The Hanged Man
Words describing The Hanged Man: suspension, sacrifice, surrender, enlightenment, reflection, letting go, reversal, patience, new perspective, selflessness.
How to interpret The Hanged Man in tarot
Past
The Hanged Man (upright)
Present
Three of Pentacles (upright)
Future
Four of Pentacles (reversed)
The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)
The Hanged Man is the twelfth card of the Tarot’s Major Arcana and symbolizes sacrifice, introspection and a shift in perspective. The card’s image shows a man hanging upside down from a tree, with his legs crossed and arms behind his back, representing voluntary sacrifice and acceptance that sometimes things must be let go to achieve spiritual growth.
Upright Meaning
When The Hanged Man appears upright in a Tarot reading, it means it is time to let go of something, make a sacrifice or shift your perspective. The card urges you to accept that you cannot always control everything and that sometimes it is necessary to give up something in order to gain something greater. It is a time for introspection and reflection on your priorities and values.
Reversed Meaning
If The Hanged Man is reversed in a reading, it could indicate that you are unwilling to make a necessary sacrifice or that you are having difficulty letting go of old habits and patterns of thought. It may also mean that you are stuck in a victim mentality and need to take responsibility for your life and choices. The card urges you to break free from the past and view things from a new perspective.
Example of an Interpretation
If The Hanged Man appears in a reading alongside Five of Pentagrams and Three of Wands, it can be interpreted as that a necessary sacrifice (The Hanged Man) will help you overcome an economic or material loss (Five of Pentagrams) and lead to new opportunities and personal growth (Three of Wands). It is important to accept change and let go of what no longer serves you.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Hanged Man is a powerful archetype that represents sacrifice, surrender, and suspension. This card often depicts a man hanging upside down from a tree, with one leg crossed over the other, forming the shape of a number four. This number is associated with stability and structure, but in this context, it is turned on its head, symbolizing a disruption of the natural order.
In some interpretations, the Hanged Man is also seen as a representation of the Norse god Odin, who hung himself from the World Tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nights to gain knowledge and wisdom. This connects the card to themes of spiritual growth, self-discovery, and enlightenment through sacrifice.
Behavioral Patterns
When the Hanged Man appears in a tarot reading, it often indicates a need to pause and reflect. This card suggests that the querent may be in a state of limbo, feeling stuck or suspended in their current situation. They may be struggling with a difficult decision or feeling overwhelmed and in need of a break.
On a psychological level, the Hanged Man can also represent a willingness to let go of control and surrender to the flow of life. It may indicate a need to release unhealthy patterns of thinking or behavior in order to move forward.
Integration and Shadow Work
To work with the energies of the Hanged Man, one must be willing to confront their fears and let go of their need for control. This card challenges us to look at situations from a different perspective and to embrace the unknown. It encourages us to sacrifice our ego and surrender to the greater wisdom and guidance of the universe.
Shadow work with the Hanged Man may involve examining any resistance or fear around surrender and sacrifice. It may also involve exploring any patterns of avoidance or procrastination, and finding ways to release them in order to move towards growth and transformation.