Sage Leaves, Card XVI: The Tower, November 19, 2024

Welcome to Sage Leaves, a compendium of wisdom for those seeking to heal ancestral wounds using Tarot as an assistant. In this issue, we will explore the archetype of The Tower and relate it to the Heroine’s Journey, as well as explore how it is read when it appears in a reading conducted for transgenerational healing. The Tower is another one of those cards that has a scary reputation when it appears in a reading. The appearance of The Tower in a reading can be a signal that sudden, drastic change is on the horizon, but the quality of that change will be determined by the query and the other cards around it. Not all change is bad, although it can be challenging. The Tower invites you to be prepared for sudden change - of whatever sort. Please enjoy this week’s offering.

Table of Contents

• Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The Tower

• The Tower & The Heroine’s Journey

• The Tower in a Reading for Transgenerational Heali …

• Energetic Influences This Week 11/19-11/25

Spotlight on a Jungian Archetype: The Tower

In Jungian psychology, The Tower card represents the archetype of sudden transformation and the collapse of established structures within the psyche. This card can be seen as an embodiment of what Jung referred to as the “Tower experience” or the “Nigredo” phase of alchemical transformation, which symbolizes the breakdown of ego structures to allow for deeper self-awareness and rebirth. When The Tower appears, it signals a cataclysmic yet necessary upheaval, forcing an individual to confront illusions or defensive mechanisms that have been maintaining a false sense of stability.

This archetype is aligned with the Shadow, which Jung identified as the parts of ourselves that we repress or deny. Often, The Tower’s destructive energy brings unconscious aspects to the surface, disrupting the structures we’ve built around these concealed aspects. The lightning bolt striking The Tower is a powerful symbol of sudden illumination, often interpreted as divine or unconscious insight breaking through rigid beliefs. In Jungian terms, this can be seen as a confrontation with the Self, the complete and true self, which transcends the ego and demands authenticity and self-integration.

The archetypal energy of The Tower teaches that in order for true self-awareness and transformation to occur, long-standing ego defenses or outdated belief systems must fall away. Just as Jung suggested that individuation requires a descent into and integration of the unconscious, The Tower card urges a dismantling of the old to make way for new growth. Although it brings discomfort and chaos, the archetypal Tower experience ultimately paves the way for personal renewal and a foundation of truth, as illusions crumble, allowing for a more authentic and integrated self to emerge.

The Tower & The Heroine’s Journey

In the Heroine's Journey, The Tower card represents a pivotal moment of upheaval and revelation that shatters illusions, awakens buried truths, and propels the heroine into a deeper understanding of herself. This card is aligned with the archetypal stage of crisis or confrontation, often mirroring Joseph Campbell’s concept of “The Ordeal” or Maureen Murdock’s “Descent” in the feminine journey. The Tower’s energy embodies a lightning bolt of disruption that can lead the heroine to confront hidden aspects of herself or her life that she may have suppressed or avoided.

When The Tower appears in the Heroine’s Journey, it signifies a moment when external events or inner realizations force the heroine to face uncomfortable truths. These events often arrive as sudden disruptions, such as the loss of security, a personal betrayal, or a confrontation with limiting beliefs. The shock shatters the ego’s walls, challenging her established identity and worldview. Though this is disorienting, the collapse of these old structures serves a critical purpose: it opens the heroine to self-discovery by eliminating illusions, outdated patterns, or superficial attachments, allowing her to step closer to her authentic self.

The destruction initiated by The Tower reflects the heroine’s need to shed external or internal structures that no longer serve her evolving path. This stage is not about creating immediate solutions but allowing the discomfort and upheaval to clear the way for something new. In the Heroine’s Journey, this is often when the heroine confronts her own inner shadows, conditioning, and unhealed wounds—her pain and limitations that must be acknowledged and transformed. The Tower’s forceful energy shakes her out of complacency, symbolizing the “Dark Night of the Soul,” where illusions are stripped away, leaving her in a state of vulnerability that can ultimately lead to enlightenment.

Following The Tower’s breakdown, the heroine has the opportunity to rebuild from a place of authenticity and clarity. This card teaches that loss is sometimes necessary for transformation. In facing her Tower moment, she experiences the cathartic release of false identities, limitations, and perhaps an external influence that has confined her growth. This card also symbolizes the necessary release of any “mask” that has hidden her true self from the world. In its destructive nature, The Tower is a liberating force, clearing away illusions and outdated self-concepts to make way for the reconstruction of her life and identity on a more genuine foundation.

In a broader narrative arc, The Tower card helps the heroine access her inner strength and wisdom, pushing her toward her unique, empowered truth. After The Tower, she steps into a phase of renewal and re-alignment, where the lessons learned in this period of crisis empower her to make wiser, more authentic decisions. The Tower , while painful, ultimately paves the way for growth by teaching resilience and the value of embracing transformation. It is the catalyst for rebirth in the heroine’s journey, allowing her to emerge with a stronger, clearer understanding of her purpose and path.

The Tower in a Reading for Transgenerational Healing

In a transgenerational healing reading, The Tower card can have a profound and transformative impact, urging the querent to confront longstanding family or ancestral patterns that no longer serve them. Known as a card of upheaval and sudden change, The Tower symbolizes a necessary breakdown of old structures, beliefs, or systems, often revealing deep-rooted issues that have persisted through generations. The appearance of The Tower suggests that the querent might be positioned at a pivotal point in their lineage, where they have the potential to address and heal a legacy of unresolved trauma, limiting beliefs, or destructive cycles.

In a reading focused on transgenerational healing, The Tower card emphasizes the importance of facing uncomfortable truths or hidden aspects within the family history. These might include emotional wounds, secrecy, or ingrained beliefs that have shaped each generation’s understanding of themselves and the world. The Tower often signifies that the querent is ready, even if unconsciously, to dismantle these patterns. This card encourages a willingness to allow these old narratives and foundations to crumble, making space for a healthier, more authentic legacy. Rather than indicating catastrophe, The Tower serves as a catalyst for breakthroughs that may reveal the core issues that need healing.

The Tower ’s energy of disruption can also manifest as a necessary shock to the querent’s perception of their family’s story. This may involve confronting a family myth or challenging the narratives that have become internalized. The card often prompts the querent to reflect on what truths, both spoken and unspoken, have been inherited. Are there recurring patterns of behavior, emotional responses, or even illnesses that echo through the family line? The Tower suggests that the querent’s willingness to confront these aspects directly can be healing, providing liberation for not only themselves but potentially for past and future generations.

Symbolically, the lightning bolt striking The Tower indicates sudden insight or revelation—moments when the querent might see through these inherited dynamics with clarity. This insight can be empowering, helping the querent to understand that they are not solely shaped by their family history but are also capable of actively reshaping it. The Tower encourages releasing rigid or outmoded aspects of identity, including those built on familial expectations or trauma-based responses. Through this process, the querent is invited to reconstruct their sense of self on a foundation of personal truth and integrity, rather than inherited dysfunction.

Furthermore, The Tower often involves a sense of vulnerability, as its energy strips away defenses and illusions. In a transgenerational context, this might mean feeling exposed to grief, pain, or other challenging emotions tied to family history. Yet, this vulnerability is essential for the healing process, allowing these emotions to be witnessed and honored rather than suppressed. The Tower’s energy teaches the querent that by allowing these emotions to surface, they can begin the process of healing deeply embedded wounds, potentially breaking harmful cycles that have endured across generations.

Ultimately, The Tower card in a transgenerational healing reading calls the querent to embrace a profound shift. This shift, while challenging, is one of liberation and empowerment, paving the way for a new, healthier legacy for themselves and future generations.

Energetic Influences This Week 11/19-11/25

This week, we stand at the threshold of transformation, guided by the tarot and the heavens. The cards weave a story of hope, resilience, choice, and daring leaps of faith. As Pluto shifts into Aquarius and Mercury retrogrades, the energetic landscape offers moments of clarity, challenge, and adventure. Together, we’ll navigate the influences that shape our days, finding strength in perseverance and joy in exploration. Each card reveals not only the energy of the moment but also the opportunities we can embrace as we move forward, one step closer to a brighter, more inspired future.

Tuesday’s card, The Star, a Major Arcana card for Aquarius, is the perfect card for this day as Pluto (finally!) moves into Aquarius, and we feel a surge of optimism and renewal. The Star shines brightly, offering us a chance to reconnect with our higher aspirations. This is a day to dream boldly, letting hope guide our thoughts and actions. We might find ourselves reflecting on the future, imagining how we can contribute to something greater than ourselves. The energy reminds us that even in moments of uncertainty, there’s a guiding light to follow. How can we anchor ourselves in faith while embracing the transformative potential of this cosmic shift?

Wednesday’s energy challenges us to defend our dreams as we encounter the 7 of Wands. Obstacles and opposition arise, testing our resolve. We stand together, fortified by the conviction that what we’re building is worth the fight. There’s power in persistence, and today reminds us to rise above doubt, both external and internal. It’s not about aggression but standing firm with clarity and purpose. How can we maintain our balance while keeping our gaze fixed on the path ahead?

The energy shifts inward on Thursday as we face decisions that require thoughtful reflection. The 2 of Swords places us at a crossroads, urging us to pause and weigh our options. We may feel torn between choices, unsure of which way to turn. It’s okay to take our time, letting the answers reveal themselves naturally. The key is to listen—to ourselves, to each other, and to the quiet wisdom within. How can we honor the process of discernment without rushing into action?

On Friday, with the Sun preparing to leave Scorpio, we step into the magnetic, fiery energy of the Queen of Wands. Confidence surges, and creativity flows freely. Together, we feel empowered to take the lead, embracing bold ideas and inspired action. This is a day to shine, sharing our unique gifts with the world. The Queen reminds us to trust in our abilities and to approach challenges with courage and charisma. What passion will we pursue today, and how will we let our inner light shine?

Saturday, the Sun transitions into Sagittarius, and the 3 of Wands calls us to expand our horizons. It’s a day for exploration and planning, envisioning the opportunities that lie ahead. We feel a sense of adventure stirring, urging us to look beyond the immediate and dream of what’s possible. Whether we’re laying groundwork for a new project or considering a physical journey, this energy invites us to move forward with excitement. How can we embrace the spirit of exploration and trust in the unfolding journey?

Curiosity takes the lead on Sunday as the Page of Swords encourages us to ask questions, seek knowledge, and stay alert. This energy feels fresh and vibrant, like a spark of intellectual excitement. It’s a day to explore ideas and gather information, even if the details feel scattered at first. Together, we sharpen our focus, preparing to act on what we learn. How can we stay open to new perspectives while staying grounded in our truth?

On Monday, Mercury retrogrades, but The Fool invites us to embrace a fresh start with courage and curiosity. We feel a sense of freedom, unburdened by past constraints. Retrograde energy may stir delays or miscommunications, but it also offers a chance to revisit and refine our plans. Together, we leap into the unknown, trusting that every step is part of a greater journey. What bold move are we ready to make, and how can we embrace the possibilities that lie ahead?

This week carries us through hope, challenge, discovery, and new beginnings. By staying aligned with the energies of each day, we journey together toward a brighter, more inspired future.