The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning (Card 12) | Astrostyle
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The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning (Card 12)

Tarot, like astrology, has long been one of our favorite divination systems. Interpreting either takes practice. As you learn, we wanted to help you to quickly connect to the cards and use them in ways that are actionable and practical in every area of life. xoxo, Tali & Ophira

Co-authored by James Kerti

What does The Hanged Man tarot card mean?

The Hanged Man represents a pause in the action. A situation is suspended and you feel unable to move forward right now.

This major arcana card suggests that there’s something you need to let go of in order for the situation to finally change.

You might be feeling stuck in a situation that feels too difficult to shift. You may be holding on to people or circumstances that are not right for your life anymore. As a result, you are unable to connect with what is meant for you. The Hanged Man card invites you to surrender and let go.

The Hanged Man can also show up as a reminder that sometimes you must pause before you move on to whatever’s next. A course correction is necessary. Slow down and take stock of your situation instead of barreling forward with momentum. Then you will be able to more easily see the next step.

What is the The Hanged Man zodiac sign?

The zodiac sign of The Hanged Man is Pisces

The Hanged Man Tarot Guide

Keywords for The Hanged Man: Surrender, letting go, reflection, personal and spiritual development

Yes or No: It depends

Planet of The Hanged Man: Neptune

Element of The Hanged Man: Water

What does The Hanged Man card mean in a love reading?

When The Hanged Man appears in a love reading, your current romantic situation may feel stagnant, making it hard to feel excited or joyful. You may feel stuck and unable to see the next, best step for a relationship.

If you are hitting a wall, The Hanged Man advises against taking drastic action. Instead, it calls you to examine your situation. Perhaps you have an unmet expectation or a dashed hope that things will “turn out” a certain way.

But is this the end of the road? Ponder this quietly or with the guidance of a wise person in your life. With a little space, a creative solution might emerge. Or you may end the relationship in the most loving way possible.

When The Hanged Man shows up for a single person, a similar message applies. Let go of expectations you have about how love is supposed to look. Give any new “contenders” time to show you what they’re all about. There’s no need to rush into anything.

What does The Hanged Man tarot card mean for career, money and finance?

The Hanged Man in a career or money reading can mean that you’re feeling unsure about how to progress in your career or financial situation. Maybe things haven’t been advancing at the pace you were hoping.

This major arcana card urges you to stick with it, but to view the situation from a different angle. Although rewards are not materializing exactly as planned, are they coming together via a different path or form?

The Hanged Man recommends that you let go of expectations as this matter unfolds. Instead of holding on to a rigid timeline or enforcing a ten-part plan, your success lies in your willingness to be flexible. Let results emerge organically.

What does The Hanged Man tarot card mean for health?

If you’re experiencing health issues, The Hanged Man encourages you to be patient with your healing process. As frustrating as it can be to not have things improve as quickly as you’d hope, this card brings attention to the body’s healing happening at its own pace. Holding on to extra stress about it won’t help matters.

This card also suggests that practicing stillness can be helpful for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being.

The Hanged Man Tarot Card in Reverse Meaning

When The Hanged Man appears reversed, it’s usually a sign that you’re putting a lot of time and energy into something but not getting results.

This card in reverse encourages you to slow down and take a fuller accounting of how you’re prioritizing. Are the things you’re spending your time on aligned with your goals?

The Hanged Man sometimes appears in readings when someone is filling their days with low importance tasks that take up their time, but don’t make an impact on their larger goals.

If you’re out of alignment in your day-to-day life, The Hanged Man reversed suggests that you reorient and put more time into the things that really matter. This may require you to undertake some broader habit and behavior changes.

Is The Hanged Man tarot card a yes or no?

The Hanged Man usually doesn’t offer a clear yes or no. Its message of taking a pause carries through here. When that message is aligned with the question you’re asking, it may offer insight after all.

Select another Tarot card from the dropdown below to learn its meaning

Feature art by Diana Hlevnjak

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