The Star
As Depicted by the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
"Her left knee is on the land and her right foot upon the water. She pours Water of Life from two great ewers, irrigating sea and land. Behind her is rising ground and on the right a shrub or tree, whereon a bird alights. [She] will appear as the type of Truth unveiled, glorious in undying beauty… she is in reality the Great Mother " - Arthur Edward Waite
The Divinity
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The Components of 'The Hanged Man'
Waite refers to the man pictured as the "seeming martyr", likely a reference to Christianity and the story of the crucifixion of Jesus. The specific stance represents an intentional concession or renunciation, implying that the individual has opted to halt and perceive the universe through an altered lens. According to Waite, the man as a whole represent life in suspension, but very distinctly life and not the end of life or death. Regardless of his apparently vulnerable situation, the gentleman seems calm and harmonious, demonstrating acceptance and a readiness to endure momentary unease for spiritual illumination or self-development. The man is the principle of relinquishing control and giving oneself permission to be receptive to fresh knowledge and adventures even at the consequence of immediate discomfort or pain.
In the Hanged Man tarot card, the tree or cross serves as a powerful symbol with multiple layers of meaning. Firstly, it represents the concept of sacrifice and surrender, echoing the imagery of crucifixion in Christianity. The figure suspended from the tree or cross willingly adopts a posture of surrender, suggesting a willingness to undergo hardship or discomfort for a higher purpose, similar to the story of Christ willingly taking on the punishment of crucifixion as it was meant to redeem the rest of humanity from their sins.
Additionally, the tree or cross can be seen as a symbol of growth and regeneration. Just as trees grow upwards towards the light, the figure suspended from the tree is encouraged to elevate their consciousness and transcend mundane concerns. Waite places an emphasis on the idea that the cross pictured in the card is a living tree, fresh growth and green leaves still visible.
The halo pictured behind the head of the featured character is referred to as a nimbus by Waite, a word derived from Latin meaning cloud or halo. It has been used across various religious iconography to represent the divine or some form of enlightenment. Waite's use of the term nimbus stems from his goal to evoke a feeling of mysticism with additional spiritual connotations.