The Hanged Man is one of the iconic figures of the Major Arcana, strangely hanging upside down in an odd position.

He hangs from a tree, which forms a Tau Cross.

A Tau Cross is a symbol, at heart, of faith.

It symbolises many things: Christ's crucifixion as a symbol for sacrifice, in the Old Testament of belief and being saved; for Pagan's symbol for fertility; the Egyptians as the Ankh, a symbol for life; the Franciscans as a symbol for redemption.

It stems from the Greek letter T, symbolic of life and resurrection, and within the Hebrew alphabet, Tau is the last letter meaning truth. There are many more meanings attached to the Tau Cross throughout history, and all are based on a belief in growth through deep personal honesty. An understanding of the self, based on letting go, or going within, is a journey towards what matters to be reborn in truth.  

Our hanged man is only ever loosely tied to the tree; he can leave at any time he wishes. Yet, he has freely chosen to invert his body, mind, and emotions on a Tau Cross. This links in with the sacrifice element of this card; the need to go within and find a new version of himself and of life. This can help him reboot, change, or renew who he is and what he does in life.

He is not attached to a tree to ground energies, to heal, or to gain protection from the elements, as this card is not about such things. It brings him into focus on who he is and what he is aiming for by sacrificing one view of the world for another. Faith is needed as he trusts that the process will serve him well.

In short, he is there to think, as this is a very mental card, and he has chosen the right tool for the job with the Tau, as it supports his sacrifice as he searches for a deeper truth or understanding.

More: The Hanged Man 

---

- Email Guidance for your problems big & small 

- Join us in our Facebook group, Understanding Tarot 

- Understanding Tarot by Pam Richards

---