December 2024

'The Hanged Man' -

Often misunderstood as a negative omen, The Hanged Man is, in reality, one of the most introspective and transformative cards in the tarot deck. Unlike what many assume, his position is not one of helplessness but of choice—a deliberate surrender to stillness and contemplation. This is often symbolised by one foot being tied while the other remains free, signifying his wilful submission to a state of pause in order to gain a new perspective.

Rather than acting impulsively, The Hanged Man embraces limbo, using this suspended state to reflect, meditate, and allow time to unravel uncertainties. After all, when hanging from a rope, any sudden movements risk breaking the balance—patience is key.

In my interpretation, I emphasise this concept by creating a mirror image of The Hanged Man, depicting him both upright and inverted. This duality is further reflected in my use of red and yellow, two opposing colours on the spectrum, symbolising how meaning shifts depending on the lens through which it is viewed. The same story, the same image, can be interpreted in infinite ways, each shaped by individual perception and experience—none more or less true than another.