Hanged Man Tarot

Perspective, empathy, epiphanies, egotistical, inevitable change

The Hanging Man tarot card, also known as The Hanging One tarot card, represents a change in perspective. The need to see situations in a new way. 

Being upside is a literal change in the way we see the world. This is symbolic of the lesson of this tarot card. 

Often depicted as dangling from a tree via a tied up ankle, it appears that The Hanging Man stepped into an animal trap. Their feet were suddenly pulled from underneath their body as they were hoisted into the air. 

And now, they are suspended upside down. In order to be released from this trap that caught them, they must let go and sacrifice a bit of themselves that they’ve been cleaving to. 

But it’s not all bad! The Hanging Man expands their horizons by observing beliefs, perspectives, ideas, and processes that differ from their own. 

Before, their limited worldview restricted The Hanging Man. Now, they can relate to and understand so much more than they ever thought was possible. 

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The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning

In a reading, The Hanging Man tarot card is likely showing an epiphany. Either one you’re currently experiencing, or one to come soon. The rest of the card spread, or the question being asked, will determine the nature of the epiphany. 

There are major shifts happening now. A change in circumstance is imminent, and it will probably turn your world on its head. Even if it’s a “small” change, the ripple effects will be monumental. 

Things aren’t always what they seemed at first. Seeing things with fresh eyes would be extremely beneficial. 

Our worldview makes us feel safe, and we don’t want it to be challenged. The sudden intensity of the Hanged Man tarot card thrusts us into immediate self-reflection.

You cannot be a well-rounded person if you only learn from one book, one teacher, or one train of thought. It is time now to expand your worldview.  

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The Hanged Man Reversed

If The Hanging Man is reversed in your reading, you’re likely caught up in your ego. There’s this belief that your way is the best and/or only way. A refusal to empathize and look through different lenses. 

The reversed Hanging Man doesn’t appear to be hanging anymore. Symbolically, this could show a problematic perspective of yourself. 

Your views and values are valid. But so are everyone else’s. You’re not doing yourself a favor by thinking no one else has anything to teach you. 

Consider objectively if you’re refusing to see reality for what it truly is. There might be something in your life that you’ve been blind too, either willingly or not. 

Time to zoom out and think beyond just yourself. Think of the vastness of the Universe. It does not operate with your specific worldview at the center. It’s beautifully diverse, as should be your modes of learning. 

The Hanged Man Tarot Guide 

The Hanging Man appears to be a victim of their own creation. Their limited perspectives got them in a pickle. Their only way out is to change. 

Change is a wonderful thing. We’re not meant to be stagnant. Humans should learn and grow from each other by swapping ideas. 

Being isolated can be helpful, as we learned with The Hermit. But isolation isn’t the only way we can have deep, introspective revelations. 

Eventually, we’ll need to reach beyond ourselves and welcome new ideas. Otherwise, our growth is stunted and our judgment becomes clouded. 

Above all, The Hanging Man is in no danger. They’re perfectly safe as they explore this alternative perspective. As you will be, too. 

The Hanging Man tarot card wants us to ask ourselves–how can I expand my worldview and explore new perspectives?