Voluntarily enduring hardship for the opportunity to spiritually evolve is a weird concept. I wish I was personally better at it. Getting in touch with my personal inner Hanged Man needs to be a goal for the upcoming year. I too easily get trapped in my own fears to let myself trust in the universe to let myself have the kind of transcendental, indicatory experience this card represents to me.
Its a beautiful card with a figure positioned in mystical, mysterious ways. With the divine nimbus around his head symbolizing the divine, the blue tunic of water/the subconscious, the red leggings being his active intent and serene posture? I can see that the Hanged Man is poised so serenely, having the experience of "received knowledge" that is the literal meaning of Kabbalah as a word and concept.
In a reading, the Hanged Man often represents that it is time to pause and patiently let events unfold without further intervention. It can also mean that the need to make personal sacrifices for a greater good is at hand. I have it come up a lot in self-readings when I'm feeling anxious (especially about things outside my control) to gently remind me to ground, center, and do a little self-care before I say/do anything with or for other people.
