ⅩⅡ-THE HANGED MAN
A man hangs upsidedown from a crossbeam.
One leg is crossed over the other and despite his predicament, he looks quite calm and impassive.
The crossbeam from which he hangs is sprouting leaves.
The central figure I have used is of Saint Sebastian, a popular Renaissance icon who is said to have died after being tied to a tree and pierced by arrows.
He is generally accepted to be a myth rather than a real historical figure, and probably evolved from the ancient Roman legend of Attis, the Celtic Cu Chulainn, or the pagen Green Man.
All of these pre-Christian man-god figures died willingly in ritual sacrifice for the common good.
[MEANING]
Trust that all will get what they deserve.
Sacrifices may be necessary and not all battles will be won.
Some are not worth fighting, and are better of foregone.
Self-control may be necessary in times ahead ―you may need to bite your tongue and accept that others will get what they have coming to them, without need for you to intervene.
[Reserved]
A tendency toward masochism and playing the martyr needlessly.
