The Hanged Man is the symbol of a passive, mystical initiation. The body appears inactive, impotent, because the liberated soul now escapes the reality of matter. His tunic in which red and white alternate leads to an idea of innocence and purity, but also of resistance against harmful influences. His strength is very great, no longer exerted by the muscular masses, but by the hidden power of his soul which has passed the initiatory test.
The Hanged Man symbolizes abnegation, disinterest in the things of the world, altruism, sacrifice, reversal of the current situation thanks to a personal decision, ideals achieved, liberation through sacrifice; dream; foresight, intuitions, occult actions; a secret and romantic love, fidelity, dedication to a person or a cause; trial, ordeal, punishment, need for patience and resignation; temporary limitation, period of calm; rehabilitation, regeneration; extraordinary events. This blade is linked to the Christian concept of piety and therefore to the Church, mysticism and water.
Indicates an idealist, an apostle, a genius, a navigator, a fishmonger, a healer, an occultist, a psychiatrist, a photographer, a prison guard, a detective, a priest.
The arcanum corresponds to the water element, to Saturday, at the end of winter, to the planets Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, to the signs of Libra and Pisces.
In the negative: this arcanum foresees an unshared love, the expiation of a fault; remorse, bitterness, sadness, boredom, a loss, too much sacrifice, an unsound plan, an illusion, a mirage, a secret bond, abandonment, apathy, delay, obstacles and negative news; a mourning, the end of a love affair; mistakes, sufferings, enemies, self-destruction; it indicates hatred, self-pity, slavery to duty and passions, generous but sterile desires, prodigality, inability to accept a situation, excessive self-indulgence; deception, lies, intrigues; hospitals, imprisonment. The Hanged Man embodies an excessively dreamy person, a false prophet, a thief and physically announces serious illnesses, surgical operations, abortion, drug addiction, psychopathology, depression, suicide, tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, foot pain, ulcers.
The advice of the arcane
Be careful
Pairings
- Contrasted with Justice: maximum prudence is recommended.
- Near the Hermit: Complaint.
- Next to the Force: final result.
- Followed by Temperance and the Pope: sincere repentance, spiritual elevation.
- Merged with the Devil: madness.
- Accompanied by the Tower: accident due to surgery.
- Followed by the Tower and the Strength - overcoming serious adversity.
- Overthrown and united with the Tower: dungeon or short-lived difficulty.
- Next to the Stars: divine protection.
- Followed by the Stars and the Tower: hope betrayed.
- Near the Moon: lack of self-knowledge.
- Near the Fool - depression, dangers to mental health.
- Next to an arcane of Cups: feelings put to the test, an exhausting relationship.
- Close to any arcanum of Wands: hindrances, inability to decide.
- At a blade of Pentacles - financial losses, debts, spending sprees.
- Next to a card of Swords - useless fight, misfortune.
