The Hanged Man is a figure suspended upside down, associated with the number 12 in the deck.
The Hanged Man is a person hanging upside down from a tree. They’re called “the hanged man,” but this is inaccurate since they’re hanging by the foot and not by the neck. Being suspended in this way doesn’t imply an execution or something terrible; it’s simply a state of suspension, observing. Its meaning varies significantly depending on whether the card is upright or reversed.
Correspondences of the card:
Kabbalistically, this card is linked to the planet Neptune, the letter Lamed, and the number 30.
Esoterically, it’s associated with the sign of Libra, the element of Air, and the season of winter.
In numerology, it represents the number 12 or 3 (12 = 1 + 2 = 3). 12 is the higher octave of 3, symbolizing careful planning and orderly growth leading to spiritual development. 1 (beginning) + 2 (the power of reasoning) = 3 (the result of regeneration).
Graphic description of the card:
The card shows a person hanging upside down from the tree of the living world, rooted in the physical world but supported by the heavens. Given their serene facial expression, it’s believed they’re hanging there voluntarily.
Their right foot is tied to the tree, but their left foot remains free, bent behind the knee and hidden behind the right leg. Their arms are bent, with their hands joined behind their back, forming an inverted triangle.
The figure wears red pants, symbolizing human passion and the physical body, a blue coat representing knowledge, and yellow shoes reflecting their high ideals.
Around the Hanged Man’s head is a bright yellow halo, symbolizing spiritual achievement, with a gray background suggesting invisibility, as a reminder not to show off one’s spirituality.
The interpretation of this card revolves around ultimate surrender, being suspended in time, and the martyrdom and sacrifice made for the greater good. This archetype represents willingly breaking free from old habits and behaviors that have held them back.
The Hanged Man Upright:
General meaning:
This card represents being in limbo, a delay or postponement of plans and goals, restraint, letting go, and sacrificing for something or someone.
It can symbolize altruism, selflessness, and a certain indifference to material things. It represents passivity and a moment to pause, to let things be, as they are.
The Hanged Man is strongly associated with sacrifice—where you might be giving up something for the greater good or perhaps making excessive sacrifices that border on martyrdom.
Ask yourself if the sacrifices and the stance you’ve taken are really worth it, or if you’re unknowingly sacrificing yourself for something that has no true meaning.
While the image may appear negative, it doesn’t signify actual hanging. On the contrary, this card is a very positive sign if you’re waiting for a final outcome, especially if it concerns intellectual or emotional matters.
The figure is hanging by their own decision and will, as shown by the calmness of their expression. They are not forced to be there but do so to gain a new perspective.
When representing a person, the Hanged Man suggests they are without free will at the moment, with no power to make decisions or change things. There’s nothing they can do now to influence or alter the situation as it doesn’t depend on them.
However, the Hanged Man’s theme of sacrifice for the common good indicates loyal, supportive friends, who offer help and advice.
If we’re describing a specific situation, the Hanged Man card tells us that everything is at a standstill, in a deadlock, on pause. There’s nothing to do but watch events unfold, without taking action.
Circumstances dominate, and you are metaphorically “tied up,” unable to act. It’s a time for waiting.
Love:
In love, it signals that the relationship is in a deadlock, everything at a standstill in a deep impasse. It may be an ambiguous relationship with back-and-forths, where neither person is sure of where things are heading.
It could suggest that it’s time to “let go” because despite trying to view things from every possible angle, it doesn’t seem to be working. Perhaps one or both partners are too idealistic and never satisfied with what they have.
It could also mean that one or both partners are making disproportionate sacrifices to fit in, giving up their own will to be and choose. A bit of compromise is necessary in every relationship, but self-denial and martyrdom don’t lead anywhere good.
Work:
In work, the Hanged Man tells you to raise your self-esteem and understand your worth. The sacrifices you’ve made for work or the company might not be paying off as you hoped.
It’s a moment of stagnation, where you may need to consider whether it’s time to change jobs, as you may be on a dead-end path that’s beyond your control to change or reverse.
If you’re willing to be patient and let things resolve themselves, continue with what you’re doing, despite the apathy, lack of enthusiasm, and poor communication with colleagues, partners, or employees.
The situation will change, but it won’t be because of your actions, and you don’t know when it will happen. If another good opportunity comes along, consider changing course, but remember that the main message is to wait for now.
Money and finances:
Saving is now a priority. There could be unexpected expenses or visible overspending that throws things off balance. Avoid unnecessary spending.
However, this card also has another meaning—giving and sharing, sacrificing in some way for others. If you’re in a prosperous period, share, give, be generous.
And even if things aren’t going so well, share what little you have, even if it’s just a piece of bread. Giving leads to receiving, and what you give will come back to you multiplied. This is a crucial lesson from the Hanged Man.
Health:
There’s a sense of neglect toward your health and well-being, perhaps even signs of depression, stemming from a lack of self-esteem and undervaluing yourself.
If you’re seeking improvement, it will come but very slowly. Follow advice carefully and don’t innovate too much.
Spirituality:
It’s essential now to set aside any negative beliefs or self-limitations. Remember the idea of “self-fulfilling prophecy” — what you declare, happens. It’s written in stone, so be careful what you allow yourself to say or think about your life.
Make sure the “prophecies” you’re making about your life align with the life you truly want to see and live.
The Hanged Man Reversed:
General meaning:
In its reversed position, this card represents martyrdom, indecision, self-sacrifice, and delays.
When the Hanged Man appears, it may be time to let go of an old attitude or stance, and in more serious cases, let go of a friendship, relationship, or contact. This is for both personal and greater good.
You may now feel that all your efforts and sacrifices have led nowhere and haven’t been worth it. This seems true on the surface, but in the long run, the results will prove to be worthwhile.
This time, which now appears to be stagnant, is just a dormant seed period that will inevitably blossom.
You may feel tempted to let everything resolve on its own without taking responsibility or action, but this is not advisable. Even if you don’t see immediate results, you must act and initiate changes.
This is a moment you will overcome, and all these feelings and emotions of helplessness and incapability will fade when things improve—and they will, without a doubt.
On a more negative note, if you’re sacrificing for something or someone, this card asks you to consider whether this sacrifice is genuine and selfless, or if you’re seeking attention or recognition for your martyrdom. Reflect on this carefully.
As a final outcome, the card suggests changing your approach and attitudes, as this will lead to a successful outcome.
Love:
In love, this card signals the presence of intense but short-lived relationships. Live them fully if this is the case, without expectations, simply enjoying the present, which will be rich in experiences and emotions that will ultimately contribute to your emotional well-being.
The Hanged Man shows a crossroads, where you must make a decision and stick to it. It may indicate that it’s a good time to let go of unhealthy relationships or connections that have been hurting you for a long time.
In a more metaphorical sense, it can also suggest that what you need to let go of is a certain vision or idealism. Stop dreaming of a perfect person or “Prince Charming,” and instead value what your partner has to offer, accepting them as they are, just as they likely accept you.
If you hold too tightly to an ideal, you may find yourself living in constant disappointment, so stay flexible.
Work:
In terms of work, the Hanged Man warns of a possible layoff in the worst-case scenario. However, you might also decide to reassess your situation and choose to make a bold move in a new direction.
It’s clear you’re not satisfied with your job or current activity, and you need to rethink things to bring about a change.
You might have a tendency to blame everyone and everything, including yourself, the economy, your boss, colleagues, or partners. Try to think rationally and figure out where the real issues lie.
Sometimes there’s no one to blame; things are just the way they are without any clear reason. Remember, nothing is permanent—everything changes, both good and bad, and you know that.
Money and finances:
The Hanged Man is a somewhat negative card, as it can indicate significant financial losses and, in the worst case, ruin.
The outcome will depend on other related cards in the spread, but this card advises strict control over your spending, the investments you make, and warns you to be cautious of scams and fraud.
Just like in its upright position, this reversed card doesn’t lose its sense of opening the flow, of sharing and giving. No matter how dark the situation seems, you should still give and share with others.
This is the mechanism that regenerates things. Give without expecting anything in return, and the law of cause and effect will repay you. This is the most positive aspect of the Hanged Man’s financial reading, despite the overall negative tone.
Health:
Be very careful about accidents of any kind, from simple domestic mishaps to more serious incidents. This is a time when you’re not paying attention to your health or physical safety, so take caution and move with care.
The Hanged Man hints at some health issue, minor or major, but highly possible. Get a checkup, watch your weight, and leave behind bad habits and vices.
Spirituality:
When this card appears reversed in relation to spirituality, old messages you received in childhood may return to haunt you. Things imprinted on your subconscious are now surfacing, causing deep changes and shifts.
It’s also time to reflect on whether your long-held beliefs still hold up to analysis and scrutiny. Maybe what you believed to be true as a child no longer serves you, based on your lived experiences. If that’s the case, it’s time to change, update, and adjust to what you need now.
