The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man tarot card is the twelfth card in the Major Arcana and is a card of Neptune and the zodiac sign, Pisces. It is linked to the element, Water. The card is fascinating as one wonders why the man is hanging upside down. This is a positive card for a big change in your life, provided you are willing to surrender yourself to time.

Represents

The Hanged Man Tarot represents endurance, delays, go with the flow, not making sudden moves, self sacrifice, personal growth, enlightenment, spiritual suffering, acceptance.

Description

In the Rider Waite deck, The Hanged Man Tarot shows a man hanging upside down from the branch of a tree. He seems to be hanging on his own accord without putting up any resistance, in a very old meditation position, called ‘Tau’, He has a serene and calm look on his face, as if he is quietly waiting for something to happen. While the right foot is tied on the branch, the left leg is crossed under the right, making an inverted four. His arms are crossed behind his back, forming an inverted triangle. He has a halo around his head, symbolising intellect. The card has balanced colours, red(passion), blue(logic, calm emotions), yellow(internal power and spiritual connection).

Meaning

When The Hanged Man comes up in a reading it implies that here is the opportunity to change your perspective and view the world through a different angle. It’s a time of waiting, of sacrificing yourself for a higher purpose. Stop pushing and forcing and let matters take their own natural course.

It also implies that if you meditate for sometime, the solutions will open up for you. A new approach in life is required and viewing something from a completely opposite direction could give you the answer you are looking for.

The Hanged Man Tarot card meaning changes when the card comes reversed. It indicates that you have reached a cross road in your life and have now to take a decision where to go. You are feeling stuck here and are at a standstill. It could also mean that there is loss of something you wanted or needed.

In a business reading

When The Hanged Man comes up in a career reading, it suggests that this is not the time to make any sudden movements. You will get your answers if you stay still and allow circumstances to unfold.
Sometimes the card could suggest that you need to change your old ways of doing things, if you want to move forward in your business. Assess your mistakes and weaknesses and work out a new plan of action keeping your strengths in mind.
Financially, you need to find new ways of investing your money for growth.

In relationships

When The Hanged Man comes up in a love reading, it could mean that you are feeling trapped/bound in your relationship right now. It is not the right time to make any commitments till you are not sure about your feelings. Gather more information before you take any step further.

When the card comes up for singles, it suggests you need to pause and reflect if you have the energy to go through a relationship. It could also mean surrendering to your true feelings and opening up to a person you have been smitten to for a while now.

In Health

In a health reading when The Hanged Man comes up, it can act as a red flag about your health. It is suggestive of the fact that you have been procrastinating about a medical condition that could soon turn serious. You are experiencing lack of enthusiasm and energy, and this could be due to your low self-esteem or even poor living conditions.