Learn to Read Tarot Cards – The Hanged Man Tarot Card
The Hanged Man features one of the most fascinating and poetic images of the whole tarot card deck: a man hanging upside down from a tao cross (sometimes a tree or bar) by one foot, his hands bound or tucked behind his back. He is suspended in mid air, his free leg forming the number 4 with his other leg.
Unexpectedly, he is not struggling to escape and instead has a look of complete satisfaction on his face. What is the story behind this strangely calm hanged man?
1) The Number Four
Four is the number that rules a person ego, implying that the hanged man is suddenly surrendering his own consciousness and will for a much higher one.
2) The Story
The story is inspired by the Norse god Odin, who hung from the world tree for nine days straight after a spear wounded him. As a result, he was forced into a temporary state of enlightenment. Odin had give up control to gain insight.
Often, change is falling from the hanged man, resembling his loss of worldly possessions and thus worldly desires. Remember how his hands are not free? This shows that he is unable to take action or grab at things he may want. Also, he is not holding onto anything!
As the man hangs between the ground and the cross, he has a moment of absolute clarity, consisting of new insights that render him carefree. His materialistic self is transformed into a spirit that is unconcerned with practical, day-to-day worries.
But the hanged man would not always be in this suspended position; he will eventually return to the earth and become a part of society again. However, even after his epiphany has worn off a bit, he will hopefully