Notes on the Hanged Man

The head of the Hanged Man appears to be beneath the roots of a gnarled tree, submerged in a subterranean grotto. The crown of his head is dipped into a swirling whirlpool, which is a symbol of the subconscious. This union signifies the merging of self-awareness with the deeper, hidden layers of the mind.

The Hanged Man represents a state of suspension and surrender. He is depicted hanging upside down, suggesting a reversal of perspective (Metanoia) and a willingness to see things from a new angle.

"The Nous is the knowing power of the inmost heart, known as the eye of the soul: and Metanoia or ‘repentance’, as it is woefully mistranslated in the Bible, is the change of Nous, a change of heart." - via: Visio Smaragdina

"Nous in English means inner knowledge or a special kind of knowledge that is acquired through experience, and it is the knowledge that not all are privy to." - via: Gnostic Aspirant

🎨 AI Generated Art by @HermaJestar 

Let's examine this further, shall we?

Roots of the Tree:

Roots represent the foundational elements of being, and the Sphere of Yesod. Yesod is linked with the subconscious, dreams, the unseen facets of the psyche, and the astral realm. 

The gnarled and twisted roots of the subterranean grotto suggest dangers lurking within its labyrinthine depths. These may symbolize the darker, more repressed aspects of the psyche or realms that are beyond one's present understanding.

Hair in the Whirlpool:

In this rendition of the Hanged Man, a man is depicted with his head immersed in a swirling watery vortex. The moisture in his hair, damp from being dunked, signifies the merging of the conscious (head and wet hair) with the subconscious (the whirlpool). Water also represents purification and cleansing. Wet hair, freshly washed, symbolizes a state of purity and preparedness, similar to an enlightened nervous system that is unclouded and devoid of impurities, allowing for peak functioning and receptivity.

As Above (Branches), So Below (Roots)

The crown chakra, also known as Kether and symbolized by the branches, resides at the top of the head and is linked to higher consciousness. Wet hair, especially if it's dripping or moist, can symbolize an open and activated crown chakra, through which spiritual energy flows more freely, much like water flows through and around the hair. 

"A blooming flower, but I am thirsty."

Water is fluid and adaptable, representing the nervous system's ability to transmit signals and information efficiently. Wet hair can symbolize this fluidity, and it can have a cooling effect on the scalp. This might represent the calming and soothing of an overactive mind or nervous system. This cooling effect can be likened to the serenity and peace associated with Samadhi. 

Washing and wetting one's hair can be viewed as a ritual akin to baptism, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. This act may represent the release of old, stagnant energies and the embrace of fresh, dynamic ones. It symbolizes a purified state, free from anything that might cloud perception. This mirrors an enlightened nervous system that operates without blockages, allowing for clear and efficient transmission of information and energy.

Water is a good conductor of electricity, paralleling how an enlightened nervous system efficiently transmits bioelectrical signals throughout the body. Wet hair, by being in contact with water, symbolizes this heightened conductivity and the seamless flow of energy. Water is also symbolic of the dynamic and swirling electromagnetic energy, the fundamental essence from which all things emerge.

Subterranean Grotto:

A grotto is a natural cave (Virgo, The Hermit), a depression (Saturn) in the earth. These concepts are frequently linked to mystery, the unknown, and the sacred. It implies an inward journey, delving into the depths of the self, highlighted by his downward-facing stance. The grotto represents the unconscious mind and the hidden aspects of the self that the Hanged Man must explore. The Hanged Man represents the light of awareness in the darkness of the subconscious. We can draw several parallels here with the meanings surrounding The Hermit tarot key.

The Hermit is often depicted looking backward, symbolizing reflection (like water) and the search for wisdom in past experiences. This backward gaze can be seen as a journey into one's memories (Mem being the Hebrew Mother Letter for water) and into the collective unconscious, seeking understanding (stand under, sub stance) and enlightenment. 

The Hermit carries a lantern, symbolizing inner light, insight, and guidance. This light represents the knowledge and wisdom that come from within, illuminating the path forward. The connection to the Hanged Man lies in the idea that both figures find enlightenment through introspection and the inner journey. The Hermit's lantern can be seen as a metaphor for the crown chakra's illumination, guiding one through the darkness of the unconscious, the unknown.

The lantern of The Hermit is synonymous with the meaning behind The Hanged Man and The Magician's wand. They are all potent symbols for the role of the human pineal gland. Overall, the imagery of The Hanged Man signifies the integration of the conscious mind with its foundation (the subconscious). This change in viewpoint allows one to perceive more than just the superficial aspects of things. One can no longer take things at their face value, as one is able to see what's under the surface.