. They can also be a bit controlling. Your partner wants to take care of things to make your life easier.
Even though they’re very helpful, they can also stand in the way of personal transformation and your ability to level up. Yes, when you take things into your own hands, they might not work out. You’ll make mistakes and chaos can ensue. But, if you never try to stand on your own feet, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
Maybe your partner unintentionally keeps you from recognizing your potential because you never take a chance. It’s helpful to have such a stabilizing force in your life, but it can also stand in your way. Reclaim some of your responsibility and make the decisions you want to make, even if your partner doesn’t understand them.
Reading this reversed card using the “opposite” meaning
You can also read your reversed Tower card using the “opposite” reversed card meaning. When you read your reversed cards like this, you’re looking for the opposite of the card’s upright meaning. So, for The Tower card, instead of major change and chaos, you have stagnance and orderliness. While having your affairs in order can be comforting, a lack of excitement can get pretty boring after a while.
Say you pull the reversed Tower card thinking about your daily routine. You do the same thing every day. You get up, take a shower, go to work, go to the gym, go home. On certain days, you might spice it up by running to the store or Netflixing a movie instead of a tv show.
You’re in a rut, but it’s comfortable, so you’re not making any changes. Here, the reversed Tower card can encourage you to shake things up. Even though your life is in order, something’s missing. Try mixing some fun into your week by taking up a new exciting hobby. Check out the climbing gym or try taking a dance class. You never know what you might enjoy, and experimenting with new hobbies and meeting new people is a great way to get to know yourself and reevaluate your priorities.
Reading this reversed card using the “worse” meaning
You can also read your reversed Tower card using the “worse” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you put the card’s upright meaning in a negative light. So, for The Tower card, this means there is a major change coming, but it’s not something you should accept lying down. This change isn’t good for you, and you must take action to make sure you’re living the life you want.
For example, you might pull the reversed Tower card when thinking about an enormous change, like having children. You’re at that age when every single one of your friends has kids, is pregnant, or is trying to get pregnant. Every time you see your family, they ask, “When are you guys going to have kids?” “Don’t you want to have children before you get too old?”
You and your partner are feeling run down by these questions, and even though you’ve decided kids aren’t for you right now, you are feeling pressure to change your plan. Before you change your mind, stop and think! Having children is a major decision, and it’s not something you have to do. Just because you’re a certain age and you’ve found a great partner doesn’t mean that kids are the logical next step.
Maybe the two of you are enjoying focusing on your careers right now, or maybe you have pets that take up a lot of your time. You might just not want kids at all! No matter what, this is your decision, and you can’t let anyone bully you into it. Stick to your plan and know that the choice of whether or not to have kids is completely up to you and your partner—no one else.
Reading this reversed card using the “no/not” meaning
You can also read your reversed Tower card using the “no/not” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you put a “no” or a “not” in front of the card’s upright meaning. So, for The Tower card, this means “no chaos,” or “no attacks.” While there may be change on the horizon, it will not be out of control or come out of nowhere. This is a change you’re fully aware of, and you have the power to deal with and control the situation.
Say you pull the reversed Tower card when thinking about your job. You’ve been with a company for a long time, and they’re selling. You’re becoming part of a larger organization, and there will be a lot of change that comes along with it. Here, there is a major shift on the horizon, but you have the time to prepare.
You won’t always have the chance to get ready for a major shift, so take advantage of it. Look into your new company and learn as much as you can. Make sure you’re comfortable with your new role and ask questions if you’re not sure what it will look like. If you don’t think this new opportunity is in line with what you want for your career, open yourself up to new employment opportunities. Change is coming and you can’t avoid it, but you can make the right decisions for yourself.