The Tower Tarot Card Combinations and Meanings

Picture of The Tower from Easy Tarot kit

XVI The Tower Correspondences:
Astrology: Mars
Element: Fire

Keywords and phrases:
Abrupt change, shakes things up, turbulence.

The Tower Tarot Card Meanings

Most people are familiar with the image of The Tower and most of us prefer not to see it in our readings. Just as we never know exactly where lightning is going to strike, the effect of this card is usually sudden, abrupt, and unanticipated.

The Tower tends to bring a bit of a shake-up and, just as the man plunges headlong from the building, it may release us from something we would otherwise cling to, perhaps through a false sense of security or philosophy. The Tower breaks through false illusions, leaving no option but to let go and move forward.

The Tower heralds a sudden change that can throw things into disarray, whether through an incident or news that reaches you, so it can have some shock factor attached. As with all the cards though, there are varying degrees in how it may be experienced, which can be easier to see with larger spreads. Often, people see The Tower and consider it to represent complete ruin or destruction to an entire way of life, but it’s usually one event with reverberating shockwaves that tends to rock the boat.

The card is associated with Mars, planet of war, violence, accidents or destruction. I tend to think of this card similar to the effects felt from an eclipse, as it often releases us from something we’d otherwise hang onto, regardless of whether or not it’s good for us. A house built on shaky ground will eventually collapse but can then be rebuilt on solid ground; hindsight is a good teacher. At the very least, The Tower brings a clear out but it may shake your core beliefs about something in the process.

When ill-dignified or for those who read reversals, the effects of The Tower are usually less chaotic, although still not necessarily pleasant and can still bring some form of collapse. Some readers view it as a personal revelation.

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The Tower Tarot Card Combinations

Depending upon your reading style, for the most part The Tower is of particular interest in relation to the card it follows rather than when it appears in the starting position, (when working with combinations as a progression of events in a forward moving timeline). Always check surrounding cards for more information with this one...

The Tower and The Fool: Whatever is being cleared away should help to usher in a new and unanticipated opportunity, so it can help to open up new pathways. The way events transpire may leave you feeling as though you've been catapulted into the great unknown, as it will feel new and unfamiliar to your existing experience.

The Tower and The Magician: The Tower followed by The Magician suggests that whatever lands should arouse your capabilities and bring them to the fore. You are more than capable of handling the situation and may discover some hidden talents as a result. Be prepared to have confidence in yourself to step forward.

The Tower and The High Priestess: The Tower leading to the High Priestess may bring some revelations to light and they could be of some consequence, such as news that may seem shocking at first but should work to your benefit or in your best interest to be known. For some, it may suggest a powerful moment of spiritual awakening.

The Tower and The Empress: The Tower followed by The Empress may suggest administering tender loving care and nurturing a situation following an upheaval. You may feel as though you're engaged in putting all the pieces back together again, but you have the ability to successfully bring matters to fruition. For some, a mother figure or fertility matters may feature.

The Tower and The Emperor: The Tower leading to The Emperor can indicate stability after a highly disruptive situation. It may feel as though you need to step up to the plate to take responsibility or control, but it provides an opportunity for you to prove yourself as you can successfully handle the matter. Crisis management.

The Tower and The Hierophant: The Tower followed by The Hierophant may suggest a large organisation or institution stepping into the fray after something of a shake-up. A mentor or trusted community figure administering advice and support following a shock event. In global affairs, it may indicate disaster relief, charitable institutions, or religious organisations providing pastoral support, following a crisis.

The Tower and The Lovers: The Tower leading to The Lovers is preferable with this combination rather than appearing in the opposite order! Although for some it may show some storms in the love department, for those attached it can suggest an external situation that you're both dealing with as a consequence, where you'll be putting your heads together and making plans for the future.

The Tower and The Chariot: The Tower followed by The Chariot suggests that no matter how disruptive a situation may have been, you have the ability to triumph over the obstacles. There may be sudden change and upheaval but you need to stay focused and throw all your strength of will toward your desired outcome, in order to power through and emerge victorious.

The Tower and Strength: The Tower leading to the Strength card shows that a resilient spirit and quiet determination can weather the storm. Whatever life may throw in your path, it shows you have the ability to come through the other side by pulling together all your reserves of inner strength.

The Tower and The Hermit: The Tower followed by The Hermit can suggest a time of deep thought and contemplation following a difficult situation. Take time for fact-gathering and take stock before moving forward again; post-crisis evaluation, review and analysis, risk assessment.

The Tower and Wheel of Fortune: The Tower leading to the Wheel of Fortune represents big changes on the horizon. Whilst a situation may collapse, it opens up a whole new chapter that brings fortunate opportunities that otherwise may not have materialised. What at first may seem a catastrophe holds some hidden gems!

The Tower and Justice: The Tower followed by Justice can suggest something of a 'bombshell' legal situation. Legal action or claim documentation following an accident or critical event, such as with home or car insurance, etc. On a personal level, keeping a rational and balanced mind to weigh up the facts in a crisis.

The Tower and The Hanging Man: The Tower leading to the Hanging Man can show the need for reassessment after a disruptive situation. This provides the opportunity to look at things in a completely different way in order to find new solutions to move matters forward, failing to do so could lead to prolonged delays.

The Tower and Death: The Tower followed by Death suggests something may come to a close quite suddenly bringing major change and transformation as a result. An area of life is about to undergo complete and absolute change but it may feel quite disruptive in the process.

The Tower and Temperance: The Tower leading to Temperance can indicate the calm after the storm. It can suggest taking time to balance emotions and a moderate approach to matters, so guard against over-reaction or knee jerk responses. Temperance can also bring a healing element to an explosive situation, calming and smoothing ruffled feathers, including mediation.

The Tower and The Devil: The Tower followed by The Devil can represent a highly volatile situation getting out of hand. Destructive and unhealthy behaviour can be indicated so it may suggest an explosive temper, addiction, manipulation, or obsessive tendencies, and violence may feature. For some, it may represent feeling completely mired and bogged down following a disruptive life event.

The Tower and The Star: The Tower leading to The Star suggests the worst is over and life will begin to turn the corner after some radical changes. It may feel as though you've been through the wars, but The Star provides hope and optimism with the promise of a brighter horizon.

The Tower and The Moon: The Tower followed by The Moon can indicate uncertainty following a disruptive situation, so you may feel as though you're on shifting sands after being thrown into disarray. There may be more to this situation than meets the eye and there could be veiled activity behind the scenes. Be sure to check the facts and don't take things at face value as deception can feature.

The Tower and The Sun: The Tower leading to The Sun can represent a time of mixed blessings, but something that initially seemed catastrophic will turn out far better than you could have imagined, bringing happiness and contentment. Sometimes life needs to clear away the weeds so you can see the flowers!

The Tower and Judgement: In literal terms, The Tower followed by Judgement can represent the resurrection or revival of an explosive situation; a repeat performance. For some it may represent something coming back into play, and provides the opportunity to clear the clutter to learn from past lessons and move forward with a clean slate. A second chance with something that previously collapsed.

The Tower and The World: The Tower leading to The World is definitely one combination we would prefer to see in this order, when read as a progression of events. Triumphant achievement may be hard won and there could be some serious peaks and troughs along the way, but you will be successful in the end. There may be unexpected disruption to your plans, but if you meet with what appears to be a catastrophe, don't discount things out of hand, for one of your best successes could emerge from it.

The Tower and Ace of Wands: The Tower followed by the Ace of Wands represents a situation breaking down that leads to an exciting new beginning. Don't dismiss the gremlins too hastily as it opens the door to a fresh new path, brimming with enthusiasm. For some, complete and absolute change that leads to a whole new way of life.

The Tower and Two of Wands: The Tower leading to the Two of Wands can suggest a bumpy ride for a business or working partnership, so there may be a difficult situation to deal with although you will still emerge on the other side. There may be unanticipated disruptions but not sufficient to sabotage early plans. For some, a working partnership may develop due to something else collapsing.

The Tower and Three of Wands: The Tower followed by the Three of Wands can show a chaotic situation that suddenly erupts yet evolves into a successful outcome, perhaps even because of it. Clearing away the clutter can bring growth and progress to your plans, so you may be clearing something out in order to make way and expand something else.

The Tower and Four of Wands: The Tower leading to the Four of Wands can suggest a situation stabilises following a bumpy ride. The Four of Wands brings stability to a difficult situation sufficient to allow some relaxation and leisure time to relax and unwind.

The Tower and Five of Wands: The Tower followed by the Five of Wands indicates that a fairly disruptive situation may bring chaos in its wake, so it could feel as though you're faced with a string of petty obstacles as you clear up the debris.

The Tower and Six of Wands: The Tower leading to the Six of Wands can suggest receiving acclaim in relation to how you have handled a crisis situation and, for some, it may also bring a promotion. It can indicate the arrival of important news following a chaotic event.

The Tower and Seven of Wands: The Tower followed by the Seven of Wands may show that you feel the need to defend your position or stand your ground following a disruptive situation, but you're digging in and feel very strongly about it.

The Tower and Eight of Wands: The Tower leading to the Eight of Wands may suggest the swift arrival of unexpected news regarding a difficult situation. Shocking news or message.

The Tower and Nine of Wands: The Tower followed by the Nine of Wands can indicate perseverance and a dogged determination following a disruptive event. Picking up the pieces and wearily soldiering on after something has collapsed or failed.

The Tower and Ten of Wands: The Tower leading to the Ten of Wands can suggest that whatever is going down, it may feel as though you're paying a heavy price on a personal level and feeling the weight on your shoulders. A difficult situation can leave you overwhelmed and overburdened.

The Tower and Page of Wands: The Tower together with the Page of Wands can represent some turbulent news or messages regarding work. Alternatively, it may represent a disruptive situation concerning an outgoing child.

The Tower and Knight of Wands: The Tower followed by the Knight of Wands suggests disruptive conditions surrounding a change of residence and may be the cause. For those buying or selling property, the sale may at risk of collapse or experience some fairly serious issues, however, it tends to indicate that a move still proceeds.

The Tower and Ace of Cups: The Tower leading to the Ace of Cups can show a lovely new beginning for love and happiness evolving out of a disruptive or chaotic situation. There may be abrupt change and, for some, it may be a new love relationship that emerges out of tumultuous times - in literal terms, it may suggest being thunderstruck.

The Tower and Two of Cups: The Tower followed by the Two of Cups may suggest there's been turbulence surrounding a relationship, but you should emerge stronger for it and develop a deepening bond as you move forward.

The Tower and Three of Cups: The Tower leading to the Three of Cups can represent the strength and support of friends or community following a crisis. There are very few who welcome a Tower moment, although not unheard of, in which case you'd be celebrating the collapse of something.

The Tower and Four of Cups: The Tower followed by the Four of Cups may suggest feeling jaded following a difficult situation. Something may have abruptly failed or collapsed but it's important not to allow apathy to creep in after the fallout and when the dust has settled, otherwise you could miss an important opportunity.

The Tower and Five of Cups: The Tower leading to the Five of Cups can represent disappointment or sadness at loss following a disruptive situation that may have landed quite suddenly. Whilst there may be a sense of grief in the aftermath, something good still remains, although it may not be apparent until further down the line.

The Tower and Six of Cups: The Tower followed by the Six of Cups may suggest nostalgia and looking back over the past following a turbulent situation. Old friends and acquaintances could make a reappearance, but aspects of the past will be important as you move forward.

The Tower and Seven of Cups: The Tower leading to the Seven of Cups shows that you will have options and choices to make following a difficult situation. It's important to stay realistic and deal only in the facts when making your decision.

The Tower and Eight of Cups: The Tower followed by the Eight of Cups may show there is nothing further to be gained or salvaged from something that may have collapsed or fallen apart. It's time to move on and turn your energy and attention in a new direction, as nothing remains that could fulfil you.

The Tower and Nine of Cups: The Tower leading to the Nine of Cups suggests that a difficult situation may turn out better than expected, as it shows you should receive a heartfelt wish, but not before something else has been cleared away so it can enter.

The Tower and Ten of Cups: The Tower followed by the Ten of Cups can indicate there may have been some turbulence surrounding a serious relationship, marriage, or family life. It could be that you're pulling together after a difficult situation but happiness and contentment follow.

The Tower and Page of Cups: This combination can represent the arrival of news or messages of an emotional nature, the contents of which may concern a sudden or shock event, or has been instigated due to a turbulent situation. For some, disruptive circumstances surrounding a gentle-natured child.

The Tower and Knight of Cups: The Tower followed by the Knight of Cups may show an offer, proposal, or invitation being made, following a difficult situation or after something has collapsed. In simple terms, it could suggest a shock offer or proposal, such as if you were selling your house.

The Tower and Ace of Swords: The Tower leading to the Ace of Swords represents triumph over adversity. You can rise to the experience of tumultuous change and come through the other side in a stronger position.

The Tower and Two of Swords: The Tower followed by the Two of Swords may show that you're in two minds or procrastinating over which way to go after a difficult situation. This combination can also lengthen the fallout after disruption, so it may feel as though you're stuck, with nothing moving one way or another. A decision needs to be made and an action taken to break the stasis.

The Tower and Three of Swords: This combination can be worse when it is in the opposite order, however, it can bring an explosive row or blow a situation up and out of proportion. Stormy emotions and family upheavals can feature, and it could lead to a sudden separation if not handled sensitively to nip things in the bud.

The Tower and Four of Swords: The Tower leading to the Four of Swords can represent a time of rest and recovery following a disruptive situation or shock event. It's time to pull back and let the dust settle whilst you consolidate and strengthen your position, ready to move forward at a later date.

The Tower and Five of Swords: Be careful who you trust, as someone may be prepared to capitalise upon the aftermath of a crisis and take advantage of your situation when you're at your most vulnerable. Not everyone has your best interests at heart and someone has a hidden agenda.

The Tower and Six of Swords: The Tower followed by the Six of Swords represents moving away from a stormy situation towards calmer times. Despite turbulence and whatever has gone before, life will begin to turn a corner and things will improve. Moving away from a disruptive situation; moving on.

The Tower and Seven of Swords: The Tower leading to the Seven of Swords suggests once the dust from a crisis has settled you'll be moving into a position of stealth and strategy. Time to get your ducks in a row and follow your plans meticulously.

The Tower and Eight of Swords: The Tower followed by the Eight of Swords can represent a disruptive situation that leaves you feeling tied up in knots and frozen with fear. Self-doubts could easily get the better of you but 'sunlight is the best disinfectant,' so shine the light of truth on the matter to find clarity, in order to be released from the mental monsters - the truth can set you free.

The Tower and Nine of Swords: The Tower leading to the Nine of Swords can indicate worry and anxiety following a difficult situation. It can suggest feeling shell-shocked or blindsided by a crisis that landed suddenly. On the positive side, the worst would have passed.

The Tower and Ten of Swords: The Tower followed by the Ten of Swords may suggest the sudden collapse and failure of something that you quite possibly didn't see coming. This is a difficult combination that can bring a sting of sadness and disappointment, but something has had its day and it's time to move on.

The Tower and Page of Swords: The Tower leading to the Page of Swords can bring unexpected and disappointing news or messages that could be quite jarring. For some, it may represent a disruptive situation surrounding a child of serious disposition.

The Tower and Knight of Swords: The Tower followed by the Knight of Swords can suggest chaotic events that speed up rapidly in the aftermath of a crisis. Decisive action will be required to keep pace with the situation.

The Tower and Ace of Pentacles: The Tower leading to the Ace of Pentacles may represent important documents of a financial nature but the source, or cause for them, originates from a turbulent situation. It will lead to a new beginning with the potential to build future wealth and prosperity but emerges out of stormy circumstances.

The Tower and Two of Pentacles: The Tower followed by the Two of Pentacles can suggest steadying the ship after a turbulent situation. It tends to indicate that you can confidently maintain the balance and return matters to a calm state of equilibrium.

The Tower and Three of Pentacles: The Tower leading to the Three of Pentacles may represent an explosive situation connected to your main work, where something suddenly blows up, or completely breaks down, so it may deliver something of a bombshell. As the Three comes afterwards, and not before, it suggests continuing work within your field.

The Tower and Four of Pentacles: The Tower followed by the Four of Pentacles may suggest being overly cautious and holding back following a disruptive situation. If this relates to a material matter or financial shock, then you may be trying salvage and hold onto whatever you can.

The Tower and Five of Pentacles: The Tower leading to the Five of Pentacles may indicate a financial calamity or a situation collapsing that could be expensive and leave you out of pocket. Material affairs could take a hit although this should be a temporary situation and not insurmountable.

The Tower and Six of Pentacles: The Tower followed by the Six of Pentacles can represent others being generous and charitable towards you following a difficult situation, gifts and favours from generous benefactors may feature through kind, helpful, and supportive action. Disaster and crisis charities may be relevant for some.

The Tower and Seven of Pentacles: The Tower leading to the Seven of Pentacles may point to volatility in the financial markets or an external shock that disrupts long term investments, at least in the immediate term. There may be a sudden upheaval or disruption in relation to a payment you were anticipating for work and efforts that have gone before. However, it shows that you will be patiently and diligently rebuilding in the aftershock.

The Tower and Eight of Pentacles: The Tower followed by the Eight of Pentacles may suggest an unexpected change leads to new work or a new job. Events may unfold fairly quickly and without warning, so it may come as something of a surprise. For some, it may indicate the necessity to acquire new skills due to a collapse of the old order.

The Tower and Nine of Pentacles: The Tower leading to the Nine of Pentacles can suggest unexpected disruption and upheaval, possibly in the area of material matters, but you're still cushioned and in a good position due to self-sufficiency in relation to finances. It may indicate a situation where you benefit financially from an external crisis, so it actually has a positive impact on where things ultimately lead. For some, it may represent a large insurance payment, or similar.

The Tower and Ten of Pentacles: The Tower followed by the Ten of Pentacles may represent a turbulent situation in relation to home and family, or property matters. However, the Ten brings stability and places you in a secure position so you can withstand whatever lands. For those who may be house buying, check foundations and stability of the building before proceeding. For some, it may bring a sudden legacy.

The Tower and Page of Pentacles: The Tower leading to the Page of Pentacles may suggest disruptive news or messages of a material nature. For some, it may represent a difficult situation surrounding a mellow child.

The Tower and Knight of Pentacles: The Tower followed by the Knight of Pentacles can indicate a difficult situation that may have been brewing in the background over a period of time suddenly erupting. However, it can also bring this longstanding issue to a head so it is ultimately resolved.

The Tower > Four of Swords > The Hermit: Taking some time to lick your wounds and applying careful thought to recover your position.

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