While the Tower is similar in appearance to the Lighthouse, its
Symbolism is quite different. For while the Lighthouse Symbolizes
a beacon which guides us, the Tower Symbolizes a strong
structure which restricts our movements, limits our Horizons and
confines us to a specific physical and mental location. The Tower
Symbolizes all of the Self-Imposed Limitations we construct around,
and within, ourselves.
In the physical realm, the Tower Symbolizes all of the material
possessions we slowly accumulate which must now be guarded,
protected and worried about; possessions which limit our
movements, burden us with "responsibility" and imprison us in
a chamber of social conformity.
And although we are fully entitled to accumulate all of the material
possessions we desire, too often we find ourselves being the lone
sentry who must constantly stand guard over "things" which slowly
take control of our lives and become our masters.
In the mental realm, The Tower Symbolizes crystallized thought.
Crystallized thought is the stubborn "closed mindedness" so many
of us acquire when we choose to stop entertaining any new ideas
and fresh concepts which are constantly blossoming and growing all
around us. Crystallized thinking is the result of cemented thoughts
and beliefs which chain us to a time Past; a time which no longer
exists except within the confines of our stagnated mind.
Simply put, The Tower Symbolizes all Self-Imposed Limitations
which restrict our Freedom and curtail our imagination.
Mythology and fables provide us with excellent metaphors of The
Tower and what it Symbolizes. In these tales we are told of a
beautiful young maiden with golden flowing hair being held captive
high up in a Tower while awaiting her rescue by some handsome
young prince.
Of course, the handsome young prince eventually arrives, rescues
the beautiful young maiden and they live "happily ever after."
But what is the meaning of the beautiful young maiden, her golden
flowing hair, the handsome young prince, the Tower, and "happily
ever after"?
The Tower Symbolizes confinement, entrapment and bondage
within a restrictive area.
The young maiden Symbolizes the youthful, feminine aspect
of our nature in which fertility, abundance, imagination and
intuition reside. And, as she is imprisoned in the highest part
of the Tower, the young maiden also Symbolizes soaring
aspirations and a lofty Quest.
As Gold is Symbolic of the untarnishable and incorruptible, the
young maiden's golden hair Symbolizes an untarnishable and
incorruptible treasure waiting to be discovered and claimed by
a noble Adventurer.
The young maiden's long flowing hair symbolizes free-
spiritedness and unrestricted imagination.
The young, rescuing prince Symbolizes the masculine,
complimentary side of the young maiden's Divine Nature (in the
same way in which the young maiden Symbolizes the feminine,
complimentary side of the young prince's Divine Nature).
Furthermore, the young prince Symbolizes adventure, new ideas
and the seed of Abundance.
The rescue Symbolizes the Union of Duality in which the
complimentary masculine and feminine aspects of both the prince
and the maiden are finally re-united into One Stronger Whole.
"Happily ever after" Symbolizes Transcending Duality. Once
the masculine and feminine essences of the prince and the maiden
become united as One they are completely free to enjoy all of the
pleasures and Abundance of their Union. Their completion elevates
them to a higher realm of existence which is free of all of the
confinements and entrapments of the physical world.
Each one of is a young prince seeking his maiden, or a young
maiden awaiting her prince. We all dream of freely riding off into
the sunset upon a gallant white horse accompanied by the
eternal warmth and tenderness of our other half. Yet, isn't it
ironic that the same bondages and entrapments we fight so
steadfastly to escape from in our youth are the same prisons we
voluntarily construct around ourselves once we become "mature"
and "sophisticated" adults.
Perhaps this is the true essence of that inspirational message sent
to us in Matt 18:3...And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you
change and become like little children, you will never enter the
kingdom of heaven."
Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
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Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.
© copyright Joseph Panek 2010
