The Hanged Man
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:Water
- Arcana:Major Arcana
- Suit:Trump
- Archetype:The Traitor
- Numerology:12 = 1 + 2 = 3 (expression, productivity, output)
- Hebrew Alphabet:Mem/Water/40
Keywords
Description
The gallows from which he is suspended forms a Tau cross, while the figure--from the position of the legs--forms a fylfot cross. There is a nimbus about the head of the seeming martyr. It should be noted (1) that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon; (2) that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering; (3) that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled. One of his editors suggests that Eliphas Levi did not know the meaning, which is unquestionable nor did the editor himself. It has been called falsely a card of martyrdom, a card a of prudence, a card of the Great Work, a card of duty; but we may exhaust all published interpretations and find only vanity. I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe. He who can understand that the story of his higher nature is imbedded in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery of Death there is a glorious Mystery of Resurrection.
Light Meaning
- Seeing growth opportunities in unpleasant events
- Experiencing a dramatic change in personal perspective
- Making the best of an unforeseen change in your life or work
- Suspending disbelief
- Making sacrifices
Shadow Meaning
- Being untrue to yourself and your values
- Refusing to make sacrifices when appropriate
- Refusing to adapt to new situations
- Blaming others
- Profiting at the expense of others
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •How can I radically alter my perspective?
- •How might being stuck actually be a blessing in disguise?
- •How can I help myself see the glass as half full?
Personal Meaning
Let go, and let God. Put aside attempts to control your situation, or the actions and feelings of others. You should wait, and listen. Accept your circumstances and make peace with them, for in doing so you will discover authentic power.
You have had to let go, and let God. You put aside attempts to control your situation, or the actions and feelings of others. Work to make peace with the past.
Let go, and let God. Put aside attempts to control your situation, or the actions and feelings of others. This is a time to wait, and listen. Accept your circumstances and make peace with them, for in doing so you will discover authentic power.
Personal Reversed Meaning
This will not be the best time to go with the flow. Take the reins and assert some affirmative action. Be careful to stay out of other people's business.
You may have had trouble going with the flow, or may have taken some affirmative action. Alternatively, you may have convinced yourself that you had taken the back seat, but the reality was that you were still trying to control situations, relationships or other people's business.
This may not be the best time to go with the flow. Take the reins and assert some affirmative action. Alternatively, you may have convinced yourself that you have taken the back seat, but the reality is that you are still trying to control situations, relationships or other people's business. Sit down and re-examine your motives and your actions clearly and honestly and make necessary changes.
Fortune Telling
- •A traitor is revealed
- •One of your friends is working against you
- •Change your ways or suffer the consequences
Mythical / Spiritual Context
The Crucified Christ. Isaac as a sacrifice. Prometheus bound. Jonah and the whale. Lazarus. Any hanged or sacrificed god. Judas.