THE TOWER
Lord of the Hosts of the Mighty
Mars
“Upheaval”
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
A sudden and unexpected bolt of energy shatters the summit of a tall stone tower and hurls its occupants out into the dark atmosphere surrounding it and onto the rocks at its base where the challenge of a new and higher level of consciousness awaits them. Although often compared to the biblical Tower of Babel, the essential meaning of “The Tower” is best expressed as an analogy to the vision of Christ that struck down Saul on the road to Damascus and radically altered his life. The energy bolt struck Tower is the overthrow of erroneous ideas and values as well as of the false belief that there is any true gain, purpose or security in the endless acquisition of material things above and beyond what is needed to survive. Life for the two occupants of “The Tower” could not have been better. They were literally “on the top of the world” when suddenly, out of nowhere, came the “bolt from above” – the tremendous Mars power of sudden change and transformation which, in an instant, has caused their status quo to come crashing down, hurling them from their lofty position into the darkness and the depths. They have been hurled unexpectedly into a crucible of spiritual transformation in which must fall away all pretense, narrow mindedness, pride, arrogance and false attitudes of superiority and within which they must be purified of materialistic thought. In delivering its sudden influx of energy, the bolt from on high breaks down existing ideas in order to make room for new ones to emerge. There is a sudden, momentary glimpse of truth - all that can save them from the total spiritual death if they choose to reject the task of forging the new consciousness which awaits them at the base of the tower. The Tower invokes an atmosphere of sudden, unexpected change and the overthrow of stale ideas or of an existing status quo and forging a new vision built upon the remains of the old.
ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Mars, in the context of The Tower, represents the sentient, creative life energy, the vital force, the Primal Will that indwells within and animates Nature, impelling and supporting the eternal evolution of life. The sudden and unexpected power of this Mars energy blasts the tower of false ideas bringing a great upheaval that is the first step to spiritual development. It is the lightning flash of truth – the revelation of the Eternal Light.
ORACLES
When Appearing Upright in a Reading
An unforeseen catastrophe may befall you. A reversal of fortune could occur. Your plans could be swept away and your existing way of life brought to a sudden and unexpected end.
When Appearing Reversed in a Reading
You may be facing a sudden catastrophe or utter ruin. Your freedom, if lost, will only be regained at a terrible cost. It is inadvisable to pursue your present course. Your selfish ambitions will come to nothing.
“The Path of the Active Intelligence”
The triple mystery of Spirit, Substance and Motion are joined together on The Path of the Active Intelligence and through this union an equilibrated vessel is forged that is strong enough to contain the Inner Light on its journey through Nature.