Besides the traitor, interpretations of the Hanged Man tarot card have the man as Odin (via American Tarot Association). The legend goes that Odin hung from the World Tree for nine days, ready to sacrifice himself for knowledge. Modern interpretations, like Biddy Tarot's, seem to lean more on the idea that "The Hanged Man reminds you that sometimes you have to put everything on hold before you can take the next step, or the Universe will do it on your behalf." For Kristine of Soul Life Magic, the Hanged Man "can also be encouraging the asker to view life form a more spiritual perspective and tap into their heart's wisdom." Being tied to the tree is necessary because sometimes sitting still is necessary.
Even reversed (upside down), the Hanged Man is a good tarot card to draw or, in the case of movies, mimic. Biddy Tarot explains that this card can mean it's okay for you to "move forward with a new perspective and a renewed sense of energy." Kristine says that the reversed Hanged Man tarot card is a "reminder not to fight change." After all, you can't move forward without letting go of what's holding you back. Of course, you'll need to figure out what the rope in your life is that is holding you back first.
