Tarot of Marseille: The Tower

WHO IS THE TOWER, ARCANUM 16 OF THE TAROT OF MARSEILLE?
The Tower, the sixteenth of the Major Arcana in the Tarot de Marseille, represents a building struck by lightning.

Two figures appear to be running away from the building: the serenity on their faces indicates that their fall is not dramatic.
They seem to be suspended in the air, not caring that the tower is collapsing.

The landscape is sunny and features a yellow field with some tufts of green grass: this suggests that life is present around the building despite the collapse of the Tower.

In the image, even though the Tower is collapsing, the colors and tones used on the paper have a very positive connotation that indicates a healthy crisis.

INTERPRETATION OF THE CHARTER
In operation
The Tower describes a healthy crisis, a risk, an explosion.
It's a sign of courage and expresses the determination to move forward. It can evoke the act of sacrificing oneself for an important cause, the realization of the fragility of material things, and a revelation. In the sentimental realm, the Tower can herald love at first sight.

Not in operation
The Tower can refer to reckless and destructive behavior and can be hostile and herald catastrophe.
It's a sign of chaos.
Depending on the cards it is associated with, it can announce a breakup or a dismissal.

ADVICE FROM THE TOWER
– Destroy what has no solid foundation.
– Break with the past.
– You must act quickly and traumatically, if necessary.
– Use shock as a weapon.
– Make houses of cards collapse.
– The way to deal with the situation is through an unexpected breakup.
– Speak the truth even if it’s uncomfortable.
– Tell everyone the King is naked.
– Face reality instead of running away from it.
– If the Tower you are in is collapsing, don't stay there: leave it while you still can.
– Abandon the old and prepare to rebuild.
– Accept change.
– Get ready for a new life.
– If you try to hold on to the past, it will kill you.

KEYWORDS
Breakup, Shock, Crumbling, Change, Liberation.