Bard of the Card: The Hanged Man

As mentioned in my Spring 2026 post, I had planned to go through the major arcana methodically and reflect upon what I learned as I combed through books. Yet I only made it through the Fool...how very Aries of me. I look back at start to feel that I am a failure because I didn't keep that goal.

I have begun pulling daily cards to share on my social media stories and have been reminded to let go of expectations. This has always been a struggle for me. I am always finding a balance between inspiring ideas and how to organize my thoughts to make things actually happen. (My top three zodiac signs right at work there...)

When reflecting on my goals for this blog and how I want to show up in the community, I returned to my "Bard of the Card" series. Lately, I feel like I have gotten some nudges from spirit/source encouraging me to deepen my creativity. I have been having ideas about group class/experiences related to how cartomancy and music could be joined to foster inner awareness, connections with others, and creativity.

This Bard of the Card session brought me The Hanged Man from the Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid and Maple Spirit-Generosity from The Sacred Forest Oracle by Denise Linn. These cards were very fitting with the endeavor I mentioned above.

The Hanged Man, who is peacefully and intentionally upside down, is taking the time to look at their experience from a different perspective. There is a stillness and a discipline there, for if they move to much they could fall and hurt themselves. You might wonder who helped them into this position and if there is anyone watching over them to help them down when they are read to move on...

The Maple Spirit card taps into the spiritual correspondences of the Maple Tree. Linn connects the Maple to the act of generosity. Like many other trees, the Maple provides shelter, shade, and protection. It also gives sweet syrup, a form of sustenance. Linn encourages the reader to give of themselves in order to receive. Much like the threefold law some Wiccans and pagans believe in.

I could imagine the Hanged Man hanging from a branch of a Maple Tree just waiting to receive whatever knowledge and perceptions needed. As I attempted to begin writing a song in reflection, this is what has emerged so far.

There's gotta be some change in the scenery

Gonna hang it up, make it topsy turvy

Maybe mystify the rules of gravity

Flip the script of expectancy

Close the eyes, a sigh, centering

There in the stillness, surrendering

The truth in time, welcoming

Serendipity flows, becoming

Oh to give is to receive

A back and forth generosity

All in how we choose to perceive

With a loving curiosity