The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man encourages us to take the path of least resistance. Sometimes mindfully pausing and embracing the small but significant steps forward can offer us a new perspective.
The Hanged Man Tarot Card Description
"What you resist, persists”― Carl Gustav Jung
The Hanged Man, also known as The Hanged One, is a card in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck. This card holds profound themes like surrender, release, and perspective. Governed by Neptune and associated with the element of Water, The Hanged Man invites us to introspect and shift our viewpoints, often in ways we might not expect but deeply need.
The Hanged Man presents an intriguing image: a man hanging upside down from a tree branch by his right foot, but his left foot remains free. His hands are often hidden behind his back or clutching two bags of coins, yet his expression remains calm, even serene.
Despite his unusual position, he appears neither to suffer nor to be in pain. In certain decks, like the Tarot de Marseilles, there's almost a playful energy about him.
Key Takeaways
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The Hanged Man card emphasizes themes of surrender, release, and perspective, encouraging introspection and a shift in viewpoints.
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The imagery of the card shows a man hanging upside down from a tree branch, symbolizing calmness and acceptance even in difficult situations.
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Key symbols include the tree (world tree and stability), the halo (enlightenment and calm), and the inverted triangle (divine energy and receptivity).
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In love readings, the upright Hanged Man suggests maintaining healthy attachments and taking time for self-reflection within relationships.
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In career readings, the upright Hanged Man advises patience and mindfulness, recognizing that some situations require time and natural progression.
Qualities
- Upright: Surrender, release, perspective
- Reversed: Resistance, stubbornness, delayed revelation
Celestial Influence
- Planet/Zodiac: Neptune
- Card Number and Arcana: XII (Major Arcana)
- Element: Water
- Crystal: Aquamarine
Try meditating on the Hanged Man card while holding aquamarine to help with emotional healing and letting go of what no longer serves you.
Symbology of The Hanged Man Tarot Card
The Tree
The tree we see represents the world tree, which symbolizes the connection between the heavens, earth, and underworld. It also encourages us to trust in the stability that holds us, even when life feels upside down.
Halo
Despite his inverted position, The Hanged Man rocks a halo around his head (impressive, and symbolic of his enlightenment). His facial expression further suggests a level of calmness and acceptance one wouldn't expect from someone (safely) hanging by their leg. We are digging his energy!
Triangle
The inverted triangle formed by The Hanged Man’s (alive and well) body symbolizes the flow of divine energy into our lives. It represents surrender and receptivity, which urges us to let go and allow life to unfold naturally. Our true strength and understanding often come from being open and accepting, rather than trying to control everything.
The Upright Hanged Man: Interpretations and Meanings
Our friendly Hanged Man might appear when it is time for you to slow down, and try to see things differently or from a new perspective. Additional goodies are below:
Love and Relationships
When The Hanged Man appears upright in a love reading, it's a gentle reminder of the importance of healthy attachments and staying connected to oneself. This card encourages us to take a moment to check in with ourselves, ensuring we haven't lost our identity within the relationship. It promotes a healthy interdependency, where partners maintain their core values and needs while nurturing their relationship.
In this context, The Hanged Man reminds us that the best way to support a relationship is through patience and understanding. It might be a time to reflect on whether you are approaching your relationship mindfully and whether you are respecting both your own and your partner’s individuality. The card advises slowing down to reassess and realign with your true self and your partner's needs.
Career and Finances
In a career tarot reading, the upright Hanged Man indicates a period that calls for patience and acceptance that not everything is within our control. It suggests overcoming the ego and recognizing that some situations, especially those involving multiple people or complex projects, need time to unfold.
The Hanged Man encourages incorporating mindfulness or meditation practices into your workday to stay connected with yourself amidst professional challenges. By doing so, you can approach work with a clearer mind and a more balanced perspective, leading to better decision-making and reduced stress. He reminds us that sometimes, stepping back and allowing things to progress naturally is the best course of action.
The Hanged Man Reversed Meaning
When reversed, The Hanged Man seems to stand in a tree pose, embodying an active and dynamic energy. Below we've shared additional interpretations that might support your journey:
Love and Relationships
The Hanged Man reversed suggests that instead of constantly trying to fix or improve the relationship through action, it might be more effective to pause and reflect. This approach can help in understanding whether your efforts come from a place of fear or genuine care. It also emphasizes the importance of not falling into survival mode but making mindful and intentional decisions about the relationship and your personal and romantic life.
Career and Finances
In a career reading, the reversed Hanged Man highlights the busyness and constant motion that often characterize our 'work lives'. It suggests that this state of perpetual activity might be preventing us from slowing down and being present. While the demands of work are inevitable, it’s crucial to find a balance that does not jeopardize our well-being and social health.
The Hanged Man advises reassessing how your time and energy are being utilized in the professional realm. It encourages finding ways to incorporate moments of stillness and reflection into your daily routine, which can lead to greater clarity and more sustainable productivity. This might involve setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, or finding new strategies to manage workload without compromising mental health.
Departing Wisdom from The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man teaches us the beauty of embracing periods of rest and introspection. By allowing ourselves to slow down and connect with our inner selves, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and recharging. This, in turn, enables us to give back to others from a place of fullness rather than depletion.
Mantra: I will embrace the stillness, let go of resistance, and find peace in simply being.
References
The Way of Tarot | Alejandro Jodorowsky, Archive.org
The Marseille Tarot Revealed A Complete Guide to Symbolism, Meanings & Methods | Yoav Ben-Dov
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot | Arthur Edward Waite
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only. Take what resonates with you and leave behind anything that doesn't. Anahana is not liable for any interpretations, insights, or outcomes that may arise from using the information provided.
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