Upright
Wisdom, circumspection, discernment, trials, sacrifice, intuition, divination, prophecy.
Reversed
Selfishness, the crowd, body politic.
Reflection
Light
Seeing growth opportunities in unpleasant events
Experiencing a dramatic change in personal perspective
Making the best of an unforeseen change in your life or work
Suspending disbelief
Making sacrifices
Shadow
Being untrue to yourself and your values
Refusing to make sacrifices when appropriate
Refusing to adapt to new situations
Blaming others
Profiting at the expense of others
Symbolism
The gallows from which he is suspended forms a Tau cross, while the figure--from the position of the legs--forms a fylfot cross. There is a nimbus about the head of the seeming martyr. It should be noted (1) that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon; (2) that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering; (3) that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled. One of his editors suggests that Éliphas Lévi did not know the meaning, which is unquestionable nor did the editor himself. It has been called falsely a card of martyrdom, a card a of prudence, a card of the Great Work, a card of duty; but we may exhaust all published interpretations and find only vanity. I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe.
The Fool
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
The Emperor
The Hierophant