Words that describe the Hanged Man card
Perspective
Surrender
Pause
Enlightenment
The Hanged Man represents a time of pause, surrender, and the need to look at life from a different perspective. It signifies a period of reflection and the willingness to make sacrifices or let go of old ways in order to gain greater insight, understanding, and enlightenment.
THE HANGED MAN - Major Arcana Tarot Card
The Hanged Man
THE HANGED MAN - MAJOR ARCANA TAROT CARD MEANINGS
By Madhu Mohan
The General Description of the Hanged Man Card in Tarot
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, The Hanged Man is shown suspended upside down from a wooden beam, often considered a tau cross. One leg is crossed behind the other in a shape resembling the number four, forming a triangle within a square, an ancient symbol of balance between spirit and matter. His face is calm, even peaceful, and a golden halo surrounds his head, indicating spiritual enlightenment and surrender.
Though the image might seem unsettling at first glance, The Hanged Man is not in pain. He has chosen to pause, to hang, to shift perspective. This card is not about punishment, it’s about stillness, letting go, and seeing the world from a new angle. It is the moment between letting go of the old and not yet stepping into the new.
Upright position meaning of the Hanged Man Card in Tarot
When The Hanged Man appears upright, it signifies a period of suspension, surrender, and transformation. It invites you to pause, step back, and view your situation from a different perspective. This card often arises when forward momentum is blocked, not because you’ve failed, but because you’re being asked to wait, reflect, and release control.
The Hanged Man teaches that growth isn’t always found in action. Sometimes, evolution requires stillness. If you’re facing uncertainty or delays, know that this liminal space is sacred. It’s preparing you for the next phase of your journey. Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up, it means releasing resistance so clarity can flow in.
In relationships, this card may suggest the need to look at things differently, to let go of control or expectations. In career or decision-making, it can indicate a necessary pause or a redirection that will ultimately lead to greater wisdom.
This card also represents sacrifice, choosing to let go of something that no longer serves you, in order to receive something greater. The reward for surrender is insight, and the gift of patience is often a breakthrough you didn’t expect.
Reversed position meaning of the Hanged Man Card in Tarot
In the reversed position, The Hanged Man can indicate resistance to change, stagnation, or an inability to let go. You may be clinging to outdated beliefs, toxic situations, or rigid expectations, unable to trust the process that calls for surrender. There’s a sense of impatience here, a desire to move forward without honoring the need for inner alignment.
This card may also show up when you're feeling stuck, but not making the necessary shifts to free yourself. You might be asking for change, but still holding on to what’s familiar, even if it limits you. The reversed Hanged Man asks: What are you afraid to release? What perspective are you resisting?
In relationships, this could reflect a refusal to see the other person’s point of view or being trapped in an old pattern. In work or personal growth, it might signal that you're avoiding the discomfort that true transformation requires.
Ultimately, the reversed Hanged Man reminds you that delays and discomfort are not punishments, they are invitations. You are being called to surrender not because you're powerless, but because there's something far more powerful waiting for you on the other side of release.
