The Hanged man

Card XII
Ruled By Neptune and Watery Element

The Hanged Man is one of the strangest cards in the Tarot. A man hanging upside down from a branch or scaffold, who doesn't actually seem to mind. The key to the figure lies in the man's expression which is of pleasure, exactly the opposite of what one would expect. This is the central theme of the card - a reversal of the expected. The card's ruler, Neptune, is a planet associated with self sacrifice, dreams, inspiration and mysticism. Its watery nature shows that time is fluid and dissolves all prejudices and preconceptions eventually.

Meaning: A temporary pause in life. Go with the flow and accept the changes that are occurring. Cultivate patience. Perhaps you have to sacrifice something so something greater can be gained. Rarely, the Hanged Man can mean illness. You may feel that you are walking a tightrope for a while because events around you will make you feel very uncertain.

Reversed Meaning: Selfishness is holding you back. Manipulation, especially emotional blackmail. perhaps you are playing the martyr.