Card for Discussion - The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man
This is a fascinating card with several interpretations. This image is from the Shadowscapes deck.  For me, this card has always been linked to the God Odin, and shares one of his lessons and experiences.  In short, it summarizes the tale of when Odin pierced himself with his spear and hung himself from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days in order to gain the wisdom of the runes.  He made a huge sacrifice, but from it he gained enlightenment.  This is told in much better detail at this site and I would recommend that you check it out if you would like to read further.  http://norse-mythology.org/tales/odins-discovery-of-the-runes/  I love the interpretation of this story explained there as how he, “Sacrificed Himself to Himself.”  This card advises you to do the same.   It can indicate that you may have to make a sacrifice in order to gain knowledge about something in your life.  The more obvious explanation comes from the fact that he hangs upside down, and it of course sends the clear message of needing to see things from an entirely different point of view.  The ankh which hangs in the tree is the Egyptian symbol for eternal life or the key of life.  It suggests that this may be part of what he is searching for and hoping to gain from his actions.