Reversed cards are those that appear upside down in a reading. As a Tarot reader, you can choose whether you will read these cards as reversed. If you don't wish to read reversed meanings, simply turn the cards around so that they are upright. Regardless of your choice, you should either always read reversed meanings or never read reversed meanings. It will keep you (and your cards) from getting confused along the way.
If you do choose to read reversed meanings in your Tarot readings, the Tower, in its reversed position, means that a nasty surprise is on the way. This surprise, although unpleasant, is not disastrous and can be dealt with fairly quickly if you keep a cool head about you. You may already be aware of the problem, so some quiet contemplation may be in order. A minor household problem will irritate you as well. Be prepared to call out a plumber, electrician, builder, or other helper.
The Tower is the sixteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of changes that must be made, willing or not.
The Symbolism of the Tower Tarot Card
This card is represented by a tower that has just been hit by lightning and is aflame. Two figures are falling from high atop the tower. This card is generally considered to be an ill omen.
The Tower bears the number “16,” and is the force of cataclysm for the Fool after his encounter with The Devil.
The General Interpretation of the Tower Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies the breakdown of existing thoughts and forms. How difficult or painful this will be depends on the attitude with which you approach this card, much as with Death.
The Tower is a card of fear for many, for the fall it indicates cannot be avoided. Willing or not, the fall will happen. The only variable involves how you decide to react to the devastation suggested by this card.
The Fool is also faced with this decision. Does he accept what must be, or does he fight against the fates? The Devil showed him that changes had to be made. If he does not make these changes himself, the Tower will make them for him.
The Inner Meaning of the Tower in Tarot
The Tower is the image of the collapse of old forms, including old thoughts and beliefs. Since it is the only man-made structure in the entire Major Arcana, it represents those things that are built by you and only you. This can and usually does include the many social facades that are worn by people in society. It implies that perhaps you are wearing your own mask, hiding from the truth, disguising who and what you truly are. It is the card of false or outgrown values, perhaps suggesting that this disguise isn’t necessary.
Just as the Devil forced an awareness of inner integrity, the Tower may force you to act on this information. To become true and pure to yourself, acknowledging the inner truth you have been trying to deny. This can be a painful process, but the end result is always worth the pain and fear.
The Fool is forever changed by this card. He is more humble and complete, and more true to himself. He has found his authentic self. His life on the outside will change because of this card, just as he has been changed on the inside.
The Fool must encounter the Tower after he meets the Devil. This occurs while on the path to his meeting with the Star.
When read in a reversed (upside down) position, the Devil Tarot card is not more positive than it is upright. This card indicates there are a whole host of things that can tie you in knots, ranging from debts, unnecessary feelings of guilt, an unhealthy relationship, a job or business venture that is better abandoned, a poor family life, and so much more. There may be people who would love to see you hooked on just about anything that gives them control over you. You own negative feelings can exert an even stronger form of bondage. Beware of jealousy toward you, and watch out for your own feelings of envy.
On a brighter note, if you are being held back by any of the aforementioned ideas, you will soon free yourself and spiritual enlightenment is on the way. But there is much to struggle through first.
The Devil is the fifteenth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of fear and fascination, and of chains which are freely worn.
The Symbolism of the Devil Tarot Card
This card is represented by a figure with two naked demons chained to his throne; he appears to be a devil or some other form of higher demon. One is male, the other is female. The devil is both winged and horned and appears very bestial in nature. In his left hand is a flaming torch, which is pointing downward. On his forehead is an inverted pentagram.
This inverted pentagram doesn’t necessarily represent evil so much as it represents the completion of a cycle. First, the pentagram is upright (as on the Magician card), then inverted (as on this card). Eventually, it will be upright again, symbolizing a completed journey.
The Devil bears the number “15,” and is the captor of the Fool after his encounter with Temperance.
The General Interpretation of the Devil Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies a necessary confrontation with all that you consider shameful. It is about freeing yourself from the chains that bind. This is a card of self-bondage, usually to an idea or belief which is unhealthy for you and those around you. This idea or belief is something that you cling to, even knowing the damage it might do.
These bonds represented by this card are freely worn, and can be easily cast off, if you so choose. This can be seen in the fact that the two demons, though chained to the chair of the devil, could remove their chains, for their hands are not bound. Fear is the most likely cause of their refusal to do so.
The Fool learns that he must free himself before he is forever trapped. He can do this by gaining knowledge and gathering his courage. For it is only in the exercise of his own abilities that he can gain his freedom.
The Inner Meaning of the Devil in Tarot
The Devil is the image of bondage to the most basic and instinctual part of human nature. He is the subject of both fear and fascination, for he is the uncivilized part that exists within all of us. He is raw sexual desire, the satisfaction of base instincts, and the strongest part of compulsion.
And yet, the devil seen on this card is not evil. He may be untamed and wild, and he is certainly amoral to a certain extent. But he is not evil. It is we who create the problem though fear and fascination. This card implies blocks and inhibitions, like the chains that seem to bond the demons at his feet; these can and must be cast off.
The Fool begins to understand that he must face and accept his baser instincts and desires, and the shame that he might feel in having these desires. If he cannot do this, he remains a prisoner of his own fear and fascination.
The Fool encounters the Devil after he meets Temperance, on the path to his meeting with the Tower.
