Card 16

The Tower

Brief Description

This card symbolizes sudden, catastrophic collapse of structure and illusion, forcing unavoidable change. It portrays a breakdown of the psyche, where hidden truths violently erupt and reveal grim realities. The image warns of disaster and the necessity of confronting abrupt upheaval rather than clinging to denial. In a reading it indicates shocking events that compel rapid adaptation and the loss of false stability.

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Story

In Edgar Allan Poe’s horror story, a sympathetic friend visits Roderick Usher, who is suffering from a mental disorder. Usher’s twin sister Madeline wanders about in a trance-like state. Usher tells his friend that she has died, so together they place her in a vault. During a violent storm, a crash is heard below, and a door flies open, revealing the ghastly sight of his bloody sister. She collapses on her panic-stricken brother, who dies under the weight of fear. The friend flees and watches as the house crumbles into a heap. The house is a metaphor for mental turmoil. Anguished faces can be seen in the rocks, walls and sky, indicating that all is not what it may seem. The sudden crash of the structure destroys illusion and forces change.

Divinatory meaning

Disaster may be heading your way. You will be forced to confront the sudden changes that will be thrust upon you.

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Ghosts and Spirits tarot

✍️ Deck author(s): Lisa Hunt

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