The Tower card in the Rider/Waite/Smith deck shows lightening striking a tower and two people, a man and a woman, are falling from its heights. The tower is topped with a crown, which has been blown off by the lightening. This symbolism is a bit easier than some cards because we all identify with what it is like to be “struck by lightening”, a metaphor for something that occurs out of the blue. That is the basic meaning of this card but it goes a little deeper than that as additional symbolism expresses. It is suggesting a sudden, life altering event that changes us forever. It is the proverbial rude awakening. Today’s Journey Tarot calls this card Intervention – which is exactly what the card means. Something happens, apparently outside of our control which changes things forever – spiritually, physically or in all ways. Key 16 shows a family escaping from their home after a tree has fallen on it. They appear unhurt – just terrified – but from this point on, everything will change. Their routine, the structure of their house, their memories of the event and many other things have changed and will never be the same as before.
Teresa Sue McAdams, co-creator of “Today’s Journey Tarot”, co-author of “Today’s Journey Tarot, A Traveler’s Guide”, co-author of “Tarot Meditations, A Journal for Self Discovery”, and author of “Lessons, The Wisdom Within Each Moment”
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