Death + Tower = ?

Gilded Death+Tower

You’re smiling and shuffling your deck of tarot cards, chatting to your client. You pause, tuning in to whatever you use to get yourself in the right frame of mind. You cut the deck and lay down two cards. As you turn them over your heart lurches sickeningly. Right next to each other are Death and the Tower.

Your first instinct might be to sweep the cards back into the pack and start again. Indeed, that’s exactly what I did at a tarot-themed birthday party once when I turned the Ten of Swords, The Tower and Death in that order. My victim was a young, bubbly lady – I couldn’t bear to bring the atmosphere down, and luckily she believed my lie about not having shuffled the cards properly after the previous reading. A few months later I had the opportunity to check up on her and apparently nothing untoward had occurred in her life at that point. Phew.

Let’s say that you do a reading for yourself and those two generally unwanted cards appear. How do you interpret them?

Firstly don’t fall into an abyss of despair. Be calm. Look at the other cards; try to pick up the thread of a story. See how they relate to what is happening in your life. Breathe. Remember that all the cards are neutral until overlaid with our life experiences and expectations.

Now remind yourself of both cards’ positive meanings. What? You didn’t know there are positives about The Tower and Death? Let’s take them one at a time.

Tarot Death card

Death represents the endless cycle of life. Look at the card. You will more than likely notice Robin Wood Deathgreen shoots or budding flowers, depending on your deck. Death presages new life. Death can represent endings – the end of a period of work, the end of a relationship or indeed, death. Very often death is a welcome relief to both the person dying and to their family. It’s an end to pain, the end of dragging a tired out old body around, the end of a good life. This is natural death and is usually expected. It could be a beloved old pet or your great-granny. Be glad for them that their suffering is over. Death always means an ending followed by a new beginning. Death also tells you this cycle is inevitable. It’s like a slow, rolling wave. You can’t prevent it from breaking over the beach or crashing into the cliff face.

The Tarot Tower

The Tower is another mixed meaning card. I always explain it to my clients thusly: it seems like Robin Wood Towerthe worst thing that could happen has happened, but later you’ll look back and understand that it had to be that way. Life changes and usually improves dramatically after a Tower experience. Your home gets flooded but here you are, all safe and sound with your family. Belongings lost, yes, but it brings home how unimportant possessions are when compared to the people you love the most. New appreciation and deeper love are born. You’ll get through it and come out the other side. I liken it to the song, “I can see clearly now the rain has gone.”

Tower + Death interpretation

When the two appear together, it is likely that something is going to happen to knock you for six. It’s also something you can’t do anything about. It could be relatively minor, but devastating at the time. Or it could be something major. Take a deep breath and determine to go with it. You can roll with life’s punches. This *is* life. The old cliche, “this too will pass” couldn’t be more apt. Repeat it.

Worrying about it is a waste of energy. All worry is a complete waste of energy. Learn to live in the moment. Deal with the crisis as it happens, step by step. You’ll be of no use to anyone if you break down.

More than likely, you will find that the cards were referring to a minor happening. Your hamster dies or you write off the car, walking away with a bruise or two. These things shake you up when they occur, but you learn something from them. When Hammy dies, you learn how to deal with grief. When you break your car, then you make sure that you never drive like that again. Or, if a tree has fallen on it, you always park somewhere safe. These are life’s little nudges; letting you know that you aren’t invincible, that things will happen but you can deal with them. You can emerge stronger, brighter and more determined than before. You realise where the truly important things are – and usually they are right next to you. Tell them you love them.

Remember: don’t freak out. Pay attention to the other cards. What’s happening right now and how might those cards relate to it? Learn to live in the moment and let the future take care of itself. Develop a worry-free attitude – you’ll deal with problems when they arise. Most importantly, like my young lady at the beginning, know that it’s quite possible that you didn’t shuffle the cards properly.

A real in-depth look at Death

A close examination of The Tower

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42 thoughts on “Death + Tower = ?

    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Erna, it’s impossible to give you an interpretation. I don’t know the question, the situation, or the spread.

      Reply
    2. Lisa

      Well. I dont think so personally. Sorry.
      I think tarot do predict the future.
      I still remember when I went on a vacation with my family and I did a tarot reading. I asked: “What is happening next in my life?” And then I pull some cards and the tower and death next to each other. I researched on the internet that if these actually go togther, you have to be careful because this combination is rare, this often predict disaster, illness, accident or even death. Of course, I was sceptical. After the vacation, our family went home and we received that our grandma has a severe back injury, she could not move for days. So if you pull out this combinations, I warn you to be careful. Precaution is better than treatment.

      Reply
  1. Shauna B

    Hi there! I got a combination of Death, Wheel of Fortune, and the Tower today while asking about my health. I also asked about my job and if it will be long-term, in which I got the death, upon clarifying, i got the 6 of swords, and the bottom of the deck was 10 of swords. To me, it sounds like i may pass, and to that I am not afraid. Can you tell me anything?

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Shauna,

      Well, the Six of Swords indicates a slow recovery. You may have to look death in the face, but often the Tower and the Ten of Swords mean hitting rock bottom before the clouds clear and a new dawn arrives. Hang in there.

      Reply
  2. Roxas

    Hi, i got these cards in a tarot read 3 years ago, i was pretty numb and sceptic around that time cause i was going through some shit and anything seemed to comfort me internally, but this two cards got stuck in my head until now. The reader was a rookie but a really wise woman and close friend. I got the same vision as you describe here, but it was telling me so much about the things i was living that I took it as a sentence and a penalty, tried to get rid of and forget what i saw instead of learning from it and take action, big mistake, things got worse and that feeling of the crumbling tower never really left me. I have two questions if you mind: as you can’t unsee what you already saw, is there any way to develop inner strenght through this if you are spiritually weak? because i always end up with my darkside making me remember that times and life has become a total spiral, i got really isolated since i saw myself wanting to drain other people energy or judging them, i don’t want to be that person. The third card in the spread was the empress in last position, and i never really wanted to connect with it cause it represented a sick freudian dichotomy to me, i was forced to choose between the life I had with my lover and going back home and take care of my mother through a tough process. I’d really like to know someones take on the card or understanding better how it relates to the others. If you can’t maybe recommend some readings about it? Thank you for your time and passion.

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Roxas,

      All I can suggest is that you find some techniques to cultivate resilience, or rather to bring your innate resilience to the forefront of you mind. You have to know when to take notice of negativity and when to ignore it. If your memories aren’t serving you, you have to have a strategy to call on to dismiss or distract. Also if you find yourself in judgemental mode, simply acknowledge that’s the way you are feeling, then move along. When you feel that way, it doesn’t mean you have to speak those thoughts aloud. Your inner judgement may be trying to warn you, or express your intuition. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

      The Empress appearing after the other two, might represent mothering issues. It may also point towards internal growth after suffering the effects of the clearing out of the Tower energy. From wasteland, new shoots and all that.

      It’s time to spiral up, instead of down. xx

      Reply
      1. Roxas

        Thank you Troi, I’ll have these things in mind. I think is good advice, my tendency is to twist and think about this too much. Sorry if the question got too intimate, you have great readings on the blog.
        Hope you have a happy 2021.

        Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Asiyeh,

      Yes, someone else in the comments had that combination too. Be prepared for a change. Could be life-changing, but you will come out a stronger person. Keep the faith. x

      Reply
  3. Ana

    Hi, I was doing a reading for myself and a question was an alternate future possible for you. First card was 2 of cups, second one The tower and a third one was Death. At first I thought nothing of it but later I started being kinda scarred. It would be nice of you if u could explain whats the meaning:). Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Ana,

      It’s important for you to remember what you felt when you first saw the cards. You must have instantly connected them with something in your life? Whatever you saw in your mind is the correct meaning.

      I can’t interpret them accurately for you because I do not know your circumstances or why you asked the question. I don’t even understand the question, ‘alternate future possible for you’. There are infinite number of possible alternative futures and we get to experience just one based on our choices.

      Had these cards come up for me I would assume that a close friendship or relationship was about to come to an end. And that while this may be an unwanted situation, I’d be reassured that it would work out for the best in the end.

      Good luck.

      Reply
  4. Tj

    Love reading on my self. The question was, What connects (my person name) and I together? We’ve been dating for 6 weeks. It’s a short long distance relationship. He drives 2 hours every weekend to see me, takes me out, etc. We talk every night.
    Pulled cards: tower, 6 of cups, death

    Reply
      1. Tj

        Rider Waite. I am very new to this. Tower and 6 of cups jumped out in that order. Then I pulled death. Im a novice so I read pull cards in 3s. Tower can mean so much from what I read and with the 6 of cups and death I was a little confused. Maybe it means what binds us is the destruction of old ways and nostalgia, and the end of our old relationships or perhaps that ours will end. I really don’t know. We both left manipulative relationships and understand that about one another.

        Reply
        1. Troi Post author

          Okay, TJ, so if you are asking a question that can be answered by a single card, i.e. what binds us together? The Tower came out first, so you could interpret that as perhaps you have both experienced trauma in the past? Or have some kind of negative event in common? The Six of Cups would support that there are shared memories/feelings and that this relationship has happened in order to help you see past the negative or to learn lessons about yourself – you’ll have to work that out. Death may well mean that the relationship in its current form will transform, yet that will be the best thing for both of you. Death shows that new life and opportunities are just around the corner.

          As you are learning, remember that one card can answer most questions. As you become more experienced, you can add another, but make sure you allocate position meanings so that you know exactly what the card represents. When you become familiar with interpreting two cards, go on to three. From there, you can go right to doing large spreads because you’ll be able to ‘see’ threads and stories.

          Good luck.

          Reply
          1. Ebony

            Hello, I’m new to tarrot. I stumbled across this page after asking about the outcome of my upcoming health treatment (chemo). The cards I pulled were Ace of Swords, Death reversed, The Tower, and Justice in that order. The clarifying card for The Tower was Queen of cups reversed. The clarifying cards for Death were The empress and emperor ( both flew out). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

          2. Troi Post author

            Hi Ebony, you have made the classic new reader mistake… too many cards. Your question was: What is the outcome? Therefore only one, possibly two cards are required. Any more and you risk complicating the message.

            I would say that the cards are indicating a positive outcome. The Ace may mean there may be a need for surgery, or some other ‘pointy’ treatment. Death reversed, shows that the treatment path is working. I would ignore the rest.

            Hope it all goes well for you. x

  5. cindy

    i got a spread today of the wheel of fortune followed by the devil card and finally, the tower card

    what does it mean? 🙈

    the devil and especially the tower card always bug me out

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Cindy,

      I’m afraid you are not going to like my answer and I apologise if it seems harsh. You’ve given me three cards and asked me to interpret them for you. Essentially you are asking me for a free reading. You haven’t given me your interpretation or explained how you’ve tried to work them out. You haven’t told me the question or the situation, but expect me to read them cold. So, sorry, but I can’t answer your question.

      More information here: https://tarot-study.info/i-wont-interpret-your-tarot-cards/

      Reply
      1. cindy

        no problem Troi. it was one of those tarot apps. i was looking at your how to read tarot article yesterday. i just really want to learn the art of reading. it’s fascinating. after i submitted this comment i found your free reading offer and did submit a question on that. thanks for responding though. 🙂

        Reply
  6. Al

    Hi Troi,
    I recently did a reading to know how my long-distance friend is doing. I know they are going through changes, we haven’t gotten a chance to talk. The cards pulled were Death, 6 of pentacles Rx, Devil, Tower. My clarifier was the 3 of cups. I was confused by this and before I could hold on to my first impression I googled the combination and read a few interpretations such as Addiction (drinking) or false friendships but I would imagine then that the 3 of cups would come out reversed instead of upright. What does it make you think of, the whole set of cards together?
    Thankyou!

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Al,

      I can’t interpret you reading for you. Sorry. However, these days, I advise against the use of clarifying cards if the message from the reading is clear enough.

      Reply
  7. Cristina

    Hi, I did a reading for a friend and asked what her future would be like if she was to get involved in a relationship with this man she was interested in. I received the 5 of wands and clarified it with death & the tower. I then use another deck to clarify and I got the 5 of wands again. I know this could mean a lot of conflicts ending in a break up and end of a relationship or cycle, but how do I know that this isn’t something more severe like he could possibly injure her or actual death could occur? I’m somewhat new at reading and I haven’t had these combinations come out together. I decided to pull more cards asking the same question just to make sure it wasn’t my shuffling & this time got the 10 of swords, the 3 of swords, clarified by judgement and the 10 of pentacles. I’m seeing some kind of back stabbing or betrayal that ends in heartbreak, but after this happens, it brings about stability and a Union together amongst them and possible reconciliation, so basically that whatever bad that is happening had to happen in order for a positive change. Not sure if I’m way off on this.. can you please help? Thank you for your feedback!

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hello Cristina, your first instincts are always correct. And I think your interpretation is spot on. Learn to trust those initial impressions; it will stand in you in good stead in all your readings.

      Try to avoid drawing ‘clarification’ cards; they never really help and just add to the confusion. Keep to one at most.

      I hope your friend heeds your advice.

      Reply
  8. Florence

    Hiii, I have a question. I asked this question about someone I am interested in and feel has an attraction towards me as well: How often does he think about me? And I got the death card. I feel like it didn’t make sense so I reshuffled, asked the same question, drew two and got death + tower. Any ideas?? It was a simple question not sure why I got such intense cards or what it means really.

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Florence,

      It’s very likely the cards weren’t responding to your question at all, but to some other, more dominant energy. It happens sometimes. The cards tell you what you need to know, not what you want to know. So something is ending and there’s nothing you or the person it refers to, can do about it. Be assured that once it (whatever it is) has occurred, life will improve. You’ll look back and understand that this energy had to be cleared out.

      T.

      Reply
      1. Florence

        Hi there, I’ve done a few readings since this with different questions and it appears it is a response to a specific question. Can you give me your interpretation of the tower card showing up as a reponse to how does he feel about me? Thanks

        Reply
        1. Troi Post author

          Hi Florence,

          What do think it means in response to your question? It’s really important for you to get your own feel for the cards. When cards show up, they do so ‘in the moment’. Your reaction, thoughts, and feelings right then are the correct ones. They are your interpretation. If your gut lurches or your heart lifts–that’s what you base your interpretation on.

          Having said that, why don’t you simply ask him how he feels about you? You must be able to pick up positive or negative vibes, yes?

          Have a very Happy New Year.

          Edit: By the way, if you want me to give you a free reading, hop over here: https://tarot-study.info/readings/

          Reply
  9. Anna

    Hi, Troi,

    Thank you for this information. Just this evening I did a three-card spread with the Shapeshifter Tarot and got 1-Tower 2-Devil 3-Oneness. I’m in a very difficult work situation–one that is challenging and next level of expertise but also is so exhausting that I’m sick and constantly wonder and feel depressed about how I can get back to my true passion even though I’ve been “trapped” by my choice to stay in this vocation because it was the best way I knew to pay the bills and I have a gift for it. I’m wondering what it means if the Tower comes before Devil. I see Devil first as being trapped, then Tower is dramatic release. How would you interpret the Tower first? (I see Oneness as a very positive result…)

    Thank you!

    Anna

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Anna, I’ve dug out my Shapeshifter and accompanying book just for you 🙂 I don’t use this deck to read with at all because it is, to me, out of sync with what I know.

      The Serpent 16 (Tower) means a forced change or end of a cycle. It seems to me that, in your current situation, with depleted energy and enthusiasm, you are almost inviting this forced change. The energy has to move, and if you don’t move it, it will be done for you. So, somehow you have to find a way to break through the stagnant energy in a way that works for you. Otherwise, it could result in a change that you don’t want. Having said that, if a Tower situation does occur, embrace it and go with it. What seems like the end of the world, probably is a positive thing.

      Card 15 Choice is not really connected to the traditional Devil at all. So it makes sense that this one follows the Serpent as, after clearing out the old energy, you will be faced with important choices. Will you carry on doing what you are doing? Or will you find something that makes your heart sing? Will you choose to be shackled to a career you don’ really want? Or will you make the effort to discover your calling?

      Oneness 24, the deck creators say is the equivalent of the World. This indicates that the cycle will end and that you’ll find yourself in the right place for you at this time. There may be a period of stasis while everything is lined up for you. During this brief pause, practice holding a positive outlook and a certainty that it will all work out for you.

      The one thing that comes across clearly, is that things cannot stay as they are. You are hurting yourself and damaging your well-being.

      Good luck, Anna. x

      Reply
  10. Ramesh Lalwani

    on the readers card i see chariot next card is moon, next card death and final card is tower could you please interpret

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Ramesh,

      Firstly, what is the question that was asked?
      Secondly, what is the ‘reader’s card’?
      And did you allocate any positions to the cards (such as past, present, future or whatever?

      I can’t interpret a bunch of cards unless I know a bit about the background 🙂

      Reply
  11. Fi

    In my reading I did for myself, I got the following major arcanas in the standard 10 card spread: death, tower, devil, judgement and empress.

    How bad is this?

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Fi,

      It’s not possible to give you an interpretation without knowing the other cards, their positions, and the question. There’s a danger in taking a few cards in isolation. Sorry 🙂

      Reply
  12. Nata

    Once I asked my friend to do reading on me and my ex with whom I wasn’t sure where I stood, then Devil and the Tower came up , I said well I should be prepared. This is the trick that Tower always comes when you less expecting, then after three months of some arguments he told me that he has someone else and he had started new relationship. It was an awful shock to me but now looking back I said thank God it happened all elisions and castles on the air Tower had destroyed it, and I walked in to the new fresh life. It was like braking out of the prison, I was shock for a couple of days or even weeks but today I can say thank God it has happened and now I’m not afraid of Tower anymore! I love this card same as Death. They always bring something new and re freshing with them.

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      That’s it exactly, Nata, a perfect illustration of Death & Tower. I’m so glad you saw the way forward and took it. Thanks for leaving your comment.

      Reply
  13. Emily Sandstrom

    Two ‘drastic’ cards often cancel one another out. In my system, Death is a negative modifier. In anybody’s system, it means an end. Tower is an emergency, disaster, confrontation or breakthrough. So the emergency ends, the disaster doesn’t happen (any farther?), or a breakthrough brings an end to whatever was.
    Google any two Tarot cards, and Google will give you combined meanings for them, sometimes in great detail.

    Reply
    1. theraggededge Post author

      It’s an interesting take, Emily. I think it depends on the question, the situation and the other cards around.

      Intrigued that Google is now doing tarot combos 🙂

      Reply
  14. Beau

    Hi, I got the tower, death, and wheel of fortune in a reading. They weren’t drawn one after another, but they were read in one column together in the position of near future. Can you help me out? I have no idea how to interpret these.

    Reply
    1. theraggededge Post author

      Hi Beau, it really depends on the question, who the reading was for, the circumstances and the other cards in the reading. In a completely cold reading, I would assume that the combination meant great changes, a life clear-out, if you like. You won’t be able to control it, you have to go with it, and you will come out of the other side older and wiser. Acceptance and non-resistance will help you get past it faster. Of course, as I say, it depends on the question and the energies around you. You have to take all factors into consideration.

      HTH 🙂

      Reply

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