Tarot readings are rarely straightforward, often possessing many layers of meaning and significance. Forging a message from the illustrated road map that's laid on the table is a mutual endeavor in which both reader and Querant must be honest with themselves and each other. The cards are many and the stories of their meanings, origins and interpretations are even more numerous and complex. Take, for example, the Tower.

   Although the interpretation is overly simplistic, many see this card as universally "a bad thing". Even seasoned veterans of the Tarot, who understand its pliable and subjective nature, will sometimes cringe at having to interpret this particular result. In general, the Tower means catastrophic overthrow; a violent upheaval and reversal of fortunes...

   And that's when its well-dignified. Ill-dignified, it gets even more intense and -usually- unpleasant.

   However, no matter if it is interpreted as benevolently as mere, diametric alteration or as traumatically as catastrophic devastation, it is a very distinctive card and has an influence that effects every reader profoundly.

   On September 11th, 2001, its meaning was emphasized for all the world to see.

   The details, by now, have reached even the most secluded of people. Almost everyone has seem the pictures of one, solitary tower of the World Trade Center, standing alone and resolute against the smoky, New York skyline before crumbling to the ground to join its already-collapsed sibling. Cracked, smoking and ravaged by terrorist action, that lone tower bore an aura of devastation that transcended the mediums of television and photograph. Destruction incarnate seemed to dwell within its frame and the cloud that seeped from its sides resonated with utter desolation.

   The traditional, Rider-Waite image of The Tower is remarkably similar. Amidst dark storm clouds, the tower crumbles; struck by a bolt of lightning. Two figures are seen falling from it as a crown -a symbol of wealth and power- topples from its peak. The image offers no real comfort and rarely seems to have any positive meaning.

   But what is utter devastation? How can we learn from this traumatic turn of events that has changed our lives so profoundly? It is a question that we must answer if we are to stand on solid ground once more and attempt to build greater and more noble things in its aftermath.

   No deed, thought or action could ever justify such a horrific event and -truthfully- whether or not any particular group, country or official has culpability should be secondary to saving lives and aiding the still-living victims. Still, despite this, some have chosen to capitalize on the horrifying tragedy by promoting the very essence of the Tower's foundation.

   You see, the Tarot card is often interpreted as the ultimate devastation that comes from forces of nature as well as the hubris of humankind. The Tower is built upon a high, aloof precipice; far from the reach of mortal ken. The way to the summit is rocky, harsh and treacherous, and -yet- the Tower was built there. It is both the fault of its foundations as well as the raging storm of its environment that brings about its terrible fall. Kings and commoners alike are brought low and what is left is worse than nothing: the remnants are naught but the shattered dreams that the Tower used to represent.

   In this way, the lesson we can see in the all-too-real Tarot reading on the East Coast is that both human hubris and the environment in which we stood was in part responsible for the catastrophe. However, all-too-often, the knee-jerk reaction to hearing the phrase "in part responsible" is to jump to judgment and advocate retribution.

   Already, world leaders have vowed to track down and punish those responsible. Whether or not this is appropriate should be left to the individual to decide. However, even if it is discovered that our own actions created the climate in which this action took place, we should not turn in upon ourselves. We must recognize our own culpability in an honest and open fashion and take steps to ensure our actions do not occur again. Also -at the same time- we must react appropriately and not forget that regardless of pressures at home, the actions taken from abroad are inexcusable.

   This applies not only to the beliefs of the alleged terrorists, but also to the financial and political pressures that added fuel to the fire.

   Even if the terrorist actions in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C. were completely devoid of theological undertones, the perception exists that this was religiously inspired. Already, domestic racists and bigots have harassed and attacked our Moslem and Islamic brothers and sisters. Their Mosques have been vandalized; their freedoms threatened.

   And here, at home, we even see a few leaders promoting the very same kind of religious zealotry that we assume inspired the actions of September 11th.

   The words of a prominent Reverend pointed an accusatory finger at homosexuals, feminists, abortionists and Pagans, saying that these groups -in part- bore some responsibility for this happening. It was said that these groups helped to secularize America and -thus- anger the Christian God he worships. In front of thousands of followers and believers, these words were transmitted across the nation, echoing the very same scapegoating and theologically-inspired intolerance that was responsible for the terrorist actions in the first place.

   This is no different than the minority of alleged Moslems who utilize scripture and theological belief to justify terrorist actions. Our own domestic minority are engaged in the same type of religious blame-game, but see it as acceptable since it is in the name of their God, not the one that they see as an enemy. Spreading such hatred is making hay while the sun shines; but it is a dark sun indeed, if we allow it to spread.

   It is here, in the autumn, when the season grows cooler, the leaves turn color and our eyes look upon the long stretch of Winter to come, that we should do some house-cleaning. No matter the faith, philosophy or credo, we are human beings and cannot always be perfect. We make mistakes, feel rage and -sometimes- desire vengeance.

   When we discuss what should be done, we may find that we are on opposite sides of the "retribution" issue. Those who desire military resolution will find themselves at odds with those who oppose it. Even if we cannot change the minds of those who feel differently about what the response should be, we must refrain from demonizing them.

   This is the crux of what the Tower can teach us.

   Demonization is what is at the root of most of our recent troubles. Rather than blaming, fighting and name-calling, it is time to understand and work for change, even if that means a different opinion about what needs to be done. We must understand each other, work together despite differences and -then- build again. We must not act on unthinking anger and lash out at those different from us. We must refrain from painting the "other guy" as evil, misguided, threatening and "wrong"; that is the very danger that helped create the tragedy in the first place. We must take the time to ensure our actions are channeled and focused, to avoid spreading the still-rampaging storm that whips around the ramparts of the former Tower.

   If we are to rebuild, we must find more solid ground for our construction efforts. If, like the Tarot Tower suggests, the tragedy was based -in part- upon our own, faulty foundations, we must acknowledge them, keep them from reoccurring and then proceed with reparations. If we are to command the elements and control the weather, we must first learn that it bends to our will -conscious and unconscious- and that our whims can create the typhoons that tear apart our dreams. If we are to live in peace within the walls of our Towers, we must be sure they don't fall into the same traps as the Towers of the past.

   Blame will come. Judgment -sooner or later- will be manifest. Pain and Healing will continue.

   In the end, these are the Trumps of our reading; Blame, Judgment, Pain and Healing. They are the immutable forces of creation that surround our current condition. They exist not to be overcome, but acknowledged and understood. Instead of concentrating on our personal retributions, suspicions and fears, we should focus around them -in a zen-like fashion- looking to the causes with a dispassionate eye to learn what we can from the rubble. In the end, we know we will be changed.

   It is up to us to chart the course of our new tomorrow and that means examining the lesson of the Tower and not distracting ourselves with pity, sorry, anger, vengeance or emotional disengagement. We must look at it for what it is and learn its lessons...

   We must do this because the deck will be shuffled again and the Tower will, eventually, come into play once more.

©2001 David J Rust
aka Sylvan SilverNight
September 21st, 2001