Some things we can control, and some we cannot. Learning to discern the difference (and act–or not, accordingly) will leave you a much happier person.

Today’s Tarot is The Hanged Man, number XII of the major arcana, coming in inverted. This is a Neptunian card and is generally taken to mean surrender, transcendence—a time where all action is suspended, promoting reflection that allows you insight; let go of preconceived notions and attachments, instead allowing for life to unfold as it will. It’s important to remember this card points to a temporary situation; also note the Hanged Man is neither struggling nor resigned: he’s at peace.

This version from Shadowscapes has an enigma symbol in the tree above the man, drawing attention to the void that’s often manifested when looking at Neptune energy. The tide rolls out and washes back in. The Hanged Man indicates the tide is currently out. He’s also taken off his Ankh pendent and hung it on the branch of the tree. He’s setting aside his life for the time being. He shows up not when you have answers, but when you have to let go of the questions for now. Instead, you can gain peace through grounding yourself internally via the integrity of your intention; you don’t control outcome nor others. You control your own choices and perspective.

It isn’t always easy. If your kid goes south, you’ll second-guess every decision you’ve ever made. You’ll wonder if you missed signs, if you could have fixed it by finding some kind of magic, or why it happened to your family. You can grasp at twigs of hope as long as you can find some, but once that’s sufficiently thinned, all that’s left is letting go of that reality, if you’re not done living.

If you’ve ever worked with Manifesting, you’re familiar with the concept of creating your own reality. Early on as you start studying prosperity and manifesting material, it’s all but inevitable that you’ll soon be feeling deficient, flawed, or broken somehow if you have any ugly in your life. You wonder what you’re doing to ask for it. Sometimes, something. Sometimes, not.

It’s very true that people do self-generate many of their problems. If we refuse to face, there IS a price to be paid. So if nothing in your life is the way you want it, yes, look in the mirror to figure out why. There may be a clue in there. But even when you don’t make your own mess, life is sometimes harsh. Pain is inextricably embedded into the human experience. Our choice isn’t whether or not we get heartache. It’s what we do about it when it shows up.

I do believe my words, actions, attitudes and beliefs contribute to creating my outward reality. I know for a fact they completely color my inward reality. Of the two, the inward reality is the one that’s my responsibility and domain to manage. The Hanged Man, inverted, is advising to reevaluate what you control versus what you don’t.  Set aside ego concerns, attachment to outcomes, and the illusion of predictability, understanding the process will complete organically. This is your exit route from struggle. Remember you’re in transition. Be patient, be still, and let the tide both come and go, hanging on to your faith all the while. Because with the Hanged Man, faith is the most solid resource you’ve got.

How do you deal with situations out of your control? How’s your Neptune?

Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

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