Liminal/New Liminal Tarot - Tower

16 – Tower

In the darkness of night a tower explodes, raining down debris. Two people, with looks of surprise and fear frozen on their faces, rush toward the ground in free-fall.

In a constantly changing world, humans instinctively seek stability. We might accumulate money and possessions, social and political power, or knowledge and information. Others might become expert planners and organizers, always paying their insurance, having a strict health regimen, and keeping a sizable savings account for emergencies. At some point, our ego might convince us that what we have and do makes us untouchable, unlike the rest of the population. If so, our tactics have become the bricks and mortar of our tower – an illusion of control. Yet no matter how well we plan and prepare, the unexpected will come and break through our illusion. We soon discover that we’ve spent so much time in protection mode, that we’ve forgotten how to deal with day-to-day reality. These moments are not meant as punishment. As Pema Chodron explains, “They’re like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we’re stuck.” Our old views and beliefs about reality get crushed. We are reminded of our common bond with all humans: no one escapes the natural laws of earthly living. We might even replace our pity for others with compassion. The Tower isn’t a fun experience, but it can help us see the light of truth.

“To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.”

—Pema Chodron