The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning

This Tarot Arcana depicts a young man, hung upside-down with a halo above his head, on something akin to a gallows, which is in fact a living tree, as the surrounding foliage suggests. Despite his awkward pose, the Hanged Man appears relaxed and at peace—it seems he is either content with his situation or has fully come to terms with it. Perhaps, this is his personal choice—to suffer for a greater purpose?

The primary message of The Hanged Man tarot card is that the end justifies the means. You may have to relinquish some things that are dear and familiar to you to progress. Or dramatically reassess your worldview, opinions, priorities, and life plans—shedding something old and surrendering something to gain more in the future. The appearance of The Hanged Man in a spread signifies a necessary sacrifice, without which advancement is impossible!

For instance, you may discover that you lack the qualifications to undertake a task and need to study, requiring significant financial and time investment. However, after the training, a new career stage and a high salary await, reconciling you with temporary inconveniences and expenses.

Or, conversely, for the sake of tranquility and peace in your family, you decide to sacrifice your dream of a high position. In this case, you set your priorities correctly, giving up what is of lesser value to you.

Interestingly, even under the constraints and limitations, The Hanged Man card promises a sense of inner freedom and balance. It appears that even in these challenging circumstances, you maintain tranquility and continue to cherish the simple and priceless things in life!

Key meanings of the upright Hanged Man card

• Sacrifice, self-denial, surrendering the present for something better in the future.
• Humility, acceptance of fate, dedication, devotion.
• Changes, transition period, trials, breaking down stereotypes.
• Attaining inner freedom, flexible thinking.

The reversed Hanged Man tarot card signifies your selfish behavior, degradation, and unwillingness to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of achieving physical, spiritual, or intellectual goals, self-improvement, and progress. You have decided that what you have already achieved and accomplished in life is sufficient. You either do not desire more, are afraid to aspire for more, or are unsure of the direction to move in.

The Hanged Man tarot card suggests that you are experiencing uncertainty, disarray, and confusion. Alternatively, you may be aimlessly frittering your life away, socializing and having fun without purpose, not giving thought to the next day. In this case, you willingly sacrifice your goal, voluntarily abstaining from personal growth.

The negative aspect of the reversed Hanged Man tarot card can be overcome by any form of learning or activity that allows you to step out of the rut of your life, be it hobby courses, practicing yoga, acquiring a second degree, or merely attending a sushi-making master class. Contemplate, remain at peace, and do not rush events. Sooner or later, the understanding of your true path and goal will come to you, and you will be able to move forward!

Key meanings of the reversed Hanged Man card

• Selfishness, pride, unfulfilled promises, avoidance of commitments.
• Materialistic attachment, absence of gain, disappointment, total or partial losses.
• Stagnation, resistance to change, inertia, lethargy, pressure from circumstances. Futile sacrifices, fruitless waiting, fatigue, strict limitations.

The Hanged Man Tarot card often speaks to a challenging situation in personal relationships. You might feel that your relationship with your partner has hit a dead-end with no way out. Boredom, apathy, crisis—nothing seems to bring joy. There's a lack of harmony between you two, causing discomfort and distress for both parties.

This is a period of trials, and in this complex situation, a certain sacrifice is required from both parties to uncover the root cause and mend the relationship. It might be necessary to abandon your plans or step out of your comfort zone to turn the situation around and find a pathway to your loved one's heart. Meanwhile, both of you might feel somewhat victimized by the complexities of the relationship, which weigh down on you like a heavy stone.

In a reversed position, the card suggests the futility of the sacrifice made and the helplessness to effect any change.

When reading for an admirer, beloved

In a reading for an admirer or partner, the upright card implies that your chosen one is ready to make many sacrifices in love to be close to the person they adore. This might include sacrificing their comfort or the life they are accustomed to.

A reversed card testifies that your chosen one seeks comfort in love. The ideal relationship for them is one where they don't need to sacrifice their habits and lifestyle.

The Hanged Man card that appeared in the business spread indicates a stagnation in affairs and a decrease in profits. Until the situation stabilizes, it is necessary to reduce expenses and switch to economy mode.

You need to "turn your world upside down," which means seeking new ways to earn money, retraining, moving to another city, or changing tactics in business. If everything remains as it is, the work will continue to bring only losses and disappointments. As an alternative, health may deteriorate, or one may have to work for an idea without proper compensation.

In the reversed position, the card speaks of significant losses and an unwillingness to draw conclusions from mistakes.

When reading the Hanged Man card for a person, the upright position is interpreted as a whole and self-sufficient individual, possessing an astonishing sense of inner freedom and not being dependent on external circumstances.

In the reversed position of the card, it represents a proud and self-assured person (sometimes excessively so). For them, their own desires and interests almost always take precedence.

In the upright position, the card advises you to accept the need to limit yourself or surrender to circumstances in order to eventually achieve what you desire.

When appearing in the reversed position in a spread, the card suggests that you reflect on whether you are sacrificing too much for unclear goals.

If the card appears in an upright position, the forecast for your situation is favorable. The ability to sacrifice something for the sake of achieving your goal will help you attain what you desire.

In the reversed position, the forecast for your situation is uncertain. Your inability to sacrifice something for the attainment of your goals may hinder you.

With the 0 Fool card - Immoral life, long-term stagnation, lack of motivation.

With the 1 Magician card - Immersion in work, male betrayal, stagnation.

With the 2 High Priestess card - Inaction, unnecessary awareness, other people's secrets.

In combination with the 3 Empress card - Betrayal by a loved one, benefit from a bad situation, benefitting from someone else's misfortune.

With the 4 Emperor card - Unwillingness to act, monetary scandals, crisis.

With the 5 Hierophant card - Disillusionment with religion or indulging in thoughts about the soul, sacrificing education for work, narrow-mindedness.

With the 6 Lovers card - Compromising principles, sacrifices for love, attempts to adapt.

With the 7 Chariot card - Asserting oneself at someone else's expense, abandoning everything halfway, changing professions.

With the 8 Strength card - Fruitless efforts, hidden strength, buying time.

With the 9 Hermit card - Self-isolation, severe depression, the need for companionship.

With the 10 Wheel of Fortune card - Fear of losing something, profit from inaction, paying the price.

With the 11 Justice card - Passing judgment, being in a suspended position, dependence on authoritative structures.

With the 13 Death card - Making a difficult decision, necessary changes, accepting circumstances.

With the 14 Temperance card - Time heals, parting ways with someone to test feelings, a moment for reflection.

With the 15 Devil card - Getting entangled, serious dependency, accidental pregnancy or termination.

With the 16 Tower card - Health problems, gradual destruction, becoming a victim of deceit.

With the 17 Star card - Dreamer or failure, overestimating one's abilities, unfounded hopes.

With the 18 Moon card - Wrong path or decision, being captive to illusions, immaturity.

With the 19 Sun card - Reward for suffering, grievances or payment for past mistakes, losing a small sum.

With the 20 Judgment card - Atonement for sins, circumstances beyond one's control, karma.

With the 21 World card - Consequences of mass upheavals, no chance to sit it out, an unpredictable turn of fate.

With the Ace of Wands — To lose enthusiasm or motivation, uncertainty in one's abilities, acting haphazardly.

With the Two of Wands — Fear of making a mistake, the need for a mentor or supervisor, reluctance to take responsibility.

In combination with the Three of Wands — Procrastination, excessive caution, attempting to control everything.

With the Four of Wands — Neglected tasks or documents, living on autopilot, cooling of feelings towards a significant other.

With the Five of Wands — Seeking a way out of a complex situation, seeking advice from a friend, attempting to negotiate with household members.

With the Six of Wands — Fruitless efforts, zeal that goes unappreciated, others benefiting from one's hard work.

With the Seven of Wands — A competitive environment, clearing the path for the future, adjusting to a new team.

With the Eight of Wands — Inevitable sacrifices, a need for energy, overcoming barriers and becoming more successful.

With the Nine of Wands — A failed attempt to fight the system, obstacles from competitors or authoritative structures, an attempt to become independent.

With the Ten of Wands — Getting bogged down in routine, losing interest, becoming disillusioned with the surroundings or colleagues.

With the Page of Wands — Assessing the damage to move forward, drawing conclusions or abandoning an unprofitable endeavor, words diverging from actions.

With the Knight of Wands — Willpower, overcoming oneself, making progress without support from others.

With the Queen of Wands — Staying within familiar boundaries, maintaining one's circle of acquaintances, sacrificing for the sake of stability.

With the King of Wands — An outdated view of the surrounding world, failing to keep up with changes, implementing obsolete technologies or principles.

With the Ace of Swords — A strong individual disguised as weak, a knowledgeable hermit, a theorist.

With the Two of Swords — Playing on naivety, luring into a trap, testing for honesty.

In combination with the Three of Swords — Emotional drama, loss of faith in loved ones, destructive attachment or burning jealousy.

With the Four of Swords — Restlessness, unsettledness, not finding one's place.

With the Five of Swords — Unfounded claims, facing a backlash, criticism from all sides.

With the Six of Swords — Complaining about fate, grumbling about the higher order, receiving a harsh lesson from loved ones or surroundings.

With the Seven of Swords — Loss of profitability, bankruptcy or significant financial loss, living on a minimum.

With the Eight of Swords — Self-denial in everything, lack of resources or knowledge, sinking to the bottom.

With the Nine of Swords — Religious ritual, consolation, profound sadness or severe illness.

With the Ten of Swords — Manic state, serious danger, destitution, or complete dependence on someone.

With the Page of Swords — Finding a glimmer of hope in hopelessness, a strong individual capable of guiding towards the right decision, an active or intelligent friend.

With the Knight of Swords — Grudge-holding, erroneous or dangerous opinion, propagating inaction.

With the Queen of Swords — A widow, being under the influence of a charismatic leader, being submissive.

With the King of Swords — Undeserved arrogance, bravado or unworthy boasting, making a deal with one's conscience.

With the Ace of Cups — Going through emotions alone, being rejected or misunderstood by others, seclusion and heightened emotional sensitivity.

With the Two of Cups — Finding like-minded individuals, joining a group, initiating slow-paced relationships.

In combination with the Three of Cups — Public approval or pity, insignificant or feigned support, entertainment that doesn't bring joy.

With the Four of Cups — Rejecting help, contempt for sympathy, detachment from social interaction.

With the Five of Cups — Unpleasant encounter with relatives, social event, bad news or expected deterioration of affairs.

With the Six of Cups — Interest in religion or ancestral traditions, a desire to share one's feelings with someone, making someone slightly happier.

With the Seven of Cups — Missing an opportunity, shattered dreams, unrealized offers.

With the Eight of Cups — A recluse or a nun, the comfort of a familiar lifestyle, unwillingness to get involved in something new and intimidating.

With the Nine of Cups — A tendency to lecture others, obsessiveness, self-assuredness, and self-centeredness.

With the Ten of Cups — Legalizing long-lasting relationships, admitting something unpleasant, an emotional decision.

With the Page of Cups — A spiritual vow, long-standing attachment, friendship concealing love.

With the Knight of Cups — The ability to predict the future, a burdensome gift, a deep understanding of life.

With the Queen of Cups — Living off the cavalier, adaptability, blissful inaction.

With the King of Cups — A demagogue, creating doctrines or preaching, the gift of words.

With the Ace of Pentacles — Philosophy, religious teachings, spiritual wealth.

With the Two of Pentacles — Anticipating failure, a passive companion or lover, irresponsible behavior.

In combination with the Three of Pentacles — Negative influence, bad advice or advisor, getting stuck at the initial income level.

With the Four of Pentacles — Loan deferral, middle-class, long-term investments.

With the Five of Pentacles — Low reputation, gossip, a streak of misfortune or bad luck.

With the Six of Pentacles — Envy, slander, testing for resilience and nervousness.

With the Seven of Pentacles — Salary delay, complications, loss or fraud.

With the Eight of Pentacles — Labor that doesn't bring joy or expected income, lack of expansion, good intentions going to waste.

With the Nine of Pentacles — Living off someone else, being accustomed to luxury, lack of qualification.

With the Ten of Pentacles — Letting down the team, disappointing the family, being unnoticed or working without enthusiasm.

With the Page of Pentacles — Poor academic performance, education in a private university, carelessness or lack of purpose.

With the Knight of Pentacles — Missing out on an opportunity, being a beneficiary of parents, handling someone else's resources.

With the Queen of Pentacles — Engaging in scientific pursuits, a "bookish" girl or woman, an intelligent and modest individual.

With the King of Pentacles — Rationality, reliable investment, a visionary and composed man.