The Hanged Man appears to be a captive, suffering an undeserved punishment under the power of an unknown malicious force. This initial impression generally leaves a reader with the uneasy feeling that the card portends disaster or trouble. However, when viewed more closely, the positive aspects of the card become more evident. The young man bears a peaceful countenance upon his face, much more the look of a man content with his fate than at the mercy of unknown powers. He also has a bright yellow halo around his head, suggestive of his purity and innocence. The Hanged Man is a willing victim, someone who has chosen the path of sacrifice to accomplish a higher goal. He hangs upside down upon a cross, like St. Peter who was crucified upside down for his witness to the message of Jesus. The Hanged Man represents the willingness to forsake the temptations of instant gratification for a higher cause, and because of his willing sacrifice he accomplishes the goals he has in his heart. When we encounter the Hanged Man, we should consider areas in our lives where we may need to act in a more selfless manner either for the benefit of others or for the fulfillment of our own deeper needs. In contrast, we may need to examine our life for areas in which we are giving too much to others at the expense of our own mental and spiritual well-being. What emotions does the image of the Hanged Man stir in you?
