The Hanged Man is the twelfth card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of the subconscious mind; it is symbolic of the suspension of reason and all that is rational.
The Symbolism of the Hanged Man Tarot Card
This card is represented by a man suspended from a living tree. Though he seems to be bound in what could be considered a torturous position, he wears a serene expression on his face. This card does not seem to suggest death, but rather a suspension of life.
The Hanged Man bears the number “12,” and is the divine connection for the Fool after his encounter with Justice.
The General Interpretation of the Hanged Man Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies the need for a voluntary sacrifice, for the purpose of gaining something of even greater value. This can take many forms. It may mean the sacrifice of something physical, perhaps a prized possession. Or it might be the abandoning of a cherished attitude. Its interpretation is different for each individual.
The Fool responds to the challenge of the turning of the Wheel of Fortune with a willingness to put his trust in the unseen. He hopes for a new and better life.
The Inner Meaning of the Hanged Man in Tarot
The Hanged Man is the image of voluntary sacrifice for the greater good. This sacrifice is made with complete acceptance and an understanding of the suffering that might accompany this sacrifice. His expression is peaceful, despite his anxiety over the idea that his sacrifice might come to naught. His suspension gives him time to commune with the divine, and so he represents the full-circle connection of humanity with the gods. The Hanged Man is a spiritual card.
When encountering the Wheel of Fortune, the Fool learned what it meant to confront change. Now, he understands that he can react in many ways. He could refuse to accept what must be, and cling to the past. He could become bitter and look for someone or something to blame. Instead, the Fool chooses to accept the idea that change might be necessary for the unfolding of the yet-unclear destiny he must face.
The Fool encounters the Hanged Man after he meets Justice, on the path to his meeting with Death.
For those that choose to read reversed meanings, the Justice card is not a good one to find reversed in a Tarot reading. This card usually means that you will continue to be treated unfairly or unkindly for a while longer. In fact, you will likely never get a satisfactory result out of the present situation. If you have any legal matters to deal with, ensure that you have the right advisor and read all the small print on any document before signing or you might find yourself in trouble. If you're considering bringing a legal case against another person or organization, be aware that you could very well lose.
Justice is the eleventh card of the Major Arcana of the Tarot. It is the embodiment of everything this card implies: truth, justice, fairness, equity.
The Symbolism of the Justice Tarot Card
This card is represented by a severe figure, robed in red, holding the scales of justice in one hand; these represent the ability to weigh one thing against another, and then to render an impartial judgment. In the other hand, he holds a sword. The pillars surrounding him are another reminder of the severity of this card.
Justice bears the number “11,” and is the dealer of justice for the Fool after his encounter with the Wheel of Fortune.
The General Interpretation of the Justice Card
When appearing in a spread, this card implies the need for balance and a need for impartial decision-making. However, Justice is often double-edged. Sometimes justice can be too impersonal, and too idealistic. Even the truth can cut.
The Fool must learn to develop all this card represents. Justice, truth, and honor. However, he cannot stay forever in this pure temple. Instead, he must move on, ever learning.
The Inner Meaning of the Justice in Tarot
Justice is the image of reflective judgment and rational thought. The judgments here are not based on emotion or feeling, but on an objective assessment of all factors involved. This card can also represent a need for ethical principles and firm guidelines. Personal desires have no influence here.
To the Fool, Justice teaches the building of character and the development of the mental capacity to deal fairly with all of life’s experiences. He is shown how to think clearly and how to cultivate a balanced mind. When he encountered the Lovers, the Fool was not yet able to weight one thing against another. Now, he must learn to do so, and arrive at impartial judgments whenever possible.
The Fool discovers that justice is not possible unless he learns to respect fairness and truth. He realizes that fairness and truth are to be embraced as ethical principles, not simply as aspects to adopt because they might make him more popular. Justice rises above nature, and teaches the Fool to strive toward perfection whenever possible.
The Fool encounters Justice after he meets the Wheel of Fortune, on the path to his meeting with the Hanged Man.
Reading reversed (upside down) cards as having different meanings than upright Tarot cards is a common practice, but not every Tarot reader does it. You can choose for yourself whether you will read reversed cards or simply turn the cards around and read them as upright. Whichever you choose, be consistent. If you constantly change your mind, you'll confuse yourself and your Tarot cards!
If you are reading reversed cards, the Wheel of Fortune may simply mean that the changes you crave are still a little ways off. You may have to be patient, waiting for these changes to come to you. Active pursuit is unlikely to help you at all. Alternatively, the Wheel of Fortune reversed might mean that change will come but not in the way you might choose or expect. Be prepared for the unexpected.
