Emblems of disaster (Tarot)

Among the archetypal emblems projected by the psyche are those depicting calamity, destructive forces and desolation. These can include representations of conflagrations and floods, or ruins and wastelands. In the Tarot system the emblem called the Tower (number 16), is depicted as a lightning-struck building whose function is seen possibly to have served as a very high throne. This is indicated by the crowned occupants who have been knocked of the top of the tower and who appear to represent a king and a queen. Ignorance and limited, arrogant ideas are destroyed and cast down, like the Tower of Babel; but, if pride can be overcome, the tower potentially leads to Kether.

The Tower is placed by Kabbalists on the 27th path between splendour and glory (Hod) and force or victory (Netzach).