The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meanings: 13 Facts You Should Know

Written By Femi Jacob

 

In this article, we will explore the meaning of The Hanged Man tarot card, both upright and reversed, as well as its significance in various spheres of life.

The Hanged Man tarot card represents a moment of suspension, a time to pause and reflect on one’s life. It stands for sacrificing or letting go of one’s ego in order to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the outside world. The image on the card suggests a readiness to relinquish control and let destiny lead the way.

The Hanged Man tarot card by Wikimedia Commons By Pamela Coleman Smith, Public domain

The Hanged Man is the twelfth card in the Major Arcana and is frequently linked to the planet Neptune and the element of water. In traditional tarot, The Hanged Man is often depicted with a halo around his head, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment.

Meaning of The Hanged Man Upright

When The Hanged Man card appears upright in a tarot reading, it suggests that the querent needs to let go of their attachments to the physical world and embrace a new perspective. It might imply that they must make a sacrifice in order to comprehend their circumstances better. 

Additional applications of The Hanged Man upright include the following:

  1. The card suggests that the querent needs to look at things from a different angle to gain a new perspective.
  2. It also implies that the respondent needs to reevaluate their objectives and step back.
  3. It could mean that a change of direction is needed, or that they need to look at their situation from a different angle. 
  4. The questioner is advised to exercise patience and wait for the ideal opportunity to arise, according to the card.

Meaning of The Hanged Man Reversed

When The Hanged Man card appears reversed in a tarot reading, it suggests that the querent is resistant to change. It could mean that they are holding on too tightly to their current situation and are afraid to let go. 

Here are a few additional explanations for The Hanged Man reversed:

  1. The card suggests that the querent needs to surrender their control and allow the universe to guide them.
  2. It also suggests that the querent is not willing to take a risk or make a sacrifice in order to achieve their goals.
  3. It might imply that they are in a rut and require a change of scenery. The card suggests that the inquirer should be receptive to fresh perspectives and chances.

Meaning of The Hanged Man Tarot Card for Love and Relationship

When The Hanged Man card appears in a love and relationship reading, it suggests that the querent needs to let go of their expectations and allow the relationship to unfold naturally. Let us see more interpretations on the same.

  1. The Hanged Man card mean that the querent needs to sacrifice their ego and be more understanding of their partner’s needs.
  2. If The Hanged Man card appears upright in a love and relationship reading, it suggests that the querent needs to take a step back and reassess their relationship. 
  3. It could mean that they need to let go of their current expectations and allow the relationship to grow in a new direction.
  4. If The Hanged Man card appears reversed in a love and relationship reading, it suggests that the querent is resistant to change and is holding onto their current situation too tightly. 
  5. The card suggests that the querent needs to be more open and flexible in their approach to the relationship.

Meaning of The Hanged Man Tarot Card for Professional and Financial Matters

When The Hanged Man tarot card appears in a professional or financial reading, it suggests that the querent needs to let go of their attachment to material possessions and embrace a new perspective. Let us examine them in greater detail. 

  1. The Hanged Man mean that they need to make a sacrifice or compromise to achieve their goals.
  2. If The Hanged Man card appears upright in a professional or financial reading, it suggests that the querent needs to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. 
  3. It could mean that they need to reassess their goals and take a different approach to achieve success.
  4. If The Hanged Man card appears reversed in a professional or financial reading, it suggests that the querent is resistant to change and is holding onto their current situation too tightly. 
  5. It could mean that they need to take a risk or make a sacrifice to achieve their goals.

The Hanged Man tarot card for career

The Hanged Man can indicate a time of transition in your career. Let us take a closer look at it.

  1. The Hanged Man can indicate a time where you need to let go of old habits, beliefs, or ways of doing things in order to make room for new opportunities. 
  2. It can also suggest a need to take a step back and reassess your goals, values, and priorities before moving forward.
  3. This card can be a reminder that sometimes the best way to move ahead is by surrendering and letting go of control.

The Hanged Man tarot card for health

 In terms of health, The Hanged Man can suggest a need to take a break and rest. Let us explore.

  1. The Hanged Man can indicate a time where you may feel stuck or limited in your physical abilities, and you may need to accept this and find ways to adapt to the situation. 
  2. This card can also suggest a need to shift your perspective or mindset when it comes to your health and well-being, and to focus on taking care of yourself on a deeper level, rather than just focusing on the surface-level symptoms.

The Hanged Man Tarot Card Combinations

When the Hanged Man appears in a tarot reading, it can have a variety of meanings depending on the context and the other cards in the spread. Here are a few possible combinations and interpretations:

The Hanged Man and The Fool

The combination of The Hanged Man and The Fool suggests a willingness to take risks and explore new possibilities, even if it means letting go of old patterns or beliefs. The Hanged Man encourages us to suspend our judgment and see things in a different light, while The Fool invites us to trust in the journey and embrace the unknown.

The Hanged Man and The High Priestess

The Hanged Man and The High Priestess represent intuition and inner wisdom. The Hanged Man invites us to trust our intuition and let go of rational thinking, while The High Priestess encourages us to listen to our inner voice and trust our instincts. Together, these cards suggest a need for introspection and contemplation.

The Hanged Man and The Tower

The Hanged Man and The Tower represent upheaval and change. The Hanged Man suggests a willingness to let go and surrender to the process, while The Tower indicates a sudden or unexpected shift that may be uncomfortable or even painful. However, this combination also suggests that the change is necessary and ultimately transformative.

The Hanged Man and The Sun

The combination of The Hanged Man and The Sun suggests a sense of peace and contentment that comes from letting go of attachment and embracing the present moment. The Hanged Man invites us to shift our perspective and see the beauty in all things, while The Sun represents joy and vitality. Together, these cards suggest a sense of surrender and trust in the universe.

The Hanged Man and The Empress

The Hanged Man and The Empress represent creativity and nurturing. The Hanged Man invites us to let go of expectations and judgments and approach things with a beginner’s mind, while The Empress represents abundance and growth. Together, these cards suggest a need to cultivate a sense of openness and receptivity.

The Hanged Man and The Devil

The Hanged Man and The Devil represent bondage and restriction. The Hanged Man suggests a willingness to surrender and let go of control, while The Devil represents the temptations and attachments that keep us stuck. Together, these cards suggest a need for self-awareness and a willingness to confront our shadow side.

Conclusion 

The Hanged Man invites us to suspend our judgment and see things from a new perspective. Whether it’s letting go of old patterns, embracing change, or trusting our intuition, this card reminds us that surrender can be a powerful tool for growth and transformation.