The Tower – Card

Name of the Card: The Tower

Element: —

Type: Major Arcane

Archetype: Thunder

Sign / Planet: Mars

Number: 16

Keyword: Destruction

Meaning: The Tower is the sixteenth Tarot card. It is therefore associated with number 16. The number 16 represents the square of 4, which means that it takes the qualities of 4 to an extreme. While 4 represents stability, order, law and the material structure of things, its square -16 – represents the destruction of forms, laws, and the established order.

From an astrological perspective, it is associated with Mars. Mars represents the principle of dynamism, strength, and motion. It is pure action and impulsiveness, and therefore it is also aggression, competitiveness, war, and struggle. The Tower is the graphic expression of the Principle of Destruction. It depicts the destruction of the entire material order by fire. When a physical system reaches a point of maximum internal tension, it destroys its shape, its structure, in order to attain a new equilibrium. From a human standpoint, this card shows the destruction of the strictures of organized life, of the mechanical routines that alienate human beings. Annihilation also shatters false identities and identifications, allowing for the emancipation of the Self.

With regard to Love, this card indicates conflicts in the relationship. Lack of communication, fissures, losses, sudden separations. If you are alone, this card may represent a new relationship.

With regard to Work, this card may point to a new job or a dismissal. It may also indicate the rebuilding of something which has been destroyed or lost.

Regarding health, it alerts to serious health issues. Possibility of accidents, losses, falls, bone fractures, surgeries, etc.

Keywords: Destruction – Drastic changes – Separation – Conflicts – Accidents – Crisis – Loss – Pain – Bankruptcy – Shock – Liberation – Risks – Unpredictable dangers – Rebirth – Consciousness awakening.