Does the Hierophant count? A lot of people have a very negative view of the Hierophant because of the Christian imagery, and I guess I can't really blame them for that. But to me the Hierophant can go beyond that surface image of a clergy member preaching to his laymen and into a symbol of the Divine (whatever that is for you) meeting the mundane. Traditions, orthopraxy, even organized religion... These things aren't alway as stodgy and limiting as some people make them out to be. There's also the more secular meaning of institutions and societal groups, and while it can symbolize toxic institutions like the patriarchy, it can also be about the things you are willingly a part of (friend groups, collectives, work colleagues, etc.) and examining the pros and cons of being a part of these things.
I could talk about my feelings on the Hierophant all day, haha.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barleywine
I appreciate the Hanged Man. It reminds me of that old Coca-Cola slogan, "The Pause That Refreshes." I seldom see it as a distressing sacrifice of anything substantial, more as willingly relinquishing time and outward initiative as one focuses on the inner landscape. I especially like the Thoth Hanged Man when reversed, since it appears to be erupting from the solar disk, ready to act on its altered perspective: the time for waiting is over. For some strange reason, it makes me think of Richard Nixon flaunting his twin "V tor Victory" signs. If, as Crowley says, the Hanged Man upright represents a baptism and an initiation, reversed it suggests re-emergence into the light of day.
|
I agree wholeheartedly. I relate to the Hanged Man a lot because of my current place in life. It was (and still is, sometimes) hard to surrender to my circumstances instead of fighting what needs to happen, sacrificing external "purpose" (a job, a degree, a "normal" life, the idea of productivity in general) to be allowed to dive into the internal to heal myself and experience growth. My Hanged Man is less "hanged" and more "lying in bed", though.