LETTING GO REVERSAL SUSPENSION SACRIFICE
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LETTING GO having an emotional release accepting what is surrendering to experience ending the struggle being vulnerable and open giving up control Reversed Early Phase: You may begin to relinquish control. You may become more vulnerable. You may need to surrender in the future. Someone may be getting ready to yield. You may have to renounce a claim. Late Phase: The time for letting go is over. The release is behind you now. Someone or something was set free. The mood is less open now. The moment for capitulation has passed. |
REVERSING turning the world around changing your mind overturning old priorities seeing from a new angle upending the old order doing an about-face Reversed Early Phase: A change of direction may be approaching. You may be thinking of switching. Someone may be going to flip. You may need to turn the situation around. A ruling may be overturned. Late Phase: The moment for reversal is behind you. The situation is less likely to change now. You're no longer thinking of switching. The urge to revoke or recant is decreasing. |
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pausing to reflect feeling outside of time taking time to just be giving up urgency living in the moment waiting for the best opportunity Reversed Early Phase: You may begin to feel cut off. An interruption may be approaching. An event may be put on hold. The chance of delay may grow. Activity may cease in the future. Late Phase: The period of suspension is past. You're no longer on hold. The feeling of timelessness is fading. There's less chance for a pause now. The break is ending. |
SACRIFICING being a martyr renouncing a claim putting self-interest aside going one step back to go two steps forward giving up for a higher cause putting others first Reversed Early Phase: You're thinking of making a sacrifice. You're considering putting someone else's needs first. You may start to devote yourself to a cause. The need to do without may increase. Late Phase: A time of sacrifice is behind you. You no longer need to deny yourself. There's less call for selfless service now. The need to do without is decreasing. The mood of martyrdom is fading. |
Description
The Hanged Man is one of the most mysterious cards in the tarot deck. It is simple, but complex. It attracts, but also disturbs. It contradicts itself in countless ways. The Hanged Man is unsettling because it symbolizes the action of paradox in our lives. A paradox is something that appears contradictory, and yet is true. The Hanged Man presents to us certain truths, but they are hidden in their opposites.
The main lesson of the Hanged Man is that we “control” by letting go—we “win” by surrendering. The figure on Card 12 has made the ultimate surrender—to die on the cross of his own travails—yet he shines with the glory of divine understanding. He has sacrificed himself, but he emerges the victor. The Hanged Man also tells us that we can “move forward” by standing still. By suspending time, we can have all the time in the world.
In readings, the Hanged Man reminds us that the best approach to a problem is not always the most obvious. When we most want to force our will on someone, that is when we should release. When we most want to have our own way, that is when we should sacrifice. When we most want to act, that is when we should wait. The irony is that by making these contradictory moves, we find what we are looking for.
Some Possible Opposing Cards
Chariot—self-assertion
Seven of Wands—defiance, struggling against
Ten of Wands—struggle
Four of Pentacles—holding on, control
Some Possible Reinforcing Cards
Fool—faith in what is, going with the flow
High Priestess—suspending activity, waiting
Strength—patience, taking time
Four of Swords—rest, suspended activity
Ten of Swords—sacrifice, martyrdom
