How To Read Tarot Cards: The Hanged Man

How to Read Tarot Cards: The Hanged Man

Not a lot of people enjoy getting The Hanged Man when they read tarot cards for themselves.  It is the 12^th card in the Major Arcana.  In numerology this breaks down to the number 3.  In numerology, the number 3 works to bring forth an effort.  It brings something new into form from your own ideas or creativity.

The Meaning of the Card

The Hanged Man usually signifies a sudden reversal of thought or in a situation.  There is some controversy about the meaning of this card.  Obviously, this card indicates being stuck or at a stand still.  However, it also indicates a sudden change in thought.   The Hanged Man can indicate that you have been spending too much time focused on the material world.  You may even realize this on some level and have purposely put yourself in this reversed position to stop yourself.  In a sense, you got stuck so you could get unstuck. 

During the time represented by The Hanged Man, you’ll want to focus on how you get to be so literally stuck.  If you have been worried or thinking too much about the material world, you may wish to return to your spiritual side.  If you’ve been feeling rather negative about the way your life is going, this card is telling you to get positive.  By getting out more, taking up hobbies and being with friends, you can help improve your outlook on life and the situation you may be stuck in.

Description of the Card

When you read tarot cards you’ll find that they all have specific symbolic images to help you interpret the decks.  The Hanged Man literally shows a man hanging upside-down.  He is not upset and you can usually see a halo of angelic light around his head.  This indicates that, even though the man is stuck, he is not being tormented.  His thoughts are contemplative and spiritual as he works on reversing his point of view.

The man is suspended from the Tree of Cosmic Life which also represents man’s dependence on things of a higher spiritual nature.  The Tree of Cosmic Life is the bearer of all life in the universe and so this man hangs from it in a literal reversal of his point of view.

Special Advice: Even though you are stuck in this situation, be happy for it will help you in the long run.  Let go of your worries and believe in the guidance of a higher power.