Tarot Card Free Reading
for the Hanged Man

He is inverted (or perhaps we are) and his view of the world is different to ours.

Seen from another angle, he might almost seem to be dancing.

He represents the embodiment of sacrifice, which in its highest principle is the translation of energy from one plane of activity to another – consciously giving up something in order to achieve something on a higher level.

While there are obvious correlations to the figure of Jesus, we would also be well served to consider that of Odin, who hung upside down on the World Tree of Yggdrasil to attain the secret of the Runes.

In each case, they allowed themselves to be sacrificed in some way for a higher purpose.

In this tarot card free reading, we see the Hanged Man falls under the influence of Neptune and the element of Water.

This is a card of the mystically inclined and indicates meditation, contemplation and a strong spiritual presence or influence in the matter in question.

This may relate directly to a person or a philosophy or approach that is a key issue.

In a reading, this card can mean losing a situation or advantage, which on the face of it is a disaster, only to find something of greater if less tangible value.

We are called upon to examine our core beliefs and therefore shift our perspective from one of victimhood.

We always have a choice, even if those choices carry consequences and responsibilities.

Other things to note in the card are the t-cross, which is clearly a living tree rather than dead wood and the way that the Hanged Man is dressed.

There is simplicity here and there is the promise of new growth and development.

So despite the grey background that suggests doubt, confusion and even depression, there is hope in the form of the halo.

Enlightenment in any situation is an awakening, a moment of clarity when we see things as they really are and not merely as we want them to appear.

This is both a potentially devastating moment and an immensely powerful one.

Life, should we grasp the opportunity, need never be the same again.

But in embracing that first change, other things will need to change as well – aspirations and ambitions, perhaps our livelihood, our relationships and even our own sense of who we are.

While all cards in the Major Arcana are significant, the Hanged Man is a calling card for higher forces that are manifesting in our lives.

The question is: What will we do about it?

If you are new to Tarot or would like a refresher, you can read our tarot card reading instructions.