The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meanings

The Hanged Man signifies taking a moment for introspection, yielding, and viewing life differently, often by relinquishing control for greater understanding.

The Hanged Man Keywords

Upright

Sacrifice, Waiting, Perspective, Suspension, Calm Before the Storm

Skip to Upright meaning

Reversed

Stalling, Disinterest, Delays, Hang Ups, Impatience

Skip to Reversed meaning

The Hanged Man - Meaning and Symbolism

"True clarity comes not from action, but from surrender, stillness, and seeing life from a new perspective."

The Hanged Man depicts a man hanging upside down by one foot from a wooden crossbeam resembling a Tau cross. His other leg is bent at the knee, crossing over the suspended leg, while his arms rest behind his back.

Despite this position, his expression remains calm, and a radiant halo surrounds his head, symbolizing enlightenment. The card embodies surrender, spiritual insight, and the ability to perceive situations from a different angle. It implies that stillness, sacrifice, or letting go can lead to transformation and clarity.

Upright The Hanged Man Meaning

The Hanged Man is the Universe’s invitation to pause and step back from the rush of daily life. It signals a need to slow down, detach from immediate outcomes, and create space for reflection. This card encourages you to release your grip on control and instead observe your circumstances from a different angle. In doing so, you may uncover insights that aren’t accessible when you’re constantly striving or pushing forward.

Though this period of waiting or stillness might feel uncomfortable or inconvenient, it serves a higher purpose. Trust that surrendering to the present moment, rather than forcing progress, will ultimately bring clarity and growth. Look for subtle cues guiding you to rest or reconsider your approach. Sometimes, the most profound transformation happens not through action, but through stillness and perspective

Upright keywords

Love Meaning

Pause in Relationship, Seeing your Partner Differently, Emotional Surrender, Letting Go of Expectations, Time Apart for Clarity

Career Meaning

Waiting Period, Reassessing Goals, Creative Thinking, Non-Linear, Progress, a Time to Pause Before Action

Finances Meaning

Financial Sacrifice, Mindful Spending, Changing your Relationship with Money, Reevaluating Values Over Wealth

Soul Searching Meaning

Inner Awakening, Spiritual Surrender, New Perspective on Life’s Meaning, Trust in Divine Timing

Manifestation Meaning

Aligned Detachment, Manifestation Through Stillness, Allowing Instead of Forcing, Trusting Universal Flow

Love (Upright)

When The Hanged Man appears upright in a love reading, it often signifies a pause or shift in perspective within your romantic life. This may be a time when things feel suspended; perhaps you're waiting for clarity, for someone to take action, or for a deeper understanding of your emotions. Rather than pushing for answers or progress, the card encourages surrender. Step back and allow space for insight to arise naturally. This is a time to reflect on your expectations, let go of control, and truly see your relationship and your approach to love from a new angle.

For those in relationships, The Hanged Man can indicate a phase of emotional recalibration. You or your partner may need time apart or a shift in dynamic to gain clarity about what’s truly important. For singles, it may suggest letting go of old patterns or beliefs about love that no longer serve you. Although this phase may feel slow or uncertain, it holds the potential for deep emotional growth. The more you trust the process, the more aligned and meaningful your future connections will become.

Career (Upright)

When The Hanged Man appears upright in a career reading, it signals a time for pause, reflection, or redirection. You may feel as if things are on hold, projects are delayed, opportunities are stalled, or your motivation is temporarily diminished. Rather than forcing forward movement, this card encourages you to surrender control and view your situation from a new perspective. It serves as an invitation to reassess your career path, goals, and values. There may be something you're overlooking because you're too focused on outcomes rather than the process.

This period of suspension isn’t wasted; it’s a sacred pause for growth. Use this time to reevaluate your direction and listen to your inner guidance. You might uncover new creative ideas, realize you've outgrown your current role, or see where you’ve been holding onto outdated ambitions. Embrace this space of stillness as a gift. By letting go of control and allowing insight to emerge, you position yourself for a more authentic and aligned career path in the future.

Finances (Upright)

The Hanged Man upright in a financial context suggests that it's time to pause and reassess your relationship with money. You might be in a holding pattern, perhaps waiting on funds, delaying a major purchase, or feeling uncertain about a financial decision. Instead of rushing to fix or change things, this card encourages you to step back and view your financial habits from a different perspective. It's an ideal time to reflect on whether your spending and saving align with your values.

This card also highlights the significance of financial sacrifice or delay for greater benefits in the future. You may need to relinquish certain comforts, luxuries, or control now to achieve long-term stability or peace of mind. Trust that temporary restraint can lead to deeper security. If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, remember that clarity comes through patience, not pressure. Allow this pause to reveal a more mindful and sustainable path forward.

Soul Searching (Upright)

The Hanged Man upright is a powerful sign of spiritual surrender and inner awakening. It invites you to step away from external distractions and turn inward, creating space for deep self-reflection. This is not a time for answers to come quickly or through force; it is a sacred pause where wisdom reveals itself only when you're willing to let go of control. You may feel suspended between who you were and who you are becoming, and that liminal space is exactly where transformation begins.

During this soul-searching phase, The Hanged Man encourages you to view your life through a new lens. Old beliefs or patterns may no longer resonate, and instead of clinging to them, you’re urged to release what no longer serves your growth. Insight arises when you let go of the need to figure everything out. Embrace the stillness and trust that the perspective you're gaining now will shape a more authentic, soul-aligned path forward.

Manifestation (Upright)

The Hanged Man upright in a manifestation context reminds you that sometimes the most powerful creations happen not through action, but through surrender. This card invites you to release your attachment to outcomes and trust the Universe's timing. If you've been trying to force something into existence, this is a sign to pause and realign. Let go of the urge to control every step and instead allow your desires to unfold in divine timing. Manifestation isn’t always about doing; it’s also about becoming receptive and attuned to guidance.

This card suggests that your manifestations are in motion, but they require patience and a shift in perspective. You may need to change your beliefs, expectations, or approach before things fully come together. Consider this pause a gestational phase where energetic seeds are taking root. The more you can let go, the more you allow magic to flow. Trust that by surrendering, you’re not giving up; you’re making space for something even better than you imagined.

Affirmation

I am open to changing my perspectives and surrendering to the Universe's timing.

"Sometimes you have to let go of the life you planned to make space for the life that’s waiting for you."

– Joseph Campbell

Reversed The Hanged Man Meaning

You may be so caught up in the rhythm of your daily routine that you miss the quiet signs urging you to pause. The noise of constant activity can drown out the subtle wisdom trying to reach you through your body, your emotions, and your inner voice. The Universe gently asks you to step back, clear some space in your schedule, and reconnect with yourself. This isn't about losing momentum; it's about realigning with what truly matters before moving forward.

By honoring this call to stillness, you create space for clarity to emerge. When you slow down and listen deeply, you start to see your situation from a new perspective, one that brings insight, calm, and renewed direction. Trust that this temporary pause is not a setback but a powerful reset. After reflection, you'll feel more grounded and decisive, ready to act with intention and vitality.

Reversed keywords

Love Meaning

Emotional Stagnation, Fear of Change, Holding onto Unhealthy Patterns, Resisting Necessary Release, Avoiding Difficult Truths

Career Meaning

Career Limbo, Missed Opportunities due to Inaction, Frustration with Delays, Clinging to Outdated Roles, Resistance to New Paths

Finances Meaning

Reckless Financial Decisions, Fear of Letting Go, Stuck in Scarcity Mindset, Unwilling to Change Habits

Soul Searching Meaning

Spiritual Blockage, Fear of Surrender, Avoiding Introspection, Stuck in Ego-Driven Identity

Manifestation Meaning

Manifesting from Fear or Control, Impatience, Trying to Force Outcomes, Lack of Trust in the Process

Love (Reversed)

When The Hanged Man appears reversed in a love reading, it suggests resistance to necessary change or an unwillingness to let go of old patterns that no longer support your emotional well-being. You may feel stuck or frustrated, caught in a cycle where growth seems impossible because you’re holding onto control or fear. This resistance can create tension, preventing you from viewing your relationship or yourself in a new, healthier light. It’s a sign that avoidance or denial might be obstructing deeper connection and healing.

In some instances, the reversed card warns against emotional stagnation or fear of vulnerability. You or your partner may be hesitant to embrace the discomfort that comes with transformation, resulting in repeated conflicts or missed opportunities for genuine intimacy. This is a call to confront your fears and let go of old habits, even when it feels uncomfortable. Only by releasing control and being open to change can love progress and evolve into something more authentic and fulfilling.

Career (Reversed)

When The Hanged Man appears reversed in a career reading, it indicates frustration and resistance to necessary pauses or changes in your professional path. You may feel stuck in a rut, impatient with delays, or reluctant to let go of outdated goals or roles that no longer support your growth. This stubbornness can result in missed opportunities and stagnation because you’re trying to force progress rather than allowing things to unfold naturally. The card warns against pushing ahead blindly without taking the time to reassess your direction.

This reversal also suggests a fear of change or uncertainty that’s holding you back from embracing new possibilities. You might be clinging to familiar but limiting circumstances out of comfort or fear, which hinders innovation and true advancement. The Hanged Man reversed urges you to loosen your grip, be open to fresh perspectives, and practice patience. By doing so, you create space for new insights and growth that can lead to a more fulfilling and aligned career.

Finances (Reversed)

When The Hanged Man appears reversed in a financial reading, it often signals impatience and resistance to necessary financial adjustments. You might struggle to let go of old money habits or refuse to accept delays or setbacks in your financial goals. This stubbornness can lead to reckless decisions or missed opportunities for growth because you’re forcing outcomes instead of allowing your financial situation to unfold naturally. The card warns against acting impulsively or ignoring important signs to slow down and reconsider your approach.

This reversal also highlights a fear of change that keeps you trapped in scarcity or unhealthy financial patterns. You may be unwilling to make sacrifices or shifts that could ultimately enhance your long-term stability. The Hanged Man reversed encourages you to release control and cultivate patience, trusting that thoughtful reflection and openness to new strategies will lead to greater financial clarity and security. Without this willingness to pause and adapt, financial progress may remain stalled.

Soul Searching (Reversed)

When The Hanged Man appears reversed in a soul-searching context, it suggests resistance to inner reflection and spiritual growth. You may be avoiding uncomfortable truths or fearing the vulnerability that comes with deep self-examination. This reluctance can create a sense of feeling stuck or disconnected from your higher self, as if you are unwilling to surrender old beliefs or patterns that no longer serve your soul’s evolution. The card warns against clinging to ego-driven perspectives that limit your ability to see things clearly.

This reversal also points to spiritual blockage or impatience with the slow pace of inner transformation. You may feel frustrated that answers aren’t coming quickly or that the path forward is unclear. However, true growth requires patience, openness, and a willingness to let go of control. The Hanged Man reversed invites you to gently release resistance, embrace stillness, and trust the unfolding process of awareness, even when it feels uncertain or challenging. Only then can you realign with your authentic purpose and deeper wisdom.

Manifestation (Reversed)

When The Hanged Man appears reversed in a manifestation reading, it signals a struggle with control and impatience that obstructs your ability to manifest effectively. You may be attempting to force outcomes or rush the process, driven by fear or frustration. This resistance to surrender disrupts the natural flow of energy, leading to delays, setbacks, or results that don’t align with your true desires. The card warns that pushing too hard can actually impede what you’re trying to create.

This reversal also suggests a lack of trust in the Universe’s timing and a tendency to manifest from a place of scarcity or desperation. Instead of allowing your intentions to unfold organically, you may be holding on to rigid expectations or trying to control every detail. The Hanged Man reversed invites you to release this tight grip, cultivate patience, and reconnect with a more relaxed, receptive mindset. Only by letting go of fear and control can your manifestations align with the highest good and flow effortlessly into your life.

Affirmation

I am mindful of the signs telling me to slow down so I can tune in and listen.

Return to Minor Arcana Meanings

Astrology

Neptune

Symbolizes dreams, intuition, illusions, and spiritual awakening.
Neptune rules over surrender, compassion, and transcending ego.
Encourages connection to the subconscious and divine timing.

Practical Advice: Trust your intuition and be open to insights that arise during quiet or uncertain moments.

Element

Water

Represents emotional depth, fluidity, and surrender.
Water teaches us to release resistance and flow with life’s tides.
Encourages introspection and emotional awareness.

Practical Advice: Allow yourself to feel rather than fix; emotions carry messages when you slow down to listen.

Chakra

Third Eye Chakra

Governs intuition, inner vision, and higher perception.
Supports expanded awareness and understanding of life beyond the physical.
Awakens clarity through stillness and reflection.

Practical Advice: Spend time in meditation or quiet contemplation to strengthen your intuitive knowing.

Crystal

Amethyst

Enhances spiritual clarity and inner peace.
Supports detachment from ego-driven outcomes.
Promotes healing during times of uncertainty or transition.

Practical Advice: Keep amethyst nearby during reflection or decision-making to calm your mind and trust your path.

Letter

H

Represents Hanged, Hold, and Higher perspective.
Symbolizes a pause, often uncomfortable but necessary for insight.
Encourages humility and patience as a path to growth.

Practical Advice: When life feels suspended, remember that a “hold” can be a hidden form of healing or redirection.

Numerology

12

Reflects completion of a cycle and preparation for spiritual rebirth.
1 (individuality) + 2 (duality/partnership) = 3 (creation/expansion).
Symbolizes the wisdom that comes after sacrifice and surrender.

Practical Advice: Trust the timing of your journey; transformation often begins the moment you stop resisting the pause.

Astrology: Neptune

Symbolizes dreams, intuition, illusions, and spiritual awakening.
Neptune rules over surrender, compassion, and transcending ego.
Encourages connection to the subconscious and divine timing.

Practical Advice: Trust your intuition and be open to insights that arise during quiet or uncertain moments.

Element: Water

Represents emotional depth, fluidity, and surrender.
Water teaches us to release resistance and flow with life’s tides.
Encourages introspection and emotional awareness.

Practical Advice: Allow yourself to feel rather than fix; emotions carry messages when you slow down to listen.

Chakra: Third Eye Chakra

Governs intuition, inner vision, and higher perception.
Supports expanded awareness and understanding of life beyond the physical.
Awakens clarity through stillness and reflection.

Practical Advice: Spend time in meditation or quiet contemplation to strengthen your intuitive knowing.

Crystal: Amethyst

Enhances spiritual clarity and inner peace.
Supports detachment from ego-driven outcomes.
Promotes healing during times of uncertainty or transition.

Practical Advice: Keep amethyst nearby during reflection or decision-making to calm your mind and trust your path.

Letter: H

Represents Hanged, Hold, and Higher perspective.
Symbolizes a pause, often uncomfortable but necessary for insight.
Encourages humility and patience as a path to growth.

Practical Advice: When life feels suspended, remember that a “hold” can be a hidden form of healing or redirection.

Numerology: 12

Reflects completion of a cycle and preparation for spiritual rebirth.
1 (individuality) + 2 (duality/partnership) = 3 (creation/expansion).
Symbolizes the wisdom that comes after sacrifice and surrender.

Practical Advice: Trust the timing of your journey; transformation often begins the moment you stop resisting the pause.

Reflective Questions for this card

What am I being asked to surrender or release in order to gain a new perspective?
Where in my life am I resisting stillness, and what might I discover if I paused?
Am I willing to let go of control and trust in the timing of the Universe?

"You can't calm the storm... so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass."

– Timber Hawkeye

Tridevia deck

However, if you look at The Hanged Man on our Tridevia deck, you will see a much different image. Let's discuss what that means.

A young man hangs upside down but still looks peaceful and relaxed, even with a snake wrapped around his right leg, signifying his calm tolerance.

He can break free easily, with the knife he cleverly balances on top of his left foot, but he prefers to wait and be patient.

The tiny sparks of light around his head are symbols of mindfulness when gaining insight from a new perspective.

The eye symbol on his chest represents intuition, and even with his eyes closed, the eye of consciousness on his forehead remains lit and open, symbolizing his sensitivity.

The ring above his head is a symbol of a pure soul in self-sacrifice.

Behind him are two triangles that form an hourglass shape, denoting that all it takes is time to turn things around.

Buy Now

Tridevia Tarot Deck is designed with 156 crafted positive affirmations in our guidebook, uniquely aligned to both upright and reversed meanings of each card, to guide your readings but also help you manifest your dreams and awaken the divine within you.

How to Meditate with the Hanged Man

Step 1

Set the Space

Find a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Light a candle, burn incense, or play soft music to help shift into a reflective mindset.

Step 2

Focus on the Card

Hold The Hanged Man card in your hands or place it in front of you. Gaze at the imagery, the upside-down figure, the calm expression, the glowing halo. Observe without judgment. Notice what feelings arise.

Step 3

Close Your Eyes & Breathe

Close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly and deeply. Inhale clarity, exhale resistance. Imagine yourself gently letting go of control, urgency, or mental clutter.

Step 4

Visualize the Message

Visualize yourself as the Hanged Man, suspended, surrendered, safe in stillness. Ask yourself: What do I need to release? What new perspective is emerging? Allow insights or feelings to surface without forcing them.

Step 5

Journal or Reflect Afterward

When you’re ready, open your eyes and write down any thoughts, images, or emotions that came up. Even a few quiet moments of meditation can reveal powerful truths.

The Hanged Man Cheat Sheet

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The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meanings

The Hanged Man Keywords

Upright

Reversed

The Hanged Man - Meaning and Symbolism

Upright The Hanged Man Meaning

Upright keywords

Love (Upright)

Career (Upright)

Finances (Upright)

Soul Searching (Upright)

Manifestation (Upright)

Affirmation

Reversed The Hanged Man Meaning

Reversed keywords

Love (Reversed)

Career (Reversed)

Finances (Reversed)

Soul Searching (Reversed)

Manifestation (Reversed)

Affirmation

Reflective Questions for this card

Tridevia deck

How to Meditate with the Hanged Man

Set the Space

Focus on the Card

Close Your Eyes & Breathe

Visualize the Message

Journal or Reflect Afterward

The Hanged Man Cheat Sheet

Sign up for 7 FREE Tarot Classes

What makes our platform your BEST choice for tarot knowledge?

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