Card 12

The Hanged Man

Brief Description

The King of Oak signifies a period of meditation and introspection, urging one to weigh options and let go of the old to make space for the new. It represents a harmonious interaction with the cycles of life, emphasizing the importance of balance and preparation before action. The card encourages understanding what truly matters and what has outlived its purpose.

the hanged mantarottarot card meaningtarot interpretationtarot readingcard symbolismdivinationmajor arcana

Description

The King of Oak hangs upside down from a tree, with one of his heels secured between oak branches. He feels free, comfortable, and relaxed as he contemplates the importance of his role in the endless flow of time, drawing an infinite cosmic lemniscate on the ground beneath him, enclosed in the wheel of the year.

Cycle of Changes

His body position resembles the infinity symbol, as he awaits a similar cycle of changes when the King of Oak transforms into an unborn child in the womb of the Mother Goddess, passing his power to his own aspect of the Holly King, the Sage who will rule until the King of Oak is reborn at Yule. The lemniscate shows that the endless divine cycle of life and power is a harmonious interaction of light and shadow, demonstrating that life itself moves in accordance with the seasons, and he serves as a conduit.

Meditation and Introspection

This arcana provides an opportunity to meditate or delve within oneself to understand what needs to be discarded to make room for something new, and what should be preserved. It could be as simple as cleaning your home or deciding on the necessity of someone's or something's presence in your life. It's a time when the conscious mind can communicate with your unconscious, determining what you truly want and what has already run its course.

Transition

The essence of change lies in the subtle process of transition, which requires reflection and the willingness to let go of what has outlived its usefulness to achieve something in life. At this stage, it is essential to determine the foundations for the future and consider new ventures and prospects. When this card appears in a reading, it suggests considering all possible options, gathering all resources, and bringing them into balance before taking action. Just as all components for magical work are placed on a pentacle for a ritual of connection with Earth and manifestation in the physical world, a person must prepare for what will materialize.

Symbols

At the roots of the tree grows yellow broom, symbolizing hope, resilience, fertility, and rebirth. A robin perched on a sunlit branch represents changes, understanding cycles, and messages.

Upright Meaning

Suspended activity, transition, meditation, weighing options, inner peace, tranquility, making decisions about changes, self-sacrifice for benefit.

Reversed Meaning

Decision making, time to act, missed opportunity, fear of changes.

Keywords

Self-analysis, inner peace.

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Green Witch Tarot

✍️ Deck author(s): Ann Moura, Art by Kiri Østergaard Leonard

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