The hanged man tarot card does not represent the negative connotation it could, but rather a person suspended in air by their foot. They have gotten stuck and are unable to continue on at this moment in time.
*This post may include affiliate links. When you purchase items from these links, we will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help support this website. Thank you for your support! Read more ->
- Previous Card: Justice
- Next Card: Death
- All Cards: Tarot Card Meanings
Definition of The Hanged Man Tarot Card
Simple Upright Meaning
Feeling stuck, unable to continue, need to look for other options
A Full Explanation
The hanged man tarot card is a card of suspension. Of feeling stuck.
The typical image depicted in this is a person hanging upside down by one foot. They could easily release the string around their foot, but are choosing not to.
Often, like in the rider tarot cards, the legs are in the shape of an upside-down 4. A 4 typically represents stability and security. With the image of the 4 being upside down, you are feeling anything but that.
When you see this card in a reading, it can often represent that you have stalled, and have stopped on the journey. This is okay. Sometimes you are stuck because of circumstances, and other times it’s not up to you.
Try to look for alternatives to your problem. Rather than waiting for the issue to be solved on its own, see what you can find to change your circumstances. But sometimes there aren’t alternatives, and you just have to wait it out.
But while waiting, don’t forget to keep looking for ways to leave these circumstances or else you’ll fall behind. Or else the world will pass you by while you are stopped.
This card can also represent the need to go with the flow. Rather than going against what the world is pushing you to do, follow it. Your lack of cooperation might be causing this stagnation.
My Design
I decided to create this image of a hanged man tarot card with flowers because they are hung upside down to dry typically. This is similar to this card where being stuck can actually be beneficial. It is still the typical idea of the number 4 being in the card as well, but with the flowers creating the 4 instead of being in a different aspect of the card.
There are a few other cards in the images I’ve created that include plants, like the fool and the world. Having the hanged man be made of flowers too seemed fitting.
Other Thoughts
There’s also the idea of a halo around the person’s head in the Rider Waite tarot deck, which is the idea of being a martyr. Where you are willingly taking this to become a martyr. But this stillness is not beneficial. Keep moving with the cause, rather than stopping.
Are you new to tarot and looking at practicing? Try your hand by picking one card a day, or try one of these tarot spreads! If you’re still having a really difficult time connecting with this card, leave it by your bedside or under your pillow to further connect.
