Understanding The Hanged man
The Hanged Man is a card that represents sacrifice, letting go, and new perspectives. It can indicate a need to release old patterns, beliefs, or attitudes that are no longer serving you. This card can also suggest that you are feeling stuck or suspended in a situation, and that you may need to surrender your ego's need for control in order to move forward. The Hanged Man can also represent a period of introspection and self-reflection, where you are called to examine your thoughts, feelings, and motivations from a new and more objective perspective.
In a broader sense, the Hanged Man can represent the concept of sacrifice as a means of spiritual growth and transformation. It can indicate a need to let go of attachments, desires, or ego-driven pursuits in order to attain a higher level of understanding and awareness. This card can also symbolize the idea of surrendering to the natural flow of life, and trusting that the universe will provide what is needed. The Hanged Man can also represent the idea of seeing things from a different perspective, and being open to new ideas and insights that may challenge your existing beliefs and assumptions.
Key Meanings
Let go of old patterns, beliefs, or attitudes that are no longer serving you.
Surrender your ego's need for control and trust in the natural flow of life.
Take a step back and examine your thoughts, feelings, and motivations from a new perspective.
Sacrifice something that is holding you back in order to move forward and grow spiritually.
Reversed
Refusing to let go of old patterns, beliefs, or attitudes that are holding you back.
Struggling to surrender and control, leading to stagnation and frustration.
Failing to examine your thoughts, feelings, and motivations, leading to confusion and uncertainty.
Holding onto something too tightly, causing stagnation and preventing growth.
Related Cards
Knights
The Magician
The High Priestess
The Empress
Home
You may need to sacrifice short-term comfort or convenience to achieve long-term goals or stability in your home life.
It's time to take a step back, reflect, and gain a new perspective on your domestic situation to resolve any current challenges.
You're being called to practice patience, flexibility, and adaptability in your relationships with family members or housemates.
A period of stillness and quiet contemplation is necessary to recharge and rebalance your energies, allowing you to return to your home life with renewed vitality and clarity
Relationships
You may need to put your own desires and needs on hold for a while to allow your partner to take the lead or have their way, leading to a deeper understanding and connection.
It's time to let go of attachment to specific outcomes or expectations in your relationship and instead embrace the uncertainty and mystery of the present moment.
You're being called to practice self-reflection and introspection to gain a deeper understanding of your own motivations and desires, which will ultimately benefit your relationship.
A period of pause or stasis in your relationship may be necessary to re-evaluate priorities, recharge energies, and gain a fresh perspective on the dynamics and future of the connection
Career
You may need to put your professional goals on hold or take a step back to reassess your priorities, leading to a more aligned and fulfilling career path.
It's time to adopt a more flexible and adaptable mindset in your work, being open to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities that may arise.
You're being called to cultivate patience and perspective in your career, recognizing that progress may be slow or stalled, but ultimately leading to a stronger foundation.
A period of introspection and self-reflection is necessary to uncover your true values, motivations, and strengths, allowing you to realign your career with your authentic self.
Timing
2/21 - 3/20
Astro Connection
Neptune:
Neptune represents the mystical and the unknown, guiding us to explore the mysteries of the universe and our own inner world.
This planet governs our capacity for intuition, creativity, and spiritual connection, helping us tap into the subtle realms of existence.
Neptune's energy is associated with the dissolution of boundaries and the blurring of distinctions, encouraging us to embrace unity and interconnectedness.
As the ruler of Pisces, Neptune's energy is also connected to the themes of sacrifice, surrender, and selflessness, inviting us to let go of ego attachments and embrace the greater good.
Element
Water:
Water symbolizes the fluid and adaptable nature of emotions, reminding us to flow with the currents of life and embrace change.
This element is associated with the mysteries of the subconscious, inviting us to explore our deepest fears, desires, and motivations.
Water's energy is connected to the realm of intuition, encouraging us to trust our gut feelings and listen to our inner voice.
As a symbol of emotional depth and sensitivity, Water reminds us to cultivate empathy, compassion, and understanding in our relationships with others.
The Hanged Man Numerology
In Numerology, the number 12, which corresponds to the Hanged Man card, is a sacred number that symbolizes spiritual growth, transformation, and inner wisdom. This number is often associated with the theme of surrender, letting go of ego attachments and material possessions to connect with the higher self. The number 12 also represents the harmonization of opposites, integrating the rational and intuitive aspects of the self to achieve balance and wholeness. In essence, the number 12 guides us to transcend the mundane and access the mystical, connecting us to the divine and the infinite.
The Hanged Man Symbolism
The most important aspects of symbolism for this card are as follows:
• Upside-down figure: Representing suspension, sacrifice, and new perspective
• Tree branch: Symbolizing connection to inner wisdom and trust in the natural order
• Serene expression: Indicating patience, contemplation, and inner harmony
• Closed eyes: Representing introspection and self-reflection
• Hands behind back: Suggesting a sense of surrender and letting go
• Legs crossed: Symbolizing balance and inner harmony
• Noose around ankle: Representing sacrifice and being held back
The Hanged Man Meaning
The Hanged Man card upright represents a period of suspension, where one must let go of old patterns, beliefs, and desires to gain a new perspective. It suggests that one must surrender to the present moment, trusting that the universe has a plan, and that patience and contemplation are necessary to gain clarity. This card can indicate a need to pause and reflect on one's life, allowing for inner wisdom to guide decision-making and problem-solving. By embracing this state of limbo, one can ultimately emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding.
The Hanged Man Reversed Meaning
In the reversed position, the Hanged Man card can indicate a lack of flexibility, stubbornness, and resistance to change, causing stagnation and missed opportunities. It may suggest that one is holding on too tightly to old patterns, beliefs, or relationships, and is unable to let go and move forward. This card can also indicate a sense of being stuck or trapped in a situation, with no clear way out, and may suggest that one needs to take action to break free from restrictive circumstances. Without a willingness to adapt and release what's holding them back, one may remain stuck in a rut, unable to progress or grow.
The Hanged Man Meaning Home
When the Hanged Man appears upright in a reading about home life, it can indicate a need to take a step back and re-evaluate one's priorities and habits within the home. It may suggest that one is holding on too tightly to old routines or ways of being, and that it's time to let go and create space for new energies and perspectives. This card can also indicate a need for patience and flexibility in dealing with family members or roommates, and that compromise and understanding are key to maintaining harmony in the home. By embracing this message, one can create a more peaceful and balanced living environment that supports personal growth and well-being.
The Hanged Man Reversed Meaning Home
When the Hanged Man appears reversed in a reading about home life, it can indicate a sense of stagnation and rigidity within the home, where routines and habits have become too entrenched and are stifling growth. It may suggest that one is struggling to let go of old patterns or is resisting change, causing tension and conflict with family members or roommates. This card can also indicate a lack of flexibility and adaptability in dealing with the needs of others, leading to feelings of frustration and resentment. Without a willingness to release old habits and embrace change, the home environment may become stale and unfulfilling.
The Hanged Man Meaning Relationships
When the Hangman card appears upright in a relationship reading, it can indicate a need for patience, understanding, and compromise. It suggests that one or both parties may be feeling trapped, stuck, or restricted in some way, and that flexibility and open communication are necessary to break free from these constraints and move forward. The card can also indicate a sense of sacrifice or surrender, suggesting that one may need to let go of ego or attachment to a particular outcome in order to find harmony and balance in the relationship. Overall, the Hangman card advises a willingness to listen, adapt, and find creative solutions to overcome obstacles and strengthen the bond between two people.
The Hanged Man Reversed Meaning Relationships
When the Hangman card appears reversed in a relationship reading, it can indicate a sense of stagnation, gridlock, or feeling stuck in a situation that seems impossible to escape. It may suggest that one or both parties are resistant to change, compromise, or growth, leading to a lack of progress or movement in the relationship. The reversed Hangman can also indicate a tendency to blame or martyr oneself, rather than taking responsibility for one's own actions and decisions. Overall, the reversed card advises a need to break free from limiting beliefs, patterns, or attitudes that are holding the relationship back.
The Hanged Man Meaning Career
When the Hangman card appears upright in a career reading, it can indicate a need to be patient and flexible in the workplace, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new situations. It suggests that one may be feeling restricted or limited in their current role, but that new opportunities and growth are possible if they are willing to take a step back and reassess their approach. The card can also indicate a need to let go of ego or attachment to a specific outcome, and instead focus on finding creative solutions to challenges. Overall, the upright Hangman advises a willingness to pivot and adjust plans in order to achieve career success.
The Hanged Man Reversed Meaning Career
When the Hangman card appears reversed in a career reading, it can indicate a sense of frustration, stagnation, or feeling trapped in a dead-end job or career path. It may suggest that one is resistant to change or unwilling to adapt to new circumstances, leading to a lack of progress or growth. The reversed Hangman can also indicate a tendency to blame external circumstances or others for one's career woes, rather than taking responsibility for one's own decisions and actions. Overall, the reversed card advises a need to break free from limiting beliefs and patterns in order to unlock new career opportunities and growth.
The Hanged Man Journal Prompts
The Hanged Man is asking you to consider the following questions:
Where in my life do I feel stuck or restricted? What steps can I take to break free from these constraints and find a way forward?
Am I holding onto something too tightly - a belief, a goal, a relationship? What would it mean for me to 'let go' and surrender to the present moment?
In what ways am I resisting change or growth in my life? What am I afraid of losing or giving up if I embrace change?
How can I cultivate more patience and flexibility in my daily life? What benefits might I experience if I learn to 'hang in there' and trust the process?