After reading last week’s post in The Hanged Man series, The Paradox of The Hanged Man, you should be familiar with new perspectives, setting boundaries, and the benefits of opposite actions. Now, do you know how you can (mirror) the Hanged Man to work in your own life?What You Put In Is What You Get Out
We’ve all experienced the concept of a “string attached” to the desired outcome or having to “face the consequences” of our choices. This sums up the idea that in order for success (or an outcome) to be achieved, sacrifice is often required. What you put in is what you get out. It’s an exchange. While it’s comforting to know that any goal you want to achieve is possible, it’s important to know that it does require that something be given up in order to get there.
At first, that sacrifice may feel like you’re losing something. For example, my friend “Mary” gained over 30 lbs. in the earlier days of Covid. She stopped paying attention to her eating habits, lost access to the gym, and fell into a pattern of wearing her pajamas most of the time. With no zippers, snaps, or buttons to answer to, Mary’s waistline expanded. With her routine and social accountability tossed out the window, she woke up one day to an image she didn’t recognize. How could she fix this? The Hanged Man is so glad you asked because he has a lot to say about this.
The Way Forward
As we talked about last week, the paradox of The Hanged Man is the way forward. And, here is his advice:
- Letting Go. Accepting the situation and allowing any anger, frustration, or self-imposed guilt about where you are now to be released.
- Reversing. Seeing things from a new angle or perspective. Doing an about-face and upending the current ways of doing things (In Mary’s case – a new eating and exercise routine).
- Suspending Action. Living in the moment, pausing to reflect on how to move forward, giving up the urgency of immediate results.
- Sacrificing. Putting your self-interests aside, going back a step in order to take two steps forward, putting what you need before what you want.
A new perspective allowed Mary to find a successful path back to herself. The paradox of her situation is the unexpected joy she has found through her imagined sacrifice. What a gift!
Your Challenge This Week
Maybe you’ve experienced your own personal metaphorical look-in-the-mirror moment as well. Perhaps you’re still hanging in suspension trying to determine your best way forward. Or maybe your role is as a friend to give space and support. What is most resonant for you in the Hanged Man? What is the greatest sacrifice you were forced to or chose to make?
Please feel free to share your story either in the comments or in a personal message to me!
We all need boundaries. Stay tuned for next week as we wrap up The Hanged Man series.
Ever upward!
When Was Your Last Tarot Reading?
Life moves so quickly these days. It’s so easy to lose direction on your path. A yearly reading includes a look at the tone and energy for the year—what you are leaving behind, and what you are welcoming in. Plus, we discuss where you are and what’s coming next. Be prepared, not scared. Book your one-hour reading today! Zoom is equally as effective as in-person and I am available for both.
