The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man emphasizes deliberate suspension and the value of pausing to gain clarity. Its inversion of perspective suggests that new insights come from seeing the world differently than others do. The card highlights the importance of thoughtful reflection to extract meaning from observations while halted. Upright it points to contemplation, considered responses, and difficult decisions seen from opposing viewpoints; reversed it warns of hasty choices, defiance, and a refusal to relinquish control.
Keywords
Title
12. The Hanged Man
Meaning
We should consider the reason why the Hanged Man is hanged. There are benefits to this position. The first is halting: you cannot observe the world when you move at the same speed as the world. The second is being upside down: you cannot find any new things when you view the world the same as other people do. The third is thinking: you should think if you want to figure out the meaning of what you have observed while you are halting. Therefore, this card indicates contemplation.
Upright
Contemplation, response, difficult decision, seeing things in opposition.
Reversed
Making hasty decisions, defiance, holding onto control.
Visual Description
A dark-haired figure hangs upside down from a horizontal branch entwined with green leaves and vines, legs bound and feet hooked over the limb. The person wears a white blouse and a dark skirt, and a pale cloth covers their eyes while hair falls freely toward the ground. Metal hangers and ropes loop around the scene and the card title '12 ♃ The Hanged Man' appears at the bottom edge.
Dreaming Way tarot
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