XII. The Hanged Man

Element: Water (🜄)

Planet: Neptune (♆)

Hebrew Letter: Mem (מ)

Kabbalistic Path: 23

Upright

Keywords: Enlightenment; trials; transformation; sacrifice; acceptance; growth through adversity

Events: Awakening; facing challenges; changes in perspective; opportunities for growth; letting go of outdated beliefs; accepting things as they are; surrendering to fate; making sacrifices for greater rewards; one person sacrificing for the sake of a relationship; limitations in the workplace; prophecy; divination; personal growth through hardship

Personality: Optimistic; finds joy in difficulties; intelligent; highly intuitive

Mental State: Feels restricted; at peace

Advice: Shift your perspective to see the bigger picture; take time for deep reflection; overcoming adversity will bring great rewards; stay curious about new ideas—openness to change fosters growth

Card Imagery: A man hangs upside down from a wooden structure, his face showing a serene expression despite the blood rushing to his head, as if receiving divine wisdom.

Symbolism:

  • Tree – The structure he is suspended from symbolizes the Tree of Life and the World Tree. The leaves growing from it signify that it is alive and constantly evolving, representing universal laws: nothing truly dies; life transforms into energy and continues growing
  • Tau Cross – A T-shaped cross, also known as the Tau Cross, representing divine connection
  • Bound Foot – Symbolizes physical limitations and external constraints
  • Runic Symbolism – The Hanged Man is linked to Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology, who hung himself upside down on Yggdrasil for nine days and nights, not as punishment, but to attain enlightenment. The sacred runes were revealed to him during this time
  • Clothing Symbols – The patterns on his garments are associated with Odin
  • Body Position – The figure's stance resembles the inverted alchemical symbol 🜍 (Sulfur). The triangle represents the spiritual realm, while the cross represents the material world. The reversed position suggests that the Hanged Man is submerging materialism into the spiritual realm, symbolizing "The Great Work" of spiritual enlightenment

Reversed

Keywords: Stagnation; resistance to change; lack of freedom; restrictions; delays

Events: Lack of progress; delayed plans; missed opportunities; being trapped in outdated thinking; loss of freedom; unreciprocated sacrifices; unwillingness to take necessary action or let go of attachments, preventing forward movement; fear of social judgment leading to inaction

Personality: Stubborn; overly attached to a single perspective; avoids responsibility; passive; self-centered; impatient

Mental State: Feels trapped; desires escape but cannot break free

Advice: Seek guidance from a trusted individual; avoid making major decisions at this time; do not change yourself just to please others; clarify your values and principles to guide your decisions

Card Imagery: The Hanged Man is tightly bound to the wooden structure, completely immobilized.

Symbolism:

  • Mountain – Borrowed from the Lenormand "Mountain" card, symbolizing obstacles and delays
  • Runic Symbol "Ansuz" – Represents divine wisdom, communication with higher powers, and subconscious messages. It suggests paying attention to unusual occurrences, dreams, or sudden insights, as they may reveal hidden knowledge or spark creativity

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