Hanged Man (XII), Tarot - New Perspectives & Surrender

The Hanged Man: Twelfth Major Arcana - Discern its symbolism, meanings and interpretations in love, money and work
By KarmaWeather - 29 March 2023
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Description & significance of the Hanged Man Tarot Card

The Hanged Man, represented by the number twelve, is the thirteenth card in the Major Arcana of the tarot. This card symbolizes surrender, letting go and seeing things from a different perspective. The Hanged Man is often depicted as a figure hanging upside down from a tree, with a serene expression on his face, suggesting a sense of peace and acceptance in his unusual situation.

With respect to its importance, the Hanged Man is a key card that represents the necessity of releasing control and embracing a new perspective. It encourages us to let go of our preconceptions, to surrender to the natural flow of life and to trust that the universe will guide us to where we need to be. The Hanged Man invites us to pause, reflect and consider alternative viewpoints in order to gain deeper understanding and wisdom. Its presence in a tarot reading can inspire self-development, patience and the ability to embrace change with grace.

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Origins of the Hanged Man Tarot Card

The Hanged Man can be traced back to the Italian tarot decks of the mid-15th century, such as the Visconti-Sforza Tarot. Originally called "L'Appeso" or "The Hanged One," this card often featured a figure hanging upside-down from a tree or a scaffold, symbolizing a state of suspension, surrender, or self-sacrifice.

As the tarot became more intertwined with the occult and divination practices, the symbolism of the Hanged Man evolved to reflect deeper themes of letting go, seeing things from a different perspective and the transformative power of surrender. The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, for example, depicts the Hanged Man hanging serenely from a tree, with a halo of light around his head, emphasizing the spiritual significance of this card and its association with personal growth, self-reflection and the release of outdated beliefs or patterns.

Meaning of the Hanged Man Tarot Card

  • General interpretation and life lessons

    The Hanged Man, the thirteenth card in the Major Arcana, is a symbol of relinquishing control, adopting new perspectives and finding tranquility in challenging situations. This powerful card emphasizes the need to let go of preconceived notions, trust in the universe's guidance and accept life's natural ebb and flow. The Hanged Man urges us to take a step back, contemplate and explore alternative outlooks in order to gain a deeper understanding and wisdom.

  • Upright and reversed meanings

    When upright, the Hanged Man signifies a willingness to release control, adapt to new perspectives and exhibit patience in the face of adversity. The card encourages personal growth, adaptability and acceptance of change with composure. In a reversed position, the Hanged Man may indicate resistance to change, stubbornness, or an inability to let go of control, suggesting that it may be time to reevaluate our attitudes and actions.

  • Spiritual, emotional and psychological dimensions

    Spiritually, the Hanged Man highlights the importance of surrendering to a higher power and trusting that we are being guided on the right path. Emotionally, the card teaches us to let go of attachment and embrace change with an open heart. Psychologically, the Hanged Man underscores the value of exploring new perspectives and developing a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

  • Numerological associations

    The Hanged Man is connected to the number 12, which in numerology represents creativity, self-expression and the completion of a cycle. The number 12 is often associated with the idea of spiritual awakening and the development of a more profound understanding of life's mysteries. This connection underscores the Hanged Man's emphasis on embracing change, adapting to new perspectives and finding wisdom through reflection and introspection.

KarmaWeather Tarot - The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man © KarmaWeather by Konbi

Love according to the Hanged Man Tarot Card

When it comes to love and relationships, the Hanged Man card symbolizes the need for surrender, acceptance and a change in perspective. This Major Arcana card highlights the importance of letting go of control and embracing a more open-minded attitude in matters of the heart.

  • Interpretation for singles

    For single individuals, the Hanged Man card suggests that releasing expectations and preconceived notions about love may be necessary in order to attract a compatible partner. It encourages singles to remain open to new experiences and to adopt a more flexible mindset in their pursuit of romance. The Hanged Man also serves as a reminder that personal growth and the willingness to embrace change can be powerful tools in navigating the complexities of the dating world.

  • Interpretation for couples

    In the context of established relationships, the Hanged Man card signifies the importance of adaptability, compromise and the willingness to see things from a different perspective. Couples are encouraged to be open to change, to let go of any need for control and to approach any challenges that may arise with an attitude of acceptance and understanding. The Hanged Man also serves as a reminder that embracing a more open-minded and empathetic approach can contribute to a deeper sense of connection and harmony between partners.

Money according to the Hanged Man Tarot Card

In financial matters, the Hanged Man card symbolizes pause, reflection and the potential for growth through reevaluation of one's financial situation and willingness to adopt a fresh perspective. This Major Arcana card emphasizes the importance of taking a step back to reassess financial goals, being open to new ideas and embracing unconventional approaches to monetary management.

The Hanged Man card suggests that embracing introspection, being open to new perspectives and reassessing one's financial situation may contribute to financial well-being. It encourages individuals to pause and reflect on their monetary goals, consider alternative approaches and be willing to adopt unconventional strategies if necessary. The Hanged Man card also serves as a reminder that cultivating a flexible, open-minded approach can be essential in establishing a stable financial future.

Career according to the Hanged Man Tarot Card

In professional matters, the Hanged Man card signifies a period of reflection, openness to new perspectives and the potential for career growth through reevaluation of one's professional path and willingness to consider unconventional approaches. This Major Arcana card highlights the value of pausing to reassess career goals, being receptive to new ideas and embracing innovative solutions to work-related challenges.

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Discover the symbolism, meanings and interpretations in love, money and work for the 22 major arcana cards of Tarot:

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