

The Hanged Man
Mysterious and complex I appear
as I hang, I need more time
Sacrifice and patience is my school of choice
When we most want to act, thats when we should wait
I am the Hanged Man of the Tarot
The Hanged Man XII
In this image, a man hangs upside-down from the tree, suspended by his foot. It is believed that the man willingly positioned himself there, evident from his peaceful expression. One foot is tied to the branches while the other remains free. He holds his hands behind his back, forming an inverted triangle. The red pants represent physicality and passion while the blue shirt signifies tranquility. His intellect is symbolized by the yellow hue of his shoes, hair and halo. It is said that in the old days, a disgraced knight was hung from the tree by one leg and this image was inspired by those events.
Attributes:
Symbolizes: Waiting and no action
Planet: Neptune
Zodiac: Pisces
Element: Water
Represents: A test of faith. If you feel your faith is being tested, this card says have faith, it will work out and there is nothing you need to do at this time.
Number : 12
Advice: Surrender to being still and wait. Trust that things will work out as it should be. Also, be open to another perception.
What you should know: Depending on the context of the card it can also mean: hang in there, just a little bit longer. The hanged man is one of the most mysterious and complex cards in the deck. It is the “chill out”, no action card. This is also a delay card.
Yes or No Card: Generally the Hanged man upright is Yes. Reversed is no, not at this time. It can also indicate a maybe, the decision hasn’t been made yet.
Upright Hanged Man Meaning:
The Hanged Man card suggests a need to delay action, no action is needed at this time. This could lead to a period of uncertainty and hesitation. It is likely that important decisions and tasks may be put on hold, even if there is a sense of urgency. However, it would be beneficial to take the time to carefully consider these actions before moving forward. Ultimately, this will result in making the best choices for the situation at hand.
Upright Love Meaning |
Upright Career Meaning |
Upright Finances Meaning |
Patience in love, sacrifice, don’t pressure partner |
Patience at work. Contemplate next move. No action at this time |
New perspective about finances, have patience with financial news or large purchases |
Upright Hanged Man Tarot Meaning: Love
The Hanged Man symbolizes sacrifice and waiting for the right moment. For those who are single, the upright Hanged Man suggests that things cannot be rushed. Instead of attempting to force or pressure a relationship into existence, take this time to gain insight by being alone and laying low. Remember, timing is everything. This also applies to established relationships; now is not the time to pressure your partner, you need to show restraint and allow things to unfold.
Upright Hanged Man Tarot Meaning: Career
The Hanged Man can indicate uncertainty in regards to work. This could mean your projects are paused, requiring you to take a break, or you may be contemplating your next move. This card indicates the timing is not right to act on. Instead, it is necessary to simply wait and trust that everything will fall into place. This could involve waiting for a response from a business partner, colleague or new job or maybe making a decision on changes in your career. In these moments, it's important to relax and just be patient.
Upright Hanged Man Tarot Meaning: Finances
A change in perspective can be indicated by the Hanged Man. For example, if you have been stressed about money matters, you may find that taking a break can help change your perspective. Alternatively, it can mean be patient about receiving money or hearing news about finances or even a large purchase, wait a little longer, no action is required from you at this time. Sometimes it may indicate a delay.
“The upright hanged man is pausing to reflect, taking time to just be and putting self-interest aside. He is seeing from a new angle and perspective.”
Reversed Hanged Man Tarot Meaning:
Reversed Hanged Man General Meaning:
Hanged Man's reversed meaning represents a time in your life during which you feel as though you are sacrificing a considerable amount of time without getting anything in return for it and making you overly persistent and impatient, and your wanting to do more. Some things may seem to be at a standstill without any sign of resolution or movement, as if you are putting all your attention and effort into something, but nothing seems to work out. You may have a fear of letting go and feeling like a victim, if so, your situation will persist or get worse. This is not the time for action.
Reversed Love Meaning |
Reversed Career Meaning |
Reversed Finances Meaning |
Pressuring partner, impatient, no sacrifice |
Impatient at work, being too persistent, ungrounded |
Impulsive spending and investments. Hasty financial decisions |
Reversed Hanged Man Tarot Meaning: Love
The current moment calls for no action and indicates you are doing too much, maybe pressuring your partner and being too persistent. Your romantic life may have experienced a slowdown recently, giving you the opportunity to contemplate different views on love and relationships. This is the time to slow down and wait, you need to be patient and sacrifice, let things unfold without you pressuring the situation. Trust the process.
Reversed Hanged Man Tarot Meaning: Career
When the Hanged Man is reversed, sacrifices made in your career may not have yielded desired results and making you impatient. Whether it be a change in career or time spent on work projects. This card indicates you are doing too much and are being very persistent to make things happen. This is a time to slow down and wait, don’t force things.
Reversed Hanged Man Meaning : Finances
This card indicates a need to reduce your impulsive spending and show restraint with your finances. You may have made some hasty financial decisions when it comes to purchases or investments. This is the time not to spend. If you are waiting on financial news, a loan, etc.. this is not a time to be overly persistent. Be patient and wait or you will make matters worse.
Frequently asked questions
The Hanged Man represents a pause, a shift in perspective, and the power of surrender. It often appears when forcing a situation forward isn’t possible — instead, it calls for acceptance, patience, and a willingness to see things differently. This card teaches that stillness isn’t stagnation; it’s a conscious choice that can lead to deeper wisdom and clarity.
The Hanged Man represents a pause, a shift in perspective, and the power of surrender. It often appears when forcing a situation forward isn’t possible — instead, it calls for acceptance, patience, and a willingness to see things differently. This card teaches that stillness isn’t stagnation; it’s a conscious choice that can lead to deeper wisdom and clarity.
Not at all. Even though outward progress may seem slow, significant inner growth is taking place beneath the surface. The Hanged Man is about aligning with divine timing and trusting that this pause has purpose. It’s often a sign that a breakthrough or new direction will emerge once you release control and allow things to unfold naturally.
Not at all. Even though outward progress may seem slow, significant inner growth is taking place beneath the surface. The Hanged Man is about aligning with divine timing and trusting that this pause has purpose. It’s often a sign that a breakthrough or new direction will emerge once you release control and allow things to unfold naturally.
The Hanged Man encourages you to pause and reflect before acting. It’s a reminder that rushing ahead without deeper insight can lead to missed opportunities or repeated patterns. This card invites you to look at the situation from a new angle, listen to your intuition, and allow clarity to reveal the right next step in its own time.
For the complete upright and reversed meanings of The Hanged Man, visit the Tarot Card Meanings library on www.tarotmasterguide.com.
The Hanged Man encourages you to pause and reflect before acting. It’s a reminder that rushing ahead without deeper insight can lead to missed opportunities or repeated patterns. This card invites you to look at the situation from a new angle, listen to your intuition, and allow clarity to reveal the right next step in its own time.
For the complete upright and reversed meanings of The Hanged Man, visit the Tarot Card Meanings library on www.tarotmasterguide.com.