The Tower
The first thing that strikes me about this card (No pun intended!!) Is that it's all about energy. Out of control energy at that. This Tower, to me represents what can happen when a human being takes things to extremes and brings about destruction. The face of the tower is an angry looking face. Fire spouts out of it's heart, mouth and eyes, and up through the top. The jet of flame streaming down the stairs would potentially incinerate anyone who would dare try to get in there. The lightning flashes, in the shape of a pentagram. The river flowing beneath reflects the colours of the tower, but the reflection is distorted, and the bridge is beginning to crumble into the water. The figures fall, so does the rain. One can only wonder if the falling forms will splash safely into the river, or end up damaged beyond recognition on the bank, or bridge.
The frog looks as if it's trying to go some place safe and quiet. It's had enough of the chaos. It's all set, and it's out of there.
What I see here? Arrogance and anger can lead to tragic destruction. Self destruction, primarily, bringing others down too. This can come out of nowhere, like lightning, and flash with horrifying intensity. And if magick is used to further destructive ambitions, the recoil is horrendous. A falling out can have dire consequences for all concerned, and the damage is in many cases, irreparable. People who destroy their bridges end up isolating themselves. Fire comes out of someone's mouth in the form of flaming words or attitudes. Somebody gets so mad they "Blow their Stack". A heart burns for revenge, and no one can get up the stairs to attempt a reconciliation. The rain is pouring down, but it doesn't seem to be putting out the fire. And the tower itself is starting to deconstruct. When I see this card, I hear in my mind an agonised howl of indignation and despair.
I see the frog representing a creature who just wants to live and let live. It doesn't understand all this. Frogs don't like fire, and all it wants is some peace and quiet. It's humble, and only makes a display of aggression when it's appropriate, like mating season, or if it's defending it's territory. It's out of place on the scene of complete annhilation. I see the earthy presence of the frog as a direct contrast to the flaming arrogance of the tower.
It makes me aware of what can happen when lofty attitudes, overweening pride, and anger towards ones fellows replaces rectitude, patience, and simplicity.
Fast forward to the future...
The tower is destroyed. The bridge has crumbled. The falling figures have met their fate, for good or ill. The river, now peaceful, reflects the ruin of what once was. And the frog is hopping around on the crumbled structure looking for dinner.
Ultimately, the frail frog is stronger than the tower. It's modest behaviour has saved it from an untimely demise.