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As we become adept in our abilities to see through the illusions of human attachment, we sometimes move away from owning or identifying the source of pain on a human level and negate the process of holding people, places and things accountable when it is necessary to do so. We must try not to over simplify a situation by turning it loose to the Gods, so to speak, before one has thoroughly examined the damage and wreckage it has caused on the physical plane. Our painful lessons can eventually turn into great gifts, but the pain alone was not a gift: Self love and determination turned the pain into love. I call this, Intelligent Love. We do not have to love or accept the circumstances that hurt us; what we can do, however, is love ourselves enough to release negative patterns that have been triggered by painful circumstances. This requires a forgiveness that is all encompassing without denying the accountability of actions, people, or deeds that rendered our suffering.
I want to parallel the above with the state of our ecology as a planetary system. Our survival depends on laws of interdependent cooperation, but our system revels in the facade of independent power. In order to turn our system right again, we need a cleaning out process that involves the identification of people, places, and things that have contributed to our planetary demise. Only then can we begin to understand power as it emanates from the Planetary Heart, interconnecting personal power with Global Consciousness. This change is nothing less than radical, for if we are to pursue a path of ecotopia, we must face the reality that we are far from that ideal. We need to hold ourselves and others accountable for decisions and actions that contribute to our present state of affairs. We must identify the source of planetary demise and change the circumstance, awaken and release old patterns, and discover universal compassion within and without. We cannot allow ourselves to underestimate the pain and destruction our planet is experiencing, for it will be impossible to create global peace until suffering on the planet is recognized by all.
I have chosen the Hanged One or Hanged Man to be the Tarot Archetype associated with the theme Ecotopia because it is imperative that humanity reverse its course and empty itself of the illusions and materialism that govern the Western World and other parts of the globe. Much has been sacrificed in the name of industrialized growth and technology, and it is time to face the consequences of these choices. The word sacrifice means "to make life sacred", and the Hanged One, with its ear close to the earth is listening to the voice of the Gaia, or great mother, as she summons a plea of mercy. Ruled by the planet Neptune, The Hanged One is positioned in a volunteered up side down position in order that he/she may activate the "crown chakra" and receive a revelation. In most decks this card indicates a reawakening or enlightened experience about to happen, and it puts one in a vulnerable stance in order that one can become more compassionate toward the suffering of the world.
On the Royal Road To Wisdom, The Hanged Man follows the Justice card. Justice serves to educate us about the greater laws of order, for when we set things right according to a greater plan, we must rid ourselves, or, empty out the habits, patterns, and attachments that no longer serve the highest good.
In a sense, we are all being called upon to rise up, resurrect and live according to a broader understanding of what release and surrender can mean during this time of planetary crisis. And we must become aware of the consequences our personal and collective choices create. If we choose to listen to the voice of our planet, she can guide our way. The Hanged One is ready to embark on a sacred mission of planetary service, one that entails the integrity of right action and sustained effort toward the greater good without becoming a victim to the misuse of power.
When we join the Hanged One on the initiatory path of wisdom we are birthing aspects of a new culture or New World, one that may emulate the qualities of an ecotopian society. We can empty our pockets, let the old fall away, and prepare for a new stage of evolution where we become an open chalice, ready to be filled with sacred living.
In the Mother Peace deck by Vickie Noble, the Hanged One represents the voluntary release of ego control, and beckons one to let go, not into fear, but into greater love.
In the Mythic Tarot by Juliet Sherman-Burke and Liz Greene the Hanged Man is represented as Prometheus. The name Prometheus means "foresight" and he possessed the gift of prophecy. Prometheus had a deep sympathy for humankind and defied the laws of Zeus and stole the fire of the gods to give to man, knowing full well that he would suffer for his deed.
Traditional Hanged Man from the Rider Tarot Deck, hanging by one foot, fully conscious, on the Tree of Life. The foot is a symbol of Pisces, and symbolizes greater understanding. With the foot reversed in an upright position, the ground that was solid is lost, and the foot points to the heavens ready to receive new wisdom.
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