Imagine your worldview flipped upside down. Everything you know is reversed. This is the reality for The Hanged Man. Situated between Justice and Death in the Major Arcana, The Hanged Man offers us a crucial moment to pause and reflect on newfound perspectives.
Card number 12 (XII), The Hanged Man, represents sacrifice, surrender, and a shift in perspective. The symbolism woven into this card runs deep. In this post, we’ll explore the meanings behind his position, clothing, environment, and more.
Between Justice and Death: The Hanged Man’s Role
The Hanged Man follows Justice in the Major Arcana. Perhaps The Fool has encountered a moment of reckoning, where past actions have led to this state of suspension. But unlike a typical punishment, The Hanged Man finds peace in his predicament. Following The Hanged Man is Death, symbolizing the end of one phase and the beginning of another, where the Fool sheds what no longer serves him after gaining new insights.
The Inverted Perspective: Decoding The Hanged Man’s Imagery
At first glance, The Hanged Man seems unassuming. A bland grey background and a man hanging upside down—what more is there to consider? Yet, this card is rich with symbolism, starting with the most striking element: the Hanged Man’s inverted position. He hangs by his right leg from a healthy, living tree—possibly the Tree of Life—rather than a traditional hangman’s gallows. A.E. Waite notes that his legs form a fylfot cross, an early Christian symbol.
His calm face shows acceptance, not resistance, to his situation. A halo surrounds his head, symbolizing the enlightenment he achieves in this position. His legs channel heavenly energy to his mind, grounding him in the present, much like the Magician’s arm positioning. The red pants signify passion, and the blue tunic represents emotion, grounding the card in spiritual and physical realms.
The Hanged Man Across Different Tarot Decks
The Hanged Man is similarly depicted in the Visconti-Sforza rendition of the tarot. This time, instead of a living tree, he is hanging from a wooden frame. He is solitary, and his gaze wanders. He has plenty of time to assess his situation from all angles in this position.
In the Tarot De Marseille, we see the same figure, content, and inverted. He is named “Le Pendu.”
The Hanged Man’s Teachings: Lessons of Surrender and Sacrifice
- Sacrifice and Surrender: The Hanged Man and the concept of martyrdom come together when we consider that he may have put himself in this position. He remains calm, and no other figures are present, suggesting this is a voluntary sacrifice.
- Pause and Reflection: This suspension symbolizes a time in life when we must step back and observe what’s going on. Beyond observation, we must change our perspective to see the whole picture while we gather ourselves.
- Perspective Shift: The Hanged Man’s unique viewpoint encourages us to shift our own perspective, showing how serene and enlightening the process can be.
- Spiritual Awakening: The Hanged Man can be seen as a symbol of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. When we are forced to view situations from perspectives we typically neglect, we grow more enlightened.
Reflecting on The Hanged Man: Questions for Personal Growth
Take some time to reflect on The Hanged Man’s energy. Here are a few questions to guide your meditation:
- What am I being asked to surrender?
- How can I see this situation from a new perspective?
- Why am I being asked to shift my perspective?
These prompts can help you align with the card’s energy and bring its lessons into your life.
The Hanged Man’s Final Word: Key Takeaways for Your Spiritual Journey
The Hanged Man teaches us the value of pausing, surrendering, and viewing life from a different angle. This card invites us to embrace stillness and accept that sometimes, the best way forward is by letting go. As you continue your spiritual journey, remember the lessons of The Hanged Man: sacrifice, reflection, and enlightenment are pathways to deeper understanding and transformation.