Learning Major Arcana - The Hanged Man (12)

Introduction to The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man is one of the more intriguing cards in the Tarot deck, often invoking a sense of pause, suspension, or contemplation. This card is all about letting go, surrendering to the process, and seeing things from a different perspective. The Hanged Man isn’t about action or moving forward in a traditional sense. Instead, it asks us to take a step back, let go of control, and allow ourselves to pause and reflect. In many ways, this card signals that there’s wisdom to be gained from stillness. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s necessary to be in a state of suspension in order to fully understand a situation, to free yourself from old patterns, or to allow for new insights to come through. It’s not about forcing progress; rather, it’s about being open to a shift in perception.

Imagery and Symbolism of The Hanged Man
The imagery of The Hanged Man typically shows a figure suspended upside down, hanging from one leg, with a calm and peaceful expression. This figure is not struggling or trying to free themselves; instead, they are completely at ease in their position. This peaceful surrender highlights the essence of The Hanged Man: allowing yourself to be in a situation of uncertainty without resistance. The upside-down position of the figure symbolizes a different perspective, showing that the card represents a shift in how you view things. There is often a halo around the figure’s head, symbolising enlightenment or a higher understanding. The Hanged Man teaches us that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to simply stop, breathe, and allow the answers to come to us naturally.

Upright Meaning of The Hanged Man
When The Hanged Man appears upright in a reading, it signifies a period of suspension, contemplation, or waiting. It’s a card that suggests that things might not be moving forward as quickly as you would like, but it’s important to embrace this pause. Rather than rushing ahead, this card encourages you to take a step back and gain clarity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, we need to release control or let go of old habits or expectations to make room for new perspectives. The Hanged Man tells you that by adopting a different way of thinking or looking at a situation from another angle, you will find solutions that weren’t previously apparent. This card may also suggest that you need to surrender to a higher force or trust in the universe’s timing, rather than trying to force things to happen on your own.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man
When The Hanged Man appears in reverse, it can indicate a sense of being stuck or refusing to let go. It suggests that you may be resisting the change or pause that The Hanged Man in the upright position encourages. The reversed Hanged Man often points to a period of stagnation where you’re unable to see things clearly or are too focused on the past to move forward. This can be a sign that you’re clinging to old perspectives, patterns, or beliefs that are no longer serving you. It’s a call to release any stubbornness or resistance to change. The reversed card might also point to a sense of frustration or impatience, urging you to stop trying to force an outcome and instead give yourself permission to be still and reflect.

The Hanged Man in Love
In love readings, The Hanged Man suggests that your relationship may be going through a period of suspension or pause. It could indicate a time where you’re taking a break, reflecting on your feelings, or waiting for the right moment to move forward. The Hanged Man in love can also point to a situation where one or both partners are being asked to look at the relationship from a different perspective. If you’ve been stuck in a pattern, it might be time to change the way you view the relationship, yourself, or your partner. This card could be a sign that patience is required, and that things may not progress as quickly as you’d like, but trust that the pause is part of the process of deeper understanding.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man in Love
When The Hanged Man appears reversed in a love reading, it can indicate resistance to change or a refusal to look at the relationship from a fresh perspective. You may be stuck in a cycle or pattern, unable to move past old issues, and this card in reverse asks you to take a step back and reconsider your approach. There could be a sense of impatience, where you're not willing to wait for the relationship to unfold naturally. In this case, it’s important to reflect on whether you're trying to force a situation to work or whether you're being honest with yourself about what you need from your partner. The reversed Hanged Man can also indicate that one partner is unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary for the relationship to progress.

The Hanged Man in Feelings
In feelings, The Hanged Man suggests that you may be in a phase of reflection or re-evaluation of your emotions. You might be feeling uncertain or unclear about how you truly feel, and this card urges you to take the time to understand your emotions more deeply. It’s a reminder to not rush into making decisions based on fleeting feelings but to give yourself the space to explore what’s really going on inside. The Hanged Man in feelings can also indicate that you might be holding onto old emotional patterns or attachments that are no longer serving you, and it’s time to let go of these in order to move forward in a healthier emotional state. It’s about being honest with yourself and being patient with the process.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man in Feelings
When reversed, The Hanged Man in feelings may indicate that you’re refusing to acknowledge your true emotions or are in denial about how you feel. You could be stuck in emotional confusion, unable or unwilling to make sense of what’s going on inside. The reversed Hanged Man may suggest that you’re avoiding dealing with your emotions or refusing to look at things from a new perspective. There could be frustration or impatience, making it difficult to understand your feelings clearly. This card in reverse asks you to confront your emotions head-on and allow yourself the time and space to fully process them.

The Hanged Man in Career and Finances
In career readings, The Hanged Man suggests that there may be a need to pause and re-evaluate your career path. It can indicate a period of waiting or uncertainty, where things may not be progressing as you hoped. This could be a time when you need to step back and assess whether your current job or career path is truly aligned with your values and long-term goals. The Hanged Man encourages you to shift your perspective, look for new opportunities, and reconsider your approach to your work. If you’ve been struggling to move forward, this card suggests that the solution lies in being patient, reflective, and open to new ideas or paths.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man in Career and Finances
When reversed, The Hanged Man in career and finances indicates that you may be feeling stuck or frustrated in your professional life. You could be resisting change or refusing to see a situation from a different angle. There may be a lack of willingness to make necessary changes in your career, or you may be feeling impatient about the progress you’re making. The reversed Hanged Man asks you to reflect on whether you’re holding onto old habits, beliefs, or expectations that are preventing you from moving forward. It’s a reminder that in order to make progress, you may need to surrender to the process, let go of control, and be open to new possibilities.

The Hanged Man in Advice and Guidance
As advice, The Hanged Man encourages you to step back and give yourself the time and space to reflect on the situation at hand. It’s not the time for immediate action or quick decisions, but rather a time for introspection. This card suggests that you may need to change your perspective in order to see the situation clearly and find a better way forward. If you’re facing a challenge, The Hanged Man advises you to surrender to the process and trust that everything will unfold in due time. Sometimes, patience and stillness can reveal the answers that you’re seeking, and forcing things won’t speed up the process.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man in Advice and Guidance
When reversed, The Hanged Man advises you to stop resisting change and to embrace the idea of letting go. You may be feeling stuck or frustrated, but this card urges you to stop trying to control everything and to allow things to unfold naturally. It’s a reminder that clinging to old ways of thinking or acting may be preventing you from moving forward. The reversed Hanged Man suggests that the answers you seek will come when you release your need for control and open yourself to new perspectives.

The Hanged Man in Health
In health readings, The Hanged Man suggests that there may be a need to take a break, rest, or step back from an unhealthy pattern. It could indicate that your body or mind is asking for a pause or that you’re not seeing your health situation clearly. This card encourages you to slow down, reflect, and reassess your approach to health. It may also indicate that healing will come through a shift in your perspective, or by letting go of stress, worries, or habits that are no longer serving your wellbeing. The Hanged Man urges you to give yourself the time and space needed to rest and heal.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man in Health
The reversed Hanged Man in health suggests that you may be resisting the changes necessary for healing or improvement. You might be ignoring your body’s signals or refusing to take the time to rest. The card may indicate that your health is being affected by stress, impatience, or a lack of willingness to make necessary lifestyle changes. The reversed Hanged Man urges you to reflect on your habits, listen to your body, and allow yourself the time needed to heal. It’s a reminder that rushing or forcing recovery won’t work—it’s about embracing patience and taking things one step at a time.

The Hanged Man in Spirituality
In spiritual readings, The Hanged Man often points to a period of enlightenment or spiritual awakening. It suggests that you may be going through a phase where you need to release old beliefs or attachments in order to grow spiritually. This card can indicate that your spiritual journey requires patience and surrender, and that answers will come through reflection and introspection rather than action. The Hanged Man is about letting go of control and trusting that the universe will guide you on your path. It invites you to explore your spiritual beliefs with an open mind and to allow your understanding of the world to shift.

Reversed Meaning of The Hanged Man in Spirituality
When reversed in spirituality, The Hanged Man can suggest that you’re resisting spiritual growth or refusing to let go of outdated beliefs. You might be feeling disconnected from your higher self or struggling to embrace new spiritual insights. The reversed card urges you to examine any spiritual blocks or attachments that are preventing you from progressing on your spiritual journey. It’s a call to release old patterns of thinking and to allow yourself to grow and evolve on your path.