Major Arcana · XII
The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man symbolizes a voluntary pause, self-denial, letting go of old views, and gaining deep insight. In its upright position, this card suggests that stagnation is necessary for spiritual or mental growth.
- Number
- XII
- Arcana
- Major Arcana · Major Arcana
- Element
- Spirit
- Planet / sign
- Neptune (element of Water)
Advice of the card
Stop and look at the situation from a different angle. Let go of control that isn't working, and be ready to make a temporary sacrifice for long-term benefit.
Upright
General meaning
The Hanged Man symbolizes a voluntary pause, self-denial, letting go of old views, and gaining deep insight. In its upright position, this card suggests that stagnation is necessary for spiritual or mental growth.
In love and relationships
In matters of love, The Hanged Man means the need to temporarily "freeze" the situation or let go of selfish desires to see the relationship from a new, deeper perspective.
In career and work
In career matters, The Hanged Man indicates a period of waiting or delay. It is not the time for active steps; use this period to re-evaluate goals or find unconventional solutions.
Reversed
General meaning
The reversed Hanged Man indicates indecision, sacrifice without purpose, stubbornness, feeling deceived, or inability to exit a stalemate situation.
In love and relationships
In relationships, the reversed card suggests unwillingness to sacrifice for the partner, dragging out unhealthy relationships, or fear of change.
In career and work
In work situations, the reversed Hanged Man may indicate fruitless efforts, stagnation that is self-imposed, or giving up an important chance out of fear.
Card symbolism
- Spirit is the special element of the Major Arcana, pointing to fateful, transpersonal forces.
- Astrological correspondence: Neptune (element of Water).
Yes or no
Neutral: it depends on circumstances
The answer depends on your question and neighbouring cards in a spread; reversed, the meaning may shift.
FAQ
What does The Hanged Man mean in Tarot?+
The Hanged Man symbolizes a voluntary pause, self-denial, letting go of old views, and gaining deep insight. In its upright position, this card suggests that stagnation is necessary for spiritual or mental growth.
What does The Hanged Man mean reversed?+
The reversed Hanged Man indicates indecision, sacrifice without purpose, stubbornness, feeling deceived, or inability to exit a stalemate situation.
What does The Hanged Man mean in love?+
In matters of love, The Hanged Man means the need to temporarily "freeze" the situation or let go of selfish desires to see the relationship from a new, deeper perspective.
Is The Hanged Man a yes or a no?+
Neutral: it depends on circumstances.
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