The Hanged Man Tarot card gives us plenty to consider, and one of its messages is that of redemption. In this sense, the card suggests that in order to be absolved, there is going to be some type of sacrifice required of us. But really, so few things worth gaining in life are without cost. And karma. Whatever was done which now requires redemption, was likely executed with less than highest good intent. That's going to come back at a person, and when it does, we have no choice but to surrender to the acceptance of it; acceptance of course being another message offered up by this card.Or we may resign to the specter of failure. Anyone could experience a string of setbacks, and then subsequently fall prey to lethargy and inertia. We may begin to believe that our life sucks to such a degree that we no longer wish to participate in our own consistent lack of achievement. It's easy to see how this could happen when a person feels that everything they do results in disappointment. Doing nothing may seem like a possible way to block oneself to further failure, as well as to the resulting pain.The aforementioned circumstance illustrates a significantly distorted view. But too, such feelings could be on a subconscious level, and beyond the awareness of the person acting them out. In the process of attempting to slow down or stop a cycle of loss, we can put up an absolute blockage to our personal growth, and to success as a whole. In this sense, the Hanged Man Tarot card can be a real wake up call. The Hanged Man also speaks of taking opportunity to upgrade one's perspective. Yep, I think hanging from a tree branch, and looking at things upside down may well do that too; but I'd have drawn the figure squinting... anywho... This cards also suggests that we place more value upon messages gained by spiritual enlightenment, and that we can add greater balance of perspective to our life by doing so.But too, the Hanged Man card isn't always about telling us to get a move on and do something, sometimes it's best that we remain as we are, the card images suggest this much. On the RWS card, if the fellow wriggles too much he's going to land on his head. On the Thoth card if he breaks free from his immediate predicament, well he is going to end up fighting his way out of a dark pit with serpents in it. Without a doubt, the strongest message of this card is that of martyrdom. Sometimes we may choose to forgo what it is that we need to be sitting in the catbird seat within our own life. When we get caught up focusing on the needs of those around us, in the process we can end up odd man out. And after a while it may seem right to play it too, you know, look at all I do for you, "whether you like it or not "sort of thing. And of course, don't forget to add the clincher - poor me.The question is - if we don't act in our own best interest, who will?THE HANGED MAN TAROT CARD DIGNIFIED OR UPRIGHT * You are kept in suspense. * Accepting your situation for what it is. * Take plenty of time to fully contemplate serious decisions. * A phase of inactivity has been chosen as the best solution. * No need to take action for the time being. * Reversal; something will happen that will cause great change. * Take time to look at all that you have going on at the moment, and assess whether you need to regulate things more efficiently, or if in fact (when suggested by surrounding cards) you need to downsize your workload. * Suggests that you should prepare to sacrifice the old in order to welcome in the new. The new may be something you aren't yet aware of. * There is no need to rush; take more time to think things through. * Acting the martyr. Choosing to give up what is dear to you, in order to achieve a larger or more selfless goal. * You are becoming wiser and more enlightened. * Someone is being sized up. It may be the querent, but perhaps they are scrutinizing someone else or a situation. Either way, a judgement is underway. * Even though you are free to proceed, the result you will achieve at this time, is less ideal than what will come to you if you wait. * The Hanged Man suggests that a person doesn't 'know', or cannot identify their feelings concerning a romantic partner. * If things don't resonate well, remain inert for the time being. Don't take action until you determine what is right. * Time for some enlightenment through meditation. * Sometimes more can be gained through acceptance than through defiance. * Between a rock and a hard place.THE HANGED MAN TAROT CARD ILL DIGNIFIED OR REVERSED * If you were deliberating, recovering, or simply refraining from action, it's now time to choose an alternate approach. * Resigned to inertia as a result of past failure. * There was an assessment taking place, and the results are now in. Good or bad would be determined by surrounding cards. * Something is currently underway that prevents you from taking action. * A person you once had a connection with will come back into your life, with an upgraded perspective this time around. * Have you been concerned primarily with yourself, and ignored the requisites of those around you? * Acting the martyr; and coming across as doing so to play the role to the hilt. * You have completely thought things through, and still cannot reach a logical decision. * Someone is looking at the current situation with a sense of urgency. * You need more information by which to take action. The person learned enough to enlighten you will soon avail themselves. * Sometimes refers to taking a stand. * If you have handed in an application for a job or any other type of opportunity, a decision has been rendered. * An agreement has been reached, but without common ground. Both parties acknowledge a difference of opinion, and decide to leave it at that.
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck(R), known also as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright (c)1971 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck(R) is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.Image is a Wikipedia file from a 1909 RWS deck, originally scanned by Holly Voley http://home.comcast.net/~vilex/Thoth Images Copyright (c) US Games Systems Inc.; AGMuller; O.T.O.All content copyrighted to Jude's Metaphysical World and the Webmaster ther; 2011 and forth.