12: The Hanged Man

Major Arcana 12 is The Hanged Man. I love this card because on first glance is it quite peculiar, indeed! However even the strangest things often have the most wonderful meanings…




Here we have a peculiar picture of a young acolyte hanging from what appears to be a tree branch, but is it? At second glance, it looks like there is a t-shaped frame crafted from wood that still grows leaves, from which the acolyte hangs. The thought of someone hanging is quite a macabre one, but this is no cause for alarm as the acolyte is hanging from his one ankle, his hands tied behind him and perhaps attached to the ankle of the bent leg. He certainly has himself in one heck of a predicament, and it’s for a good reason. His blue tunic signifies the intuitive connection to spirit that he’s been dedicating his time to developing while the red tights signify his connection to the pleasure of the material plane. He also has a bright and shining halo around his head a shining representation of his burgeoning enlightenment. 

The hanging acolyte isn’t up there by accident, he’s chosen to undergo advanced spiritual training and in doing so he is being tested. Can he let go and be open to receive the gifts that come with sacrificing the egos desires for a higher purpose? While he hangs up there he prepares himself for an ego death, a shift in perspective that he has been so deeply craving and working towards. He had to surrender himself to, give up his comfort, and confront his fears that he may be open to receive the bliss of spiritual enlightenment. In doing so, the acolyte has shed what has been holding him back, and received the epiphany he so deeply desired

Receiving this card in a reading is telling you it’s time to let something go in order to get closer to what you want. While the acolyte may be hanging he is very much unburdened by his distress and in this moment, he sees beyond the mundane. This card is sign of a breakthrough, an opportunity to let go of everything that’s been holding you back and be open to receive the gift or lesson you’ve been working towards. It may be a sign of frustration, or feeling like you’ve been left out to dry. While you might be struggling to keep the faith, it would be helpful to let yourself be open to the blessings that are already there. Trust your suffering isn’t for naught and that before you know it you will be able to transcend the past and move into your shining future free of all that has held you back.



 

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