12. The Hanged Man

Upright – Sacrifice. A pause. New life approaches.

Reversed – Selfishness. Useless sacrifice.

 

The Hanged Man is where he is voluntarily; however, he is "all tied up" – to a cause, an idea, a person. Nothing is really being accomplished; instead, there is a gap, a hiatus, a waiting period while life-forces regenerate. It can be rather boring, waiting there, but nothing will happen until the Hanged Man realises that he isn't really helping anyone in the position he's in. The subject of this card has the best of intentions, but he'd do more good if he either helped (as opposed to trying to help) or left well alone. "Do or do not – there is no try" as Yoda says!

Reversed, the card can indicate selfishness – someone who is unwilling to make a sacrifice that could help the situation. Alternatively, it can indicate useless sacrifice.

11. Justice

Upright – Impartiality. Responsibility for self.

Reversed - Bias, prejudice. Unfairness.

Justice is just what it says on the box – it is being dealt with fairly and impartially. It implies that we must ultimately be responsible for our own actions. As you deal, so are you dealt.

Justice is not capricious. She does not judge you on what is beyond your control. "As the fellow did, he must/himself be done by – and that's just."

 

Reversed, Justice becomes injustice, or justice without mercy.