Ash: Odin

The Celtic month of Ash, February 21 - March 20, is associated with the Norse god Odin.

Norse mythology calls it "Yggdrasil," or the tree that is rooted and connected to everything in every dimension across all time. 

The one-eyed Norse god Odin wanted to gain wisdom and knowledge of things hidden from him, so he sacrificed his eye in a well, threw himself on his spear, and then hung himself in Yggdrasil for nine days and nights. During this dark time, he saw visions and gained secret magickal wisdom including what we now call the runes. Afterward, he had the power to cure the sick, calm stormy weather, turn weapons against his enemies, and make women fall in love.

It is interesting to note that versions of this symbolic self sacrifice story have been retold within many world religions today, and that the rune for Ash resembles a cross, however, it feels more beneficial to discuss Odin's connection to the Hanged Man tarot card.

In the traditional depictions, the Hanged Man is a man hanging upside down by his foot, and often interpreted as a waiting period or standstill. If you're asking yes or no, this card is a "not yet." Not necessarily because you're not ready, but more likely the timing isn't aligned just yet.

About 25 years ago, I got a tarot deck that depicted the Hanged Man as an upside down fetus. The unexpected image was a bit jarring at first, but consider the meaning. In preparation for birth, the baby usually turns itself upside down to enter the world head first. But before birth, all it can do is hang upside down and wait. It's inevitable that at some point, birth should happen. It's a reminder that no matter what we're going through, we can get as ready as possible--even try a different point of view--while we're waiting for the impending change ahead. 

Do what lights you up,
Sadie

See also: 

Ash February 21-March 20
Pisces 2024
Ash: Nuin
Ash: Naudhiz
Ash: coral
Ash: dolphin
Celtic Tree Months