THE TOWER: Reaching into the Fire w/ writer Robin Gow

In this episode, we explore The Tower (no one's favorite card to receive!). The Tower is a card that can shake things up, to put it mildly, and bring about great change. 

My guest is rather familiar with The Tower's energy and impact, and shares about their personal experiences with this card as we explore this archetype of disruption, awakening, and reorientation.

My wonderful guest is Robin Gow, a trans poet, writer, activist, educator (and demonologist!) whose YA novels include Gooseberry, Dear Mothman, and A Million Quiet Revolutions. Robin has also published multiple books of poetry, teaches self-defense classes, makes earrings, and leads workshops for kids, teens, and adults.

Our conversation explores the various meanings and implications of The Tower — from breakdowns to break-ups to coming-out moments. One of Robin's most profound Tower experiences was their coming out as trans / nonbinary, which set Robin free in many ways, but also came with losses and grief.

We talk about how The Tower can function on the macro and the micro level, on the COLLECTIVE LEVEL, and in the subtle, inner realms, but also in our homes, offices, and communities. (Robin and I both share a couple examples of Tower times when our inner and external worlds were eerily in parallel!)

We also get into...

+ how Robin got into Tarot (it involves a little witch shop in a tiny town!)

+ using Tarot in a creative practice and navigating late-stage capitalism as a creative spirit

+ wisdom for showing up and stepping back when it comes to engagement with the world, activism, and building community during Tower times

+ advice for folks who are pulling The Tower in their readings

+ Robin's experience growing up in a haunted house in Pennsylvania!

In this current Tower moment, we hope this episode offers something helpful, inspiring, or even magical!

You can follow & support Robin's work: on Instagram as @robin_gow_poet and @transdemonologist, visit Robin's website, purchase copies of Robin's books!

We referenced the The Raven's Prophecy Tarot by Maggie Stiefvater.

This podcast is a production of Typewriter Tarot. Learn more & join us:

• Join the newsletter and receive the first 3 journaling prompts from Tarot for Creative Spirits (the workbook).
• Subscribe to Typewriter Tarot's Substack.
• Check out upcoming events & workshops.
• Join the Creative Magic Collective.
• Work one-on-one with Cecily (book a free curiosity call).
• Book a Tarot reading.
• Shop our bookshop.