The Hanged Man
The Enlightened One
The Hanged Man is Major Arcana number 12, who causes The Fool to see the world and their journey in an entirely new way. It is the source of reversals for the Tarot deck, so that we remember to look at each card from every angle. The Tarot interpretation of the Hanged Man often involves a sacrifice for a greater cause, your world being turned upside down, or a moment of release.
The Hanged Man Card Meaning
The Hanged Man is about going through trials and tribulations and coming out on the other side changed for the better. Difficult times such as these force us to confront truths that otherwise would have remained hidden, and this card is about facing those truths head on and then integrating them into your worldview. This process often requires radical acceptance and a calm openness to the world around you.
Symbolism in the Hanged Man
The Hanged Man symbolizes the martyr, self-sacrifice, seeing something old as if for the first time, and of letting something precious go. The Hanged Man shares an ability to envision a radical new reality as Neptune in the context of Astrology, and is highly adaptable like the element of Water. In addition to its number 12, the Hanged Man deals with separation and development like the number 2.
The Hanged Man Reversed Meaning
The Hanged Man reversed means pain is being suffered for no reason, someone is stuck in an old way of thinking, or that you have become too reliant on a physical thing. It can also indicate that someone is refusing to accept a difficult truth, or is missing the forest for the trees.
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What does the Hanged Man represent in a Love or Relationship reading?
There is something about the situation that you need to look at differently. It could be the relationship overall, or one tiny aspect of it, or anything in between. But there is something you are misinterpreting, do not appreciate the significance of, or possibly ignored. It can also a reminder not to over-think things and just go with the flow.
What does the Hanged Man symbolize in Career and Finances?
This card may be telling you that you are too focused on the goal, and not enough on the process. By working less directly at your goal, you may actually get there faster; life is full of contradictions like these, and they are all embodied by the Hanged Man. In general you may be trying to force things that need to develop on their own time, and may actually flourish without your attempts to control it.
What guidance does the Hanged Man have for everyday life?
Question everything; everything has another side, or can be looked at from another angle. Looking at things this way opens your mind to more possibilities, and keeps it flexible and ready to adapt in the face of new realities. This card is also a reminder that sometimes difficult times or painful situations end up becoming an important part of who we are, and making it through to the other side gives us more strength for the future.
Does the Hanged Man represent you right now?
Click to reveal the card below – if it’s the Hanged Man, then this card’s energy is strongly influencing your right now! If not, it may be a message that the Hanged Man wants you to hear…
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