1. Card XII: The Hanged Man
- Core Themes: Waiting, sacrifice, enlightenment, suspension, transition.
- Symbols & Correspondences: Neptune, Water element; Hebrew letter Mem (water and oceans, meaning transition). Key symbols include: the World Tree / Tree of Life (from which Odin hung; also the Kabbalistic Tree of Life), the Tau Cross (T-shaped cross of Christ’s crucifixion), the halo (enlightenment and protection), the figure’s bent right leg (resembling the fylfot cross, an early Christian symbol).
- Upright Meaning: Events are moving slowly; all you can do is wait patiently, trusting that the universe has its own plan. You may have made sacrifices recently and are eager to see rewards, but outcomes cannot be forced to fit your timetable. Creative projects need time to incubate; use this time to develop new perspectives. If your current approach is not working, try to see things from a different angle. May also indicate delays in travel and projects.
- Reversed Meaning: May indicate rigid thinking and a martyr mentality. You may need to revise your expectations, as what you think you want may not be possible. Ask yourself whether you are clinging to a fantasy that makes you a victim rather than a victor. The advice is to take another view and liberate yourself from obligations that cannot offer you what you want.
- Wisdom Message: “Use your time wisely.”
The Hanged Man Spread: Place The Hanged Man card, draw 5 cards. Ask: “What am I waiting for?” or “What supports me at this time?” (Positions: 1 Your situation, 2 What supports you emotionally, 3 What supports you practically, 4 An alternative view of the situation, 5 Outcome)
2. Card XIII: Death
- Core Themes: Transformation, change, endings and beginnings, metamorphosis.
- Symbols & Correspondences: Scorpio, Water element; Hebrew letter Nun (fish, meaning decline and rebirth). Key symbols include: the standard/flag with a white rose and five ears of corn (rebirth and harvest), black armor (protection), pale horse (one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse), red feather (life force, shown wilted), the bishop and child (facing Death without fear, symbolized by yellow robes), city gates (gates of heaven; sunrise and sunset symbolize simultaneous endings and beginnings).
- Upright Meaning: Brings endings and beginnings, sometimes all at once. A time of fast and deep transformation and an opportunity to let go of whatever you no longer need. Unlike Judgment, Death’s impact is sudden and may be shocking. You have little control over external events when Death appears, but in time you will see these sharp changes as blessings. Breaking with the past—from relationships to unsatisfying work—is the only way forward.
- Reversed Meaning: Has virtually the same meaning as the upright position, but the difference lies in your reaction. You may feel anxious and stressed, unable to comprehend what is happening, rather than accepting it. May also indicate that a relationship cannot be mended or that an employer will not change their mind. In some contexts, the reversed Death card appears as final confirmation of a question already answered upright.
- Wisdom Message: “Swift change brings new beginnings.”
Death Spread (Looking at Transformation): Place Death card, draw 2 cards. Ask: “What needs to go?” or “What will be transformed?” (Positions: 1 Past issues / what is to be released, 2 The outcome)
3. Card XIV: Temperance
- Core Themes: Moderation, reconciliation, healing, angelic guidance, balance.
- Symbols & Correspondences: Sagittarius, Fire element; Hebrew letter Samekh (support or crutch, meaning patience). Key symbols include: the triangle within the square (Fire and Earth; the seven principles of man), two cups (one for the past, one for the present; water flowing between them symbolizes present creation), the sun symbol on the archangel’s forehead (spiritual illumination; alchemical gold), irises (hope), water pool (purification, emotions, the unconscious mind), rising sun over mountains (a new dawn after a period of stress).
- Upright Meaning: Shows you are dealing with a potentially volatile situation and need to temper your thoughts and actions to find balance and harmony. This means blending two opposing forces to create an inspired solution, rather than choosing one side or the other. The card asks you not to resist but to accept both sides of a situation and be guided by what feels most natural. It is time to reconcile any area of your life that is out of balance. Action matters more than endless analysis. Also indicates you are connecting with your guides and angels.
- Reversed Meaning: Shows imbalance and unfairness in relationships, as well as financial problems. What you pour into your relationships and work may not be rewarded. You may be struggling with change, with the past dominating your present and future. Difficult old memories may resurface, making you feel held back. The advice is to focus on what you need now, in the present.
- Wisdom Message: “You are guided to find peace.”
Temperance Spread (Making Peace): Place Temperance card at the top. Separate the deck into minor and major arcana. Draw 2 cards from the minor arcana and 3 cards from the major arcana. Ask: “What do I need to temper?” (Positions: 1 Factors in balance [minor arcana], 2 Factors out of balance [minor arcana], 3 Guidance needed [major arcana], 4 Action to take [major arcana], 5 Outcome [major arcana])
References
Greer, M. K. (2019). Tarot for your self: A workbook for personal transformation (3rd ed.). Weiser Books.
