The Hanged Man

Sacrifice, New Perspective

Quick answer

The core meaning of The Hanged Man is Seeing the world from another angle. Upright, it usually points to Sacrifice, a new perspective, suspension, letting go. Symbolizes gaining higher ; reversed, it may suggest Needless sacrifice, delay, stalemate, struggling. May indicate suffering for the.

Card imagery

A man hangs upside down by one foot from a T-shaped tree, his legs forming the shape of a 4. A halo glows around his head, and his expression is serene rather than pained. He wears a blue tunic and red leggings.

Upright meaning

Sacrifice, a new perspective, suspension, letting go. Symbolizes gaining higher wisdom and a completely new view of the world through deliberate stillness or the surrender of the ego.

Reversed meaning

Needless sacrifice, delay, stalemate, struggling. May indicate suffering for the wrong reasons, or being unable to break free of some bondage.

Related card meanings

Tarot Card Encyclopedia