The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man represents a conscious turning away from societal expectations and a willingness to accept the consequences of acting on inner conviction. It embodies suspension and surrender after decisive action, where physical movement is halted while the mind and heart remain active. The card advises stillness, patience, and the use of meditation or prayer to find peace while awaiting outcomes that cannot be changed. Reversed, it prompts questioning whether one has abandoned something improperly, become an unnecessary martyr, or given up control that should be retained.
Keywords
Description
The Hanged Man has, in centuries past, been considered the card of the traitor, and it makes sense. Because here, the Fool takes action based on the work he did in Strength, which usually means turning his back on what his society taught him. He is, at least in one way, a traitor to his people. However, he doesn't flinch or draw back. The Fool is committed to doing what he knows in his heart is right for him, regardless of the outcome. With great faith, not in society but in his own sense of certainty, he gives himself over to the consequences of his actions. He makes himself a martyr (another traditional meaning of this card) to his truth, come what may.
Divinatory meaning
Once the action has been taken, all you can do is sit tight. You've done your best by your own beliefs and now you wait and see. Like a breath taken in and held, there is little movement and it can be maddening. Every instinct urges movement and yet physical movement is impossible. The mind and the heart are still active, maybe distressingly so.
Advice
You've done the thing and you can't take it back. Even though you don't know the outcome, you did the right thing in the moment. Remain still and quiet, employing meditation or prayer to comfort the heart and mind.
Reversed
If reversed, ask yourself: Have I turned my back on something I shouldn't have? Am I making an unnecessary martyr of myself? Have I given up control I shouldn't have?
Visual Description
An upside-down man hangs suspended from tree branches by multiple leather straps and buckles, his legs fastened and his orange robe falling toward the top of the card. A bright circular halo or sun radiates behind his head while leafy branches and a warm glowing sky fill the background. The Roman numeral "XII" appears at the top and a banner reading "The Hanged Man" sits at the bottom.
Mystical Manga tarot
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