a tricky card: The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man in the "Self" Position

A sacrifice mediates the situation and returns it to normal.

The card in the Self position reveals aspects of how you perceive yourself right now.

The Hanged Man represents the taking of a loss. He's the sacrificial lamb, whether it's accepted with grace or only because it's been forced upon him. In either case, his ordeal serves to clear the air of general tension, denial and game playing. The Hanged Man's predicament brings issues to a head, making it possible to clear the slate and allow everyone to start over.

Whether it's purely symbolic or has to do with real events, such a situation can clear the collective conscience and helps to break old patterns. It's a good thing that it's you playing this vulnerable role, and not someone else who may be broken by the situation. You are resilient and regenerative, someone who can view this experience as educational and not be totally victimized by it. This is the enlightened attitude. Your sacrifice will make a difference in the larger flow of events, even if it's not fair and you don't deserve it.