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The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man Tarot Card

PLANET: Neptune

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ELEMENT: Water

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SIGN: Pisces

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  • Planet: Neptune – Neptune represents intuition, spirituality, dreams, and illusions. It aligns with the themes of the Hanged Man, which often involve surrender, spiritual enlightenment, and seeing things from a new or higher perspective.

  • Zodiac Sign: Pisces – Pisces, ruled by Neptune, is the zodiac sign associated with the Hanged Man. Pisces is known for its intuitive, empathetic, and spiritual nature, qualities that resonate with the card’s themes of sacrifice, inner reflection, and spiritual growth.

  • Element: Water – The element of Water is connected to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. Water’s fluidity and depth mirror the Hanged Man’s journey of surrender and inner exploration, as well as the emotional and spiritual transformation that comes with letting go.

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The Hanged Man tarot card represents a time of suspension, letting go, and gaining a new perspective. It suggests a period of waiting, self-reflection, and non-action, where the seeker must surrender to the present circumstances and trust in the process of change. The card often indicates a shift in perspective, a time to pause and reassess situations before moving forward.

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Symbolism of the Hanged Man Tarot Card

 

The Hanged Man tarot card is rich in symbolism, representing surrender, sacrifice, and gaining a new perspective. Key symbols include:

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  • Hanging Upside Down: The figure in the card is hanging upside down, which represents seeing the world from a different, unconventional perspective. This suggests the importance of shifting viewpoints to gain clarity or insight.

  • Calm Expression: Despite the seemingly uncomfortable position, the figure appears serene, symbolizing acceptance and peace in the face of waiting or adversity. It highlights the power of surrender and non-resistance.

  • Halo (or Light Around Head): The glowing light or halo around the figure’s head symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and awakening. This shows that through surrender and suspension, profound spiritual insight can be gained.

  • Crossed Leg: The legs form a cross, a symbol of sacrifice or self-surrender. It may represent the willingness to sacrifice or delay gratification for personal or spiritual growth.

  • T-Shaped Tree or Structure: The figure is often suspended from a T-shaped structure, symbolizing the connection between material and spiritual worlds, as well as stability amidst change.

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Upright Meaning of the Hanged Man

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When the Hanged Man appears upright, it suggests a period of suspension, introspection, and gaining new insight:

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  1. Surrender and Letting Go: This card indicates that the situation requires you to let go of control or expectations. By surrendering and accepting the current circumstances, clarity and wisdom will emerge.

  2. New Perspective: It encourages you to look at things from a different angle. By stepping back and reevaluating, you may discover new solutions or approaches.

  3. Pause and Patience: It suggests a time of waiting or delay. Instead of rushing forward, now is the time to be patient and allow things to unfold naturally.

  4. Sacrifice for Greater Good: The card can signify the need for personal sacrifice, whether it’s sacrificing time, energy, or resources for a greater purpose or long-term goals.

  5. Spiritual Insight: The card often points to a deeper level of spiritual understanding or awakening that comes through introspection and self-surrender.

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Reversed Meaning of the Hanged Man

 

When the Hanged Man is reversed, it can indicate resistance to change, stagnation, or delays:

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  1. Resistance to Letting Go: The reversed Hanged Man suggests that you may be struggling to let go of control or resisting a necessary change. You might be holding onto old ways or refusing to shift your perspective.

  2. Stagnation and Inaction: Instead of a productive pause, the card in reverse may indicate feeling stuck or trapped. It suggests that delays are frustrating and there’s a sense of being unable to move forward.

  3. Indecision: The reversed card often points to indecision or lack of clarity. You may be avoiding making important decisions, which is keeping you in a state of limbo.

  4. Missed Opportunities: There could be opportunities around you that you’re not recognizing due to stubbornness or a lack of flexibility in your thinking.

  5. Self-Sacrifice Gone Too Far: In some cases, the reversed Hanged Man suggests that you may be sacrificing too much or giving up your own needs, leading to imbalance or resentment.

 

Summary of Upright and Reversed Meanings

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  • Upright:

    • Surrender and acceptance

    • Gaining new perspectives

    • Patience and introspection

    • Voluntary sacrifice

    • Spiritual growth

  • Reversed:

    • Resistance to change or letting go

    • Stagnation and frustration

    • Indecision and lack of progress

    • Missed opportunities

    • Unhealthy self-sacrifice

 

The Hanged Man card invites you to embrace stillness and surrender as a path to greater understanding, but warns that resisting these processes can lead to frustration and stagnation.

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