The Hanged Man
The Hanged One shows a silvereye bird suspended by red strings, symbolizing confinement, sacrifice, and a forced change of perspective. Upright, it advises pausing, surrendering to circumstances, and looking at situations from a new angle rather than pushing forward blindly. This pause can reveal alternative paths and personal insights, turning apparent stagnation into a transformative suspension. Reversed, it warns against resisting surrender and cautions that continued forceful pushing will only prolong gridlock, urging honest assessment and the courage to take a leap despite uncertainty.
Keywords
Title
The Hanged One
Animal
Silver Eye Bird
Fun fact
Common only to New Zealand, the silvereye bird is a small, green bird prevalent among forests and cities alike. The silvereye bird uses webs to create their nests and are characterized by the iconic ring of silver around their eyes. These birds were first recorded in New Zealand in 1832, and as there is no evidence that it was artificially introduced, it has been classified as a native species. Its Māori name, tauhou, means ‘stranger’ or more literally ‘new arrival’.
Keywords
Confinement, Perspective, Sacrifice
Reversed keywords
Discontentment, Disinterest, Empty-handed
Depiction
A silver eye bird hangs precariously from a branch. Its wings are extended, but it doesn’t try to take flight—it can’t. The red strings of fate hold it in suspension, one foot interlocked in the tangles while the other hangs free. Its wings are looped with threads that pull them in opposing directions. The Hanged One is held tight but doesn’t struggle against the ties that bind it. It reminds us to be aware of situations that limit us and keep us from living to our full potential.
Upright meaning
When upright, the Hanged One suggests that the user was moving forward and has lately found themselves struggling to keep going. This position arises to remind us that occasionally the best way to progress is to stop moving entirely and surrender to the whims of the universe. Don’t try to push past the blocks—you’ll only succeed doing more harm than good. The universe is telling you to slow down, to pause for a moment, and look at things from a different angle. Use this as an opportunity to check in with yourself. You may realize you’ve gone about things in the wrong way. Sometimes being ‘stuck’ doesn’t mean stagnation. There is more than one way to move forward, so take the time to see things in a new light. It may surprise you what comes of it.
Reversed meaning
When reversed, Hanged One implies that the user is resisting surrendering to the forces that hold them in place. Taking on more and more and pushing harder and harder won’t make things easier. Take a moment to truly consider what it is that is keeping you from letting go. Maybe outside circumstances have compiled against you, locking you in place against your will. Gridlock isn’t easy to swallow, but it’s necessary to understand exactly why you are headed in the direction you’re going. If you’ve been treading water for a while, this position can be a sign that the end is nigh. In the case of a relationship or decision, you may have found yourself stuck in one spot, afraid to progress for fear of the unknown. You will never be 100% ready to take the leap, so why not hold your breath, close your eyes, and take it today anyway?
Visual Description
A small green-yellow bird hangs upside down at the center of the card, its body inverted with wings partly spread and one claw raised. Thin red lines form a diamond-like lattice behind it, and a circular sun-like disk with radiating spikes sits directly beneath the bird. Dark purple, textured background speckled like the night sky fills the field, while stylized heart-shaped leaves drape from the top. Gold lettering at the bottom reads "THE HANGED ONE."
Oriens tarot
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