The Tower is also referred to as The Lightening Struck Tower, The Fire of Heaven or The House of God. The religious reference indicates that the Tower of Babel reaches towards the heavens where God proclaimed that man was unrestrained. The Tarot image of a man and woman thrown head first out of the tower which is struck by lightening refers to a sudden change brought about by the ‘Powers that Be’ in order to quickly force one to give up their old ways. Spirit is always in motion and may coax one to change and adapt rather than remain in an old pattern that resists change. Giving up our old ways may create temporary chaos but will create self-improvement.

The Rider Waite tower depicts a fortress built upon a rocky hilltop relating to our defenses and rigid ego. The woman represents ridged emotional attitudes while the man is ego driven.

We often refer to sudden ideas as being hit by a bolt of lightening. This implies a sudden change in thought or direction. The raging storm around the tower represents the mayhem that often arises with abrupt change. Other towers such as the Robin Wood deck depicts the tower that represents the Tower of Babel with its spirals that indicate cycles.

The four windows of the tower represent the number four, signaling the beginning of a new cycle of creativity or thought.

The 22 yods in the black sky refer to the 22 letters of the Hebrew language indicating spiritual wisdom. The Rider Waite image of the crown knocked off the top of the tower is the materialistic notion that the material does not rule life. The spiritual seeker begins to realize that the material is an illusion and thereby suffers the destruction of his former philosophy. Race-mind is thereby replaced with the God force being supreme.

Upright –
Plans or former ideas will be suddenly change or dropped entirely.
It may be time to reelvaluate present or old ways rather than face spirit’s way of creating change. (Spirit has ways of destroying the old for us).
Our typical way of thinking will propel us into a way of thinking.

Reversed –
It may be time to explore new ways of thinking and taking new action.
Any chaos or disruption is an indication that a new order is in effect.
Abandon ideas and attitudes that are no longer useful.

A Tarot Reader’s Thoughts on Romantic Love

As tarot readers we often assume the role of counselor for the love-lorn, who wonder why their once blissful romance has turned sour or whether a love relationship can be rekindled. As readers we should be aware of the many physical, emotional and mental stresses, both good and bad, that appear when couples unite and desire to form a relationship. We should also remember our ethical boundaries and non-judgment attitudes in providing comfort, clarity and possible proactive measures.

Have you ever watched old movies and wondered how women survived within such limited expectations? Do you have regrets about your own past? Such introspection is important to monitor and balance your own attitudes and philosophy of life. Have you noticed that on ‘good days’ your readings may be brighter or more positive? As wise readers we often cull from our own experiences, beliefs and training. As our younger generation faces more choices we must also keep up with newer trends in societal expectations and allow for wider life-style choices.

We have to keep in mind that romantic love, a physical, mental and emotional condition, is heightened by the amphetamine-like chemical phenylethlamine, which functions as an aphrodisiac. Phenylethlamine is released in the presence of a new partner and explains the superhuman feelings that overcome a lover who may experience a sustained high for weeks or months before the chemical dissipates. Anthropologists tell us that women are especially affected and may remain in this state for about four years. As with any chemical, once it is gone, couples are faced with the difficult challenge of maintaining a relationship with their own brain chemistry. This can create quite a struggle for many couples. Some individuals constantly seek the ‘love high,’ believing it to be a natural love experience and require more and more partners to maintain that feeling.

Counselors often wonder why engaged couples put so much thought into their wedding plans and leave relationship planning until after the ceremony. Cinderella stories and older movies often end with the marriage and may color these issues. Often I find that women often fail to realize how unprepared and immature they may be when they unite with their loved one. Exploring some of these areas during a reading can provide new avenues for fulfilling desires and goals that may be lurking in the unconscious mind of the querent.

Remember, we do not tell a querent what to do, only gently suggest and explore alternatives.

Successful readings leave the querent empowered.