A “tower moment” is a period of sudden change, chaos, or upheaval. The term comes from the Tower card in the tarot deck, and it’s a common phrase among tarot readers. When you’re going through a tower moment, something in your life has been built on a shaky foundation, and it’s likely to come crashing down.
whatever it represents in your reading – comes crashing to the ground. All that you held to be true is suddenly…not true. The world looks different, and it can feel like a disaster. This card’s usual image of lightening destroying a tower is incredibly scary – destruction is all that we can see. The ground is unsteady beneath our feet. We don’t know what to hold on to.
It may point to something external – like a power structure being toppled – or it might be internal, like the overcoming of a personal struggle through a momentous and destabilising change. It may be the result of a long and bloody battle, finally over. Or it may be completely out of the blue.
Connection to the Tower Tarot Card
The Tower card represents unexpected disaster.
It’s in the Major Arcana (the first 22 cards of the tarot), meaning it deals with major life events and overarching themes
The traditional Rider-Waite deck illustration depicts a tower being struck by lightning. The lightning sets the tower ablaze, and people jump out of the windows to escape the flames. The tower had seemed to be strong and solid, but it sits on a shaky foundation, so it comes crumbling down with one lightning strike.
• If you’re doing a tarot reading and draw the Tower upright, the card serves as a heads-up that a major life change could be coming your way.
• This change might seem like a catastrophe, but the Tower card suggests that it’s actually for your good.
• In the wake of the chaos and destruction, you’ll realize what aspects of your life were built on a shaky foundation, leaving you room to rebuild stronger and better.[
• Drawn reversed, the Tower may be letting you know that you have time to avert disaster.
• If something feels off in your life, trust your intuition and act quickly. You may be able to address things before you’re forced to go through your tower moment.
• In a Yes or No tarot reading, the Tower card means “no.”
How to Navigate a Tower Moment
#1. Embrace change.
Change is inevitable, and learning to deal with change can help you get through a tower moment.
When things start to come crumbling down, focus your energy one what you’ll do to rebuild, rather than trying to keep things from falling apart. Letting go of something familiar can be scary, but it also clears the way for you to build up something better.
• If you’re struggling to embrace change, try reframing. This involves shifting your perspective to focus on the positive in a situation, rather than the negative, which can help you manage difficult emotions.
• For example, instead of thinking of your tower moment as a disaster, try to see it as an opportunity to grow. Ask yourself what this chaotic period is trying to teach you, and trust that the universe is looking out for you.
#2. Practice self-care.
The chaos of a tower moment can definitely be overwhelming. In the midst of this period of upheaval, prioritizing self-care is especially important. Be kind to yourself as you navigate this period of change and upheaval—you’re doing the best you can!
- If you’re feeling especially run-down, treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath or a cozy night in to unwind.
- You could also try going on a hike or taking a sunrise yoga class to spend some time in nature.
#3. Practice mindfulness.
A tower moment requires you to let go of your old ideas and plans, trusting that this upheaval will lead to a better future. Practicing mindfulness can be helpful in this situation because it involves focusing intensely on the present moment. Plus, mindfulness can help reduce anxious or depressed feelings, which can be common during tower moments.
- To get started with a mindful lifestyle, try out mindful meditation.
- Sit down in a quiet place and focus on the sensations you’re experiencing.
- Feel the flow of your breath, and let any thoughts that come up pass without judgment.
#4. Lean on your loved ones.
While you’re going through your tower moment, it’s important to surround yourself with people you love and trust. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to your support system, and don’t be afraid to lean on them during this tough time.
- Social connection can help promote your physical and emotional wellbeing as you navigate your tower moment.
- In fact, increased social connection has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep quality.
#5. Talk things out with a therapist.
Big life changes can be incredibly difficult to navigate. If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression during your tower moment, you’re not alone! Consider talking to a licensed therapist or counselor to help you cope. They can provide you with a safe space to work through your feelings and plan for the future, so you can come back from your tower moment better than ever.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member for a referral if they work with a therapist, or check out online directories to choose the right therapist for you.