Shadowscapes Tarot

THE TOWER

SEED DRIFTS DOWN on the wind, deposited lightly to the ground. From it a tree takes root. As the years turn, it grows - a slender sapling, glowing with green life. And the years turn - grand and stately, it reaches to the sky, challenges the heavens. And the years turn - it is a mighty giant among giants, lovingly crafted living wood and, greenery that is Nature's masterpiece.

Birds come to rest in its glorious limbs, joyous and singing, full of songs inspired by the heat of sun and the rush of wind and the endless skies. Men and women come to sleep in its velvety, dappled shade and dream visions of running water and soft, dark loam and home. Even in the depths of winter, so thick and established has its network of branches and foliage become that there is shelter for any traveler, man or beast - a haven for any who should wearily pass by.

And the years turn - and it has been here forever, established and deep-rooted. Its branches touch the vault of the sky, brushing the stars lightly and caressing the moon as she swings past. Its roots reach into the earth to wrap around the pulsing beat that trembles in the darkness of the deeps.

And then with a fickle turn, as easily as she graced this tree with manifold blessings, Nature rescinds her gift. She throws a terrible spear from the heavens. What has taken centuries to coax forth from a tiny seed is destroyed in an instant, in e deadly arc of blindingly beautiful, blazing lighting.

It sunders
It sears white-hot.
It shatters to splinters.
The earth shudders et the tremors of the blow.

Catastrophe, sudden change, crisis, releasing all emotions, suffering a blow to the ego, revelation, and seeing through illusions. A necessary disruption to the status quo - violent and explosive upheaval as the only way to break through the long-established patterns. Fantasies shattered by the harsh and brutal hand of reality. Making a clean and utter severing from the past. It is time to re-examine belief structures and opinions.