The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man shows a figure hanging upside down from a tree, calm and peaceful despite being in an unusual position. This card is about pausing, letting go, and seeing things from a fresh perspective. The Hanged Man asks you to surrender control and trust that sometimes waiting brings new insight. When you’re stuck or things are not moving forward, stepping back can help you see the bigger picture. This card encourages patience, acceptance, and looking at life in a new way. True wisdom comes when you stop resisting and open yourself to unexpected lessons and new viewpoints.
Upright General Keywords
Reversed General Keywords
Upright General Meaning
Upright, The Hanged Man represents taking a pause, letting go of control, and waiting for the right moment. Life may feel like it’s on hold or not moving the way you want, but this is a time to reflect rather than push forward. Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is to do nothing for a while and allow things to unfold naturally. The Hanged Man teaches you to accept uncertainty, surrender expectations, and look for wisdom in stillness. New solutions and insights often appear when you stop trying to force outcomes and open your mind to new ideas.
Reversed General Meaning
Reversed, The Hanged Man signals resistance to change or feeling stuck because you’re unwilling to let go of something. You may be clinging to old habits, beliefs, or relationships out of fear or comfort, even if they’re holding you back. Frustration with delays or lack of progress can make you impatient or restless. The message is to look at what you’re afraid to release and ask yourself if holding on is helping you grow. Sometimes a new beginning requires letting go of what no longer fits. Embrace the discomfort of change—real progress comes when you’re willing to see things differently.