The Hanged Man -
Tarot Card Meaning
Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.
Written by Made Musings
12. THE HANGED MAN
At a glance:
The Hanged Man symbolizes pause and surrender in order to see things in a new perspective.
Upright Keywords:
Surrender, pause, new perspective, observation
Reversed Keywords:
impatience, rushing for results, need for pause
Numerology:
12 - cycles, seasons, and cosmic harmony
The Hanged Man: Upright Meaning
The Hanged Man tarot card depicts a figure suspended upside down from the Tree of Life. Despite his unusual position, he appears serene and content, suggesting he is there by choice. He sees things “upside-down” which offers him a new way of seeing the situation. This card symbolizes a period of pause, surrender, and gaining a new perspective. When you encounter The Hanged Man, it's a signal to let go of control and embrace the present moment, allowing for introspection and a shift in viewpoint.
In "The Fool's Journey," The Fool evolves into The Hanged Man, marking a significant transformation in his quest for truth. This stage teaches The Fool the crucial lesson of surrender—knowing when to stop struggling and allow answers to unfold naturally. The Hanged Man symbolizes the importance of taking a pause to experience the world from different perspectives. By accepting stillness and viewing situations from new angles, The Fool gains deeper insights and prepares for the next phase of his spiritual evolution.
The Hanged Man is associated with the number 12, which often signifies cycles, seasons, and cosmic harmony (for example, there are 12 zodiac signs, 12 months in a year, etc). The number 12 also combines the energies of 1 (new beginnings) and 2 (balance and duality), emphasizing the importance of finding equilibrium across all perspectives.
Love/Relationships
The Hanged Man love meaning indicates a phase of limbo. You might feel like your relationship is stagnant or that it’s not progressing how you would like. This card advises you not to force anything; instead, trust in the timing of the universe. Enjoy the present moment and trust that the answers will show itself. If you're in a relationship, consider how you can view your partner and your situation from a different perspective to enhance your connection. Take this time to understand your needs and desires more deeply.
Money/Career
The Hanged Man in the realm of money/career suggests that a project or job may be at a standstill. This can be frustrating, but the card encourages you to embrace this pause. Use the downtime to explore other interests or areas of professional development. Reflect on your career path and consider if there are alternative routes you haven't yet explored. Don’t make hasty decisions. For example, while it might be tempting to jump ship at the first job offer you get, The Hanged Man suggests that a better opportunity will likely present itself in a more organic way. You’ll know the right opportunity when you see it, so trust your instincts.
Spiritual/Self
Spiritually, The Hanged Man represents surrender, release, and spiritual awakening. Like the hero in "The Fool's Journey," you are encouraged to pause and reflect on other perspectives that you may not have considered before.
“Trust in the process and understand that sometimes, stepping back and letting go is the most powerful action you can take.”
Astrology
The Hanged Man is associated with Neptune, the planet of dreams, release, and spiritual awakening. Neptune's influence emphasizes the themes of surrender and the pursuit of higher consciousness. This connection encourages you to trust in the process and understand that sometimes, stepping back and letting go is the most powerful action you can take.
Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.
Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, The Hanged Man suggests you are rushing through life to get immediate results. This impatience can cause you to overlook important details and miss out on valuable insights. It's a reminder to slow down and reconsider your approach. Allow yourself the time to see things from a different perspective, which can lead to more thoughtful and informed decisions.
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CARD SUMMARY
Stop struggling and allow answers to unfold naturally.
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