The Fool And The Hanged Man: 2 Often Misunderstood Tarot Cards

If you're new to tarot card readings done by a psychic services professional, then you might be confused when seeing certain cards in the Major Arcane. The pictures on the cards might suggest one interpretation, but it's important to realize that the pictures can be misleading. For example, The Devil is not a harbinger of evil. Likewise, Death is not always symbolic of physical death.

This article will focus on two of the lesser-known tarot cards (The Fool and The Hanged Man) that are also often misunderstood.

The Fool                 

The Fool is the first card in the Major Arcana cycle. He represents the human journey through life. The Fool is depicted facing westward, where the sun is shining. He is smiling, optimistic and dressed in plain clothing. This choice of dress can be traced back to the original Italian depiction of The Fool as a beggar. The stylistic choice is important because it conveys that the fool is not attached to material things. Instead, he is focused on spiritual and emotional rewards.

The Fool is not to be interpreted as conveying ignorance or stupidity. Rather, The Fool should be interpreted as the need to start a new journey. The Fool is a carefree individual who looks toward the new horizon with not a care in the world. So, should you be dealt The Fool, it suggests that it is time to start a new journey and rid yourself of doubt and fear.

Of course, should The Fool be reversed (dealt upside down), it represents a warning of caution. The reversed Fool suggests that you should be careful about starting a new journey without measuring the dangerous and potential consequences.

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man depicts a figure suspended from a tree. One leg is crossed behind the other, and both arms are held behind the figures back. The figures head is surrounded by a halo of light.

There are several things to take notice of. First, the figure is suspended (hanging) from a living tree. This tree is often seen to symbolize the Tree Of Life. This living tree should be compared to the common gallows or tree branches were people were "hung". 

Secondly, The Hanged Man has a peaceful look on his face, and his head is surrounded by a halo of light. This halo of light can be interpreted to be an achievement of spiritual enlightenment.

Finally, it should be noted that The Hanged Man is on the tree of his own volition. He is not bound to the tree with ropes, instead he is voluntarily suspending himself upside down.

The Hanged Man is not symbolic of punishment, hanging, or imprisonment. Instead, The Hanged Man represents that a time of contemplation and suspension of action is necessary. This time will allow for one to meditate and consider the implications of future actions.

If The Hanged Man is reversed, then it will suggest that one needs to change their view of their current situation. Things might seem dire, and all options exhausted, but by changing the way you view a situation could lead to a new path.

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