Sacrifice – The Hanged Man
We discussed Card 12 of the Major Arcana in a tarot class last week. As with any deep study of a card, we looked at it from a number of different perspectives. That is a particularly funny statement to make about the Hanged Man, though, because the Hanged Man is all about perspective.
Hung upside-down, in an obviously uncomfortable position, the Hanged Man shows no signs of distress. His calm demeanor and his halo remind us that in this uncomfortable state, he has reached a place of enlightenment.
That’s a valuable lesson. Often, when seen from the right perspective, discomfort can bring enlightenment. Often, to turn your world upside-down is a way to change your perspective.
The Hanged Man can also be about waiting, about life in suspension, and about surrendering control. It is the card of yoga, and of the 12-Step program.
One student asked me to explain how the key word “sacrifice” applied to the Hanged Man. I know it is a traditional key word, but not one I had really thought about.
Sometimes, though, the uncomfortable positions we assume are a karmic sacrifice. Sometimes we put ourselves in difficult positions particularly to help another person.
Sometimes, as with a 12-Step program, we are sacrificing a bad habit. Always, we are sacrificing our freedom, and our comfort, in order to receive enlightenment.
Certified Tarot Grandmaster
Comments
Lost
Hi Christiana,
After a four week visit to the states to reconnect with family and friends following a year of island hopping, I returned to Troubadour (our boat) and felt misplaced. I found myself spending time sleeping a lot and reflecting on the next year of my life. I wouldn't say that I didn't want to be home - on the boat -, but I describe it as a feeling of being "lost". After a few mornings of reflection, I was being filled with thoughts to reinvent myself through yoga, tarot and writing. But not being sure if this was the course of action I should step forward with, I turned to my Shadowscapes tarot cards and asked this question: "In what ways do I reinvent myself through yoga?"
The card and the answer: The Hanged Man
http://www.shadowscapes.com/Tarot/cards.php?suit=0&card=12&PHPSESSID=edf4f1d251fb0d1bd14f144604504ced
I searched your site for all commentary on Card 12 and while reading this particular blog post I was amazed to learn you referred to the Hanged Man as the card of yoga! What more can I learn about this card and how it relates to my question and feelings of being in limbo right now?
Based on my limited understanding, this card is saying I am in a period of spritual renewal or reflection ... and after reading your commentary as it relates to the card it seems that pursuing my dream of becoming a yoga instructor is where I should direct my energy & focus, both inward and outward. I have yet to draw a clarifying card - because I am still in a place of feeling unsteady and unsure.
I wondered also if I should use the number 12 as a guidepost in the direction of this probable new path in terms of periods of time... 12 days, 12 weeks, 12 months, 12 years to a complete reinvention of my life toward this goal.
What are your thoughts?
Thank you!
Found
Hi Linda! Sorry to hear you are going through a rough patch, but of course I feel that is part of your spiritual path . You are being encouraged to rise to a greater level of enlightenment.
And that is the thing about the Hanged Man. He is in an uncomfortable position, and has sacrificed a great deal. But through that, he finds enlightenment.
I would say that you are not reinventing yourself, but rather going deeper on your spiritual path, as you are being called to do.
Yoga, tarot and writing are all tools to help you do that. So is being on a freaking boat with limited access and control, tossed about on the water, so to speak.
And that is another interesting thing about the Hanged Man. This card is associated with the element of Water, even though the image does not tend to be watery. Significant for you, since you live on a boat.
Since it is a Water card, it deals with emotions, and with finding your own depth, which you are certainly doing.
Of course this card advises patience and acceptance - surrender to your situation, and to your destiny.
And, when you can't change your situation, change your perspective. And, give it a year - 12 months is a good amount of time for such a journey.
Does that all make sense?
Patience
Hi Christiana!
First, let me say I can't wait for your book!
Second, what you advised me does make sense, and I learn as always from your advice. Taking the obviousness of my situation and blending it with the message of the card puts my feelings of being in limbo into perspective.
Next I will ask some new questions and draw some clarifying cards - and begin my new path.
Thank you!
Linda
Obviousness
Thanks, Linda - I think you will enjoy the new book!
Yes, sometimes with tarot we need to look really deeply - other times the answer is so obvious we might miss it!
Sounds like you got yourself a plan!
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