The INDIAN TAROTS – 16 – The Tower: Kalbhairav

Lord Kaalbhairav is a fearful manifestation of Shiv. But similar to Beerbhadra, he is not an avatar of Shiv. As per the Puran, once Brahma became very arrogant and egoistic as he considered himself the greatest due to his power to create. He started to avoid Vedic lifestyle and insulted Vishnu and Shiva. At that time, Brahma had 5 heads. In order to teach Brahma a lesson, Shiva created Kaalbhairav. Kaalbhairav cut one head of Brahma to make him realise his false ego. Thus, Kaalbhairav is the destroyer of ego and ignorance; and by doing this, he takes one to the right path. Also, ‘Kaal’ means time; Lord Kaalbhairav helps us to pass the times of materialistic pleasures faster so that we can achieve higher goals.

Lord Kaalbhairav is mainly worshipped by aghoris and sadhaks. The nature of the lord is of tamasic type and this is why, the tantric rituals are followed while worshipping him. Pancha-makar upachaar is devoted to the lord. Kaalbhairav’s companion is a black dog.

Kaalbhairav is like a son to Shiv and Kali. Kali is considered the main deity in any tantric practices. She has a divine fierce form. When she roams around with her burning Trishul, everything around her gets destroyed. So, to aware everyone in front of her, Hanumanji walks before her. One can either come under Kali’s lotus feet and get redeemed or can get destroyed to get redeemed. Kaalbhairav’s manifestations are 8 Bhairavs. These 8 Bhairavs have 8 consorts – Astha Matrikas, who are the parts of Shakti. These Bhairavs and Bhairavis have created 64 yoginis who accompany Kali Ma. Those entities who are destroyed by Kali Ma, the yoginis consume their bodies. Kaalbhairav comes behind these yoginis and cleans up the rest of the destroyed entities.

I have kept Lord Kaalbhairav as ‘the Tower’ because he causes fast and sudden changes. He guides us through loss or tragedy so that we can get one step closer to the ultimate realisation.

Upright meaning

In tarot, the Tower card is often associated with upheaval, chaos, and sudden change. When the card is upright, it generally signifies negative traits such as upheaval, chaos, and sudden change. The upright Tower may represent a person or situation that is experiencing a sudden and unexpected change, or a realization that causes upheaval and chaos.

Reverse meaning

On the other hand, when the Tower card is reversed, it may indicate positive traits such as avoiding a crisis, rebuilding, or adapting to change. The reversed Tower may represent a person or situation that is avoiding a crisis or rebuilding after a period of upheaval, or a person who is adapting to change and finding a way to move forward. It could also suggest a need to be prepared for change and to have a plan in place to manage any potential upheaval.

Sources:

Lectures of Dr. HS Sinha

Lectures of Om Dhumatkar