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The Hanged Man is Arcanum number 12 of the Tarot, also known as the Hanged Man. Traditionally it is represented by a fairly young man, tied by one foot and hanging from a beam supported by two tree trunks.
His hands are tied behind his back. The expression on his face is one of total passivity and resignation, as if the suffering resulting from this position is inevitable. In many more modern Tarot decks, this young man is often replaced by an elderly man with a long beard, which symbolizes wisdom. This is a clear reference to the God Odin, the most famous Hanged Man in history. The Hanged Man usually indicates an inevitable test, which requires personal sacrifices in order to achieve spiritual elevation.
Generally, this test is always painful for the consultant: it can be a loss, in a physical, psychological and spiritual sense. This can lead the person to go through a phase of non-reaction due to despair. But the card contains the potential that will allow the individual, as his awareness grows, to surrender to that pain and enrich himself spiritually, turning it into wisdom. Furthermore, this Triumph could also indicate the need to move away from a life that is too material in favor of a more spiritual existence.
Given the description, this card might scare the less insiders. In fact, it can offer a great knowledge of themselves, especially to those who follow an evolutionary path. The extreme test of dealing with pain, in fact, is the fuse that triggers evolution and spiritual change. Many have embarked on a path of growth only after having lived in the pain of loss, while others are unable to overcome it, so they lull themselves into pain and depression, without rising. It is important, when traveling an evolutionary path, to pay attention when this arcanum comes out, because the awareness of a test to be overcome in order to evolve is important, also to better prepare to overcome it and face it.
With respect to money, the hanged man can announce financial losses that destabilize the consultant, debts or reckless expenses, as he is unable to manage himself properly. The Hanged Man is associated with jobs that require self-denial and sacrifices such as social worker, caregiver, nurse, volunteer, missionary and oncologist. The card also indicates people who are temporarily out of work or are experiencing a phase of inactivity, such as the redundant and the unemployed.
In general terms, however, it indicates an unsustainable job for the consultant, therefore the need to find the courage to try to change job or even profession. It could also indicate the tiring wait for an occupation.
The card of the Hanged Man in love indicates suffering on the part of the querent. He may have idealized the partner and therefore live a story in which he feels inferior and fears of being left or does not know if his feelings are actually reciprocated or not. It can also indicate the end of an important story that will mark the consultant’s life.
The Hanged Man is associated with the feet and ankles. It can indicate a problem of swollen ankles, sprains, foot problems. In more general terms on the subject, it indicates the worsening of a disease already in progress.
