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The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning
The Hanged Man Tarot card meaning – The Hanged Man is the 12th (XII) card of the Major Arcana and represents detachment, discernment, intuition, new perspectives, reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual awakenings.
As the 12th key of the Tarot, The Hanged Man has strong associations with the number 12. In numerology, twelve is considered a number of completion and carries vibrations of creativity, higher wisdom, and harmony.
Astrologically, The Hanged Man is connected with the Pisces star sign. The sign of Pisces is known to be emotionally and psychically aware as a sensitive Water sign; The Hanged Man is also deeply in touch with the intuitive, spiritual realms. The Hanged Man tarot card has the same duality element, and planetary correlations as Pisces as well. Both Pisces and The Hanged Man are yin, water-ruled, and correlate with Neptune, the planet of dreams, intuition, and the subconscious.
Interestingly, in French, The Hanged Man card was given the title “le Pendu”. This word is linked to the English “pendulum” (a divination tool) and also “ponder” (or deep thought). In occult teachings, this card is connected with the Hebrew letter Mem, which means ‘water’. The Hanged Man himself is thought to gaze down into a watery abyss, representing the reflection of self & soul in times of great distress.
Spiritually, The Hanged Man tarot card reminds us that sometimes, surrendering and suffering leads to understanding. This is a card of total release and surrender to the Universe or circumstances that are out of your control. The Hanged Man invites you to let go of the need to control, trust and release your will to the Universe.
Some questions The Hanged Man asks you to ponder…
- What do you surrender to? What have you surrendered to in the past? How did it feel?
- What is your relationship with practicing acceptance and reflection? How is your spiritual life?
- What is your perspective on the world? How do you approach your reality?
- Is there another perspective that you could use?
In this post, we’ll be going over the Hanged Man’s Upright and Reversed meanings, as well as The Hanged Man as a person (or significator), The Hanged Man as feelings, and the Hanged Man as a yes or no. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or just beginning to explore the world of divination, the Hanged Man offers valuable insights and guidance for navigating life’s challenges with wisdom, discernment, and inner peace.
Disilussionment with yourself must precede enlightenment.
– Vernon Howard
The Hanged Man Keywords & Facts
| Upright: | new perspectives, ego death, discernment, reflection, release, mysticism |
| Reversed: | delays, discontent, selfishness, indecision, martyrdom, rigidity, resistance |
| Energy: | Yin |
| Element: | Water |
| Planet: | Neptune |
| Zodiac Sign: | Pisces |
| Yes or No: | Maybe/Neutral |
Don’t have time to read? Check out this helpful video for key meanings of the Hanged Man Tarot card!
The Hanged Man (Upright)
The Hanged Man tarot card is a powerful and enigmatic symbol of transformation and surrender. When this card appears upright in a reading, it suggests that you are being called to let go of old patterns and perspectives in order to achieve a new level of understanding and growth.
The Hanged Man is often associated with the concept of sacrifice, but in this case, it is not a sacrifice of your physical or material possessions, but rather a willingness to surrender your ego and the need for control. This surrender can lead to a deeper connection with your intuition and a new perspective on the world around you. You may be undergoing a profound spiritual transformation, one that may require you to endure a period of waiting and introspection.
Overall, the Hanged Man card encourages you to embrace the power of surrender and to trust the journey, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable at times. By surrendering your attachment to the past and to your own expectations, you may find a new level of clarity and enlightenment that was previously out of reach.
The Hanged Man (Reversed)
When the Hanged Man tarot card appears reversed in a reading, you may be struggling to let go of old patterns and perspectives. You could be resisting change, clinging to the past, or trying to maintain control even when it is no longer serving you.
In some cases, the Hanged Man reversed may reveal a fear of surrender and a reluctance to trust the process. You may be holding on too tightly to your ego, your beliefs, or your sense of identity, which can prevent you from accessing your intuition or experiencing a deeper level of transformation. Alternatively, this card can indicate a sense of impatience or restlessness – you might be eager to move forward or to see results, but you may be unwilling or unable to endure the waiting and introspection that is necessary for true transformation to occur.
In general, the Hanged Man reversed reminds you that surrender and transformation require trust, patience, and a willingness to let go of control. By releasing your attachment to old patterns and perspectives, you may be able to access a new level of insight and understanding, but only if you are willing to embrace the journey and allow it to unfold at its own pace.
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The Hanged Man as a Person
The Hanged Man tarot card signifies someone who is balanced, open-minded, and patient. Similar to The Hermit, The Hanged Man is a card of the mystic. These people know how to go with the flow of the Universe; they are masters at living and relaxing in the present. They know how to allow things to take their natural course, when to let go, and when to hold on.
The Hanged Man person is often a deep thinker who spends a lot of their time in meditation, reflection, and self-examination. They can be extremely spiritual and intuitive, and carry an air of tranquility and equanimity, even in the middle of chaos. They are the kind of friend you want to have around if you tend to get anxious easily – they have a calming aura and know how to keep a level head. Astrologically, this person may be a Pisces or have a strong Neptunian influence in their natal chart.
While this card often represents an easy-going, steady personality, these people are also highly altruistic, flexible, and fun. The Hanged Man as a person shows someone who isn’t afraid to try or experience new things, and they will bend over backward in order to support those in need. A truly kind soul, The Hanged Man is a person who would give the shirt off their back to help another.
The Hanged Man as Feelings
Generally speaking, the Hanged Man card often signifies feelings of a state of suspension, sacrifice, or surrender, and may suggest a need for patience and acceptance in a particular situation.
When it comes to love, the Hanged Man may reveal that one is in a period of waiting or contemplation, and may not be ready to fully commit or move forward in the relationship. Alternatively, it may suggest that someone has let go of control or attachment to a particular outcome, and is willing to surrender to the flow of the relationship.
As for how someone feels about you, the Hanged Man could indicate that they admire your patience, acceptance, and ability to surrender control. They may see you as someone who is willing to sacrifice for the greater good, or who is able to navigate difficult situations with grace and equanimity.
The Hanged Man (Reversed) as Feelings
The reversed Hanged Man suggests a resistance or reluctance to let go of control, or a feeling of being stuck or stagnant. When it comes to romantic feelings, the Hanged Man in reverse may mean that someone is struggling with a sense of being trapped in the relationship or unable to move forward. They may feel a sense of frustration or impatience and may be struggling to release old patterns or beliefs that are holding them back.
As for how someone feels about you, the Hanged Man reversed may mean that they see you as someone who is resistant to change or growth, or who is holding onto old patterns or beliefs that are preventing progress. They may feel a sense of frustration or impatience with you, and may be struggling to find a way to move forward in the relationship.
The Hanged Man: Yes or No
When interpreting the Hanged Man as a yes or no answer, it’s important to remember that this card often suggests a period of waiting or suspension, rather than a definitive yes or no. So, it may indicate a “maybe” or that the situation is in a state of flux and requires patience and a willingness to surrender control.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the Hanged Man in a yes or no reading will depend on the specific question and context of the reading, and it’s important to approach the cards with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the symbolism and messages they offer.
The Hanged Man (Reversed): Yes or No
Similar to the upright Hanged Man card, the reversed Hanged Man tarot card does not lend itself well to a straightforward yes or no answer in a yes or no reading. The Hanged Man reversed can suggest a release from a state of suspension or waiting, or it may indicate a refusal to surrender or let go of control.
However, in a yes or no reading, the reversed Hanged Man might indicate reluctance or resistance to a particular decision or course of action; there may be a need to reevaluate one’s priorities or approach to a situation, or a fear of letting go and embracing change.
DISCLAIMER:
Sage & Moon is a participant in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. Any product we choose is based on personal recommendations that we love and trust you will too. By using these links you are directly supporting us to keep writing + creating. Thank you!
