12 - The Hanged Man XII

The Hanged Man is the twelfth card in the Major Arcana.   It retains some elements from Justice there may be choices ahead; the figure is literally at a crossroads.
Keywords: Breaking old patterns, Circumspection, Letting go, Metamorphosis, Suspension Surrender, Choices, Futility, Martyrdom, Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirth
The Tarot Hanged Man card meaning in a nutshell:
Great personal sacrifice that still doesn't hurt much.
Archetype:  Martyr - sacrifice.        As a Yes or No question: No.
Element:  Water        Ruling Planet:  Neptune        ASTROLOGY:  Pisces
SYMBOL:  The cross        ANIMAL/S:  Turkey, Peacock
NUMBER:  12    Crystal: Blue Lace Agate    ASSOCIATED COLOR:  Turquoise
DIVINTORY MEANING:
A sacrifice must be made to gain something of greater value.
Upright: 
Surrender
An understanding of the bigger spiritual picture
Yogic and meditative pose channelling energy away from genitals to the head
Spiritual awakening
New or different perspective. Upside down posture shows the energy gravitating to the head = higher awareness channelled up from the genitals.
Represents artists, writers and psychologists with hints of great truths and simple designs
In waiting
Limbo
The need to make a sacrifice in order for things to change before they can move forward
General Meaning:  The Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. The energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.
This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and to form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience, and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.
The Hanged Man Card as a Person
If the Tarot Hanged Man card refers to a person, which it often is, it is someone who is willing to make the sacrifice needed for things to find their solution - even if that sacrifice is completely unrewarded. It is an attitude worth admiring, but people tend to do so only secretly, keeping it to themselves. That may be out of guilt, knowing they should have volunteered to make that sacrifice.
The Hanged Man Card as an Event
If the Tarot Hanged Man card in your divination spread refers to an event, which is not that common, then it is one where a personal sacrifice is needed. It may be yours or someone else's. The question is who is prepared to accept making it. If no one does, there will be no solution. If one does, whoever it is, things will be fine - for everyone but the person making the sacrifice. Life is not always fair. The consolation for the one making the sacrifice, if anyone does, is personal satisfaction. That's quite something.
The Hanged Man Card as You
If the Tarot Hanged Man card has a position in the spread referring to you, it means you are the one readily making any sacrifice needed - either in the present situation, or as a constant personality trait. You have no fear of becoming the martyr, so to speak. Others will admire you for it (without telling either you or anyone else), but they will also urge you on to make your sacrifice, whenever the situation is such that there is something to gain from it - for all or just for them. Don't make your sacrifice for any little thing.
In the Advice Position
Accept the consequences of your decisions. Go through it, get it over with, and free yourself up for new pursuits.
The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.
The Hanged Man advises you to surrender illusions of control. Accept that you have been overcome and deceived by your own devices. Having made your bed, you now need to lie in it. This is not a negative judgment. It's just that sometimes there are consequences for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bad things can happen to good people. These consequences are not fatal, even if they are inconvenient -- or perhaps even embarrassing.
Stop resisting your circumstances and let some time go by. Eventually, you will be released a little wiser and not much the worse for wear. You will come to realize in time how you collaborated with the problem. However, the issues you were stuck on when you were first hung up have subsided and no longer concern you. You are free to take up new endeavors. You will ultimately feel refreshed and grateful that you were derailed from your former track.
Energy without direction, or the feeling of being stuck can resonate with The Hanged Man. Letting go can be a theme here; you may need to sacrifice something in order to grow in life.
The Hanged man isn’t a positive card, as you may have guessed. On a more negative note, The Hanged Man isn’t going anywhere. Something may be holding him back, or he may be limiting his own ability.
Consider your past sacrifices; especially those which were hardest to give up. have you grown as a person? Sacrifice is hard to make in the moment but we find a way to cope and live without what we give up.
Choices can affect us in many ways; sometimes we can only decide between two bad choices; one bad, the other worse.
Don’t be stuck in the past. The Hanged Man in the past position can show that we are hanging on to the past, we are ‘stuck’ there. Whether good or bad, it has happened. It’s time to learn all the lessons you need to learn, and then get on with life.
You might be facing a choice or upcoming decision when The Hanged Man is placed in the present position. This might be a choice that you are forced into making, or one where you are a fan of none of the given options; likely relating to you having to give something up.
You’ll need to do the best you can with the choices given to you. If this means that you are the victim of these choices, then in the bigger picture that may be the way to go.
You may be feeling stuck in a rut, with no idea how to escape. A step backwards can sometimes be a step forwards. The Hanged Man in the present position can represent a period where nothing new takes place; things just continue on as they did before. Change only happens if you manifest your will.
Your current path might be a self destructive one.Are you making the correct choices in life? Are you working towards what you want to achieve? We face choices every day.
Giving up can be a good thing. If you’re struggling in life now, consider your current path. Are you giving something up in order to pursue a dream or goal? Are you happy with the sacrifices you are making in life?
Be wary when you see the Hanged Man in the future position. It can suggest that your future is going to be much like your present. Things may not change for the better. While stability can be good, progression has to be made in life.
Consider the entire spread when you see the Hanged Man in the future position. You may be able to change your path by understanding the signs and symbols around you.
Stop and think about your future when The Hanged Man shows up in reference to your work or education. Can you change anything right now? If so, then it may be worth exploring other options. You might even be feeling you want to quit altogether.
Sometimes quitting shouldn’t be a failure, it can be seen as cutting your losses. If you’re going nowhere fast, you may as well stop.
Be sure you are actually making progress when you see The Hanged Man in regards to your career. Being stuck in a dead end job is dangerous for our body and mind. You may need to start searching for something better.
How is your relationship going? Is there something you’re putting off doing or telling to your partner?
Sacrifice is a key here, is there something that you should give up for the sake of your relationships? This could refer to a friendship as well as a romantic relationship. The Hanged Man when dealing with love is not the best of signs.
Consider your relationship to be reaching a crossroads. Which paths forward do you see? If you’re single right now, then again you may soon observe a crossroads point in your life.
The Hanged Man can also represent your relationship has come to a standstill. You may need to have a discussion with your partner about where you feel this your relationship is going.
The Hanged Man can strongly suggest sharing your wealth with others. What use is money to a dead man? Money is inert until it is used.
When we have money, it can control us. We can want more. Learn to live without,and by helping others you can see the good causes you can put your money towards.
Don’t expect any particularly quick gains or losses in the near future. The Hanged Man can suggest that your wealth is going to stay the same, or possibly stagnate. There may be much more you can do with your money,
It’s time to address your bad habits and pick one to work on. Do you want to spend your entire life being controlled by an impulse? The Hanged Man when discussing health is not a great sign. No dead character would be.
Your choices affect your future, and you can live a healthier and more satisfying future by choosing a path which helps yourself and helps others. For an exercise, treat your body as if it was somebody else. How does it make you feel when you harm or help this other ‘person’?
Body and mind will only get better, recover or improve with some effort. If you do not put effort in, then your life will not improve. It is as simple as that. A little break can be good for you, but you do not want to be stagnant forever.
Hanged Man tarot card meanings summary
The Hanged Man tarot card means doing less achieves more. The more you let go, the more things will start to flow. The Hanged Man is willing to sacrifice being right to have peace in his life. When the Hanged Man shows up in your tarot cards you will have to choose; You can be right or you can have peace.

The Hanged Man in Reversed Position

The Hanged Man in the reverse means that you’re not taking time to consider your options before rushing to action.
This kind of impulsive behavior will not turn out favorably for you and he is advising you to slow down before bringing more chaos into your life.
Hanged Man tarot card meanings reversed

Hanged Man tarot card reversed indicates stubbornness and selfishness, refusing to give up your perspective to gain new insight. This card reversed denotes someone who is feeling apart from the world and unable to communicate their point of view and their perspective to others.
Often with Hanged Man reversed there is no sacrifice and no new insight. As a consequence, the Seeker is unable to accomplish what they wanted. The Seeker is not willing to suffer the pain, so there is no gain either.
Hanged Man tarot card reversed as Personality types

Hanged Man tarot card reversed as personality types are someone with strange antisocial behaviour. They might even show sociopathic or even psychopathic tendencies! Hanged Man reversed denotes a person lost in their own ideas and beliefs, and often with a poor or non-existent grip on reality. They might be completely living in a dream, deceiving themselves and others for their own selfish purposes. They might even sacrifice themselves for a cause that is false or in the belief that it will help someone else when in reality it will not. This is someone with a personality disorder, mental illness, or a lack of morals.

Hanged Man tarot card combinations
The Hanged Man(XII) + The Fool: Plans delayed. Stay at home parent.

The Hanged Man(XII) + The Lovers: Complaisant in a relationship leads to unwanted pressure.
The Hanged Man(XII) + The Moon: A creative genius.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Ace of pentacles: Trying something new career-wise. Scientist.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Three of pentacles: Back to the drawing table.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Five of pentacles: A student. Low income.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Page of pentacles: Going back to school.
The Hanged Man(XII) + King of pentacles: A redundancy.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Two of cups: A one-sided friendship.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Three of cups: A long engagement.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Six of cups: Reluctant to grow up. Teenagers.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Knight of cups: A poet. Escaping reality.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Ace of swords: A philosopher.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Two of swords: Procrastinating. Fear of change.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Four of swords: Observational skills. Being an observer. Noticing what others don’t.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Five of swords: Antisocial behaviour. Danger.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Three of wands: Lack of perspective.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Four of wands: Being an outsider.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Five of wands: Aiming too low. Giving up too quickly.
The Hanged Man(XII) + Queen of wands: A counsellor. A healer.
The Hanged Man(XII) + King of wands: The modern man.

11 - Justice XI

The Justice Tarot card has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion, and a sense of fairness. Since the time of Solomon, this image has represented a standard for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings.

Often including the image of a fulcrum or scale which helps to balance competing needs against the greater good, and a two-edged sword to symbolize the precision needed to make clear judgments, this card reminds us to be careful to attend to important details. It's a mistake to overlook or minimize anything where this card is concerned. The law of karma is represented here -- what goes around comes around.

In the Advice Position

You are seen as a fair-minded party whose opinion matters.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The Justice card advises you to listen carefully as others explain to you their version of events and the parts they played. It is unnecessary to offer feedback. Your role is to observe, listen closely, give a full hearing and keep your wits about you as the story takes shape.

As you witness people's account of themselves, your understanding will go beyond the words you hear. Subtle inferences and clues will reveal the truths that will enable you to make a wise and accurate assessment.

Upright: Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate person
Reverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse

10- Wheel of Fortune - X

Upright: Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected events, advancement, progress
Reverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events

In Greek mythology, there are three women known as the Fates. They are responsible for spinning the destiny of each person at his or her birth. It is not surprising that the Fates are spinners because the wheel of fortune is an apt image for the elusive turns of a man's fate. This is the theme of Card 10.

The Wheel of Fortune is one of the few cards in the major arcana that does not have a human figure as a focal point. This is because its center is above the realm of man - in the higher levels (clouds) where the destinies of all are woven together in the tapestry of life. The tarot recognizes that each person sets his own path in life, but is also subject to the larger cycles that include him. We experience chance events that appear to be accidents although they are part of the great plan.

In readings, the Wheel of Fortune can indicate a vision or realization that strikes with great force. If you've been struggling with a problem or tough situation, this card can signal that you will find the answer if you stand back and view everything from a larger perspective.

The Wheel of Fortune also represents unexpected encounters and twists of fate. You can't predict surprises; you can only be aware when one is circling around. Indeed, Card 10 often suggests wheel-like actions - changes in direction, repeating cycles and rapid movement. When the energy of the Wheel arrives, you will feel life speed up. You are caught in a cyclone that may deposit you anywhere. "Round and round and round she goes, and where she stops, nobody knows."

9 - The Hermit - IX

Upright: Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a loner
Reverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity

The traditional hermit is a crusty, bearded character who has withdrawn from the company of men to live a life of seclusion and hardship. Card 9 supports this understanding. The Hermit represents the desire to turn away from the getting and spending of society to focus on the inner world. He seeks answers within and knows that they will come only with quiet and solitude.

There comes a point in life when we begin to question the obvious. We sense that there is a deeper reality and begin to search for it. This is mainly a solitary quest because answers do not lie in the external world, but in ourselves. The hermit on Card 9 reminds us of Diogenes, the Greek ascetic who is said to have gone out with a lantern in hand to search for an honest man. Diogenes is a symbol of the search for truth that the Hermit hopes to uncover by stripping away all diversions.

In readings, the Hermit often suggests a need for time alone - a period of reflection when distractions are limited. In times of action and high energy, he stands for the still center that must be created for balance. He can also indicate that withdrawal or retreat is advised for the moment. In addition, the Hermit can represent seeking of all kinds, especially for deeper understanding or the truth of a situation. "Seek, and ye shall find," we have been told, and so the Hermit stands for guidance as well. We can receive help from wise teachers, and, in turn, help others as we progress.

8 - Strength - VIII

Upright: Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virility
Reverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power

Usually we think of strength in physical terms - big arms, powerful legs - but there is also inner strength. Inner strength comes from an exercise of the heart muscle. It is perseverance, courage, resolve and composure - qualities that help us endure when times are tough. In the past, a person with inner strength was commonly said to have character; he or she could be counted on in the darkest moments. Card 8 represents this energy of quiet determination. Strength is not a flashy card, but one that is solid and reliable.

Card 8 also represents patience and compassion. Getting angry is easy when events turn sour, but dealing calmly with frustration takes great strength. So does accepting others and forgiving mistakes. We need strength to mold situations softly. The Chariot controls through mastery and authority. Card 8 is more subtle, even loving. Notice how the lion (itself a symbol of strength) is being guided and tamed by the woman's gentle hands.

Card 8 will appear in a reading when its qualities are needed. It can be a reminder not to despair or give up. You have the inner strength to endure and triumph. If you are pushing too hard, you need to withdraw for the moment and be patient. If other people or circumstances are driving you crazy, remember the strength that comes with love and forbearance. These will see you through the hardest moments.

7 - The Chariot - VII

Upright: Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeance
Reverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment

6 The Lovers - VI

Upright: Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affair

Love, union, and marriage.

Being with your soul mate.

Feeling passionate about something or someone.

Physical attraction

Communication with like-minded people.

Doing things that make you feel whole. 

Being enlightened about what decisions to make.

Intimacy.

Lovers tarot card meanings upright

Lovers in a general reading

The Lovers tarot card represents love and relationships and soul mates. The lovers tarot card indicates physical attractions and the choices we make to become more whole. The Lovers represents doing the things that make us feel complete and being with the people who make us feel at home. The Lovers tarot is all about wholeness and union. It is also a card for enlightenment and communication, and by being intellectually nourished as well as emotionally fulfilled. To find our match in a partner, job, and community we must first get to know ourselves on a deeper level. Lovers tarot card encourages you to go out there and find yourself, follow your passions, try different things and learn by opposites. Only then can you really know who you are. By doing what you don’t want you will find out what you do want. By being with someone you are not compatible with you will know who you are compatible with. This way you will know what you need and want and you can attract the best partner for yourself.

Lovers in a love reading

The Lovers tarot card in a love reading denotes being deeply in love. If single, the Seeker will have to make a choice to welcome love into their life.

Lovers in a career reading

In a career question, the Lovers often signifies stimulating work such as information gathering and media work.

Personality types in Lovers tarot card

The Lovers tarot card denotes someone who makes choices from the heart. This is someone who needs to emotionally and intellectually connect to every aspect of their lives. This is someone who puts efforts into the way they look and are very passionate and sensual people. They are attractive and passionate. Their appearance and image are important to them and they care what you think of them. They put an effort into their relationship by being witty, curious and appealing. They often need to be in a relationship to feel whole.

Reversed:

Separation

Disconnection

Unable to make a decision

Making a poor decision

Reverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy

The Hierophant - V

Upright: A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of society
Reverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor
or
Upright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a sense of historical importance, inspiration
Reverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence, vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy

4 - The Emperor - IV

Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable person
Reverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength

Major ArcanaTarot Cards Quick Reference Chart upright and reversed meanings

The Major Arcana
The Fool	Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness Reverse: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice
The Magician	Upright: Originality, creativity, skill, will-power, self confidence, dexterity, sleight of hand Reverse: Weakness in will, insecurity, delay, no imagination
The High Priestess	Upright: Wisdom, knowledge, learning, intuition, purity, virtue, a lack of patience, a teacher Reverse: Ignorance, lack of understanding, selfishness, shallowness
The Empress	Upright: Action, development, accomplishment, mother/sister/wife, evolution Reverse: Vacillation, inaction, lack on concentration, indecision, anxiety, infidelity
The Emperor	Upright: Accomplishment, confidence, wealth, stability, leadership, father/brother/husband, achievement, a capable person Reverse: Immaturity, indecision, feebleness, petty emotions, lack of strength
The Hierophant	Upright: A need to conform, social approval, bonded to the conventions of society Reverse: Unconventionality, unorthodoxy, an inventor or Upright: Mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, conformity, a sense of historical importance, inspiration Reverse: Foolish generosity, errors are repeated, impotence, vulnerability, frailty, unorthodoxy
The Lovers	Upright: Love, harmony, trust, honor, the beginning of a romance, optimism, a meaningful relationship/affair Reverse: Unreliability, separation, frustration in love, fickleness, untrustworthy
The Chariot	Upright: Perseverance, a journey, a rushed decision, adversity, turmoil, vengeance Reverse: Unsuccessful, defeat, failure, last minute loss, vanquishment
Strength	Upright: Strength, courage, conviction, energy, determination, action, heroism, virility Reverse: Weakness, pettiness, sickness, tyranny, lack of faith, abuse of power
The Hermit	Upright: Counsel, inner strength, prudence, caution, vigilance, patience, withdrawal, annulment, a loner Reverse: Imprudence, hastiness, rashness, foolish acts, immaturity
The Wheel of Fortune	Upright: Destiny, fortune, a special gain, an unusual loss, end of a problem, unexpected events, advancement, progress Reverse: Failure, bad luck, interruption, outside influences, bad fate, unexpected events

Justice	Upright: Harmony, balance, equality, righteousness, virtue, honor, advice, a considerate person Reverse: Bias, false accusations, intolerance, unfairness, abuse
The Hanged Man	Upright: Suspension, change, reversal, boredom, abandonment, sacrifice, readjustment, improvement, rebirth Reverse: Unwillingness to make an effort, false prophecy, useless sacrifice
Death	Upright: Transformation, making way for the new, unexpected change, loss, failure, illness or death, bad luck Reverse: Stagnation, immobility, slow changes, a narrow escape, cheating death
Temperance	Upright: Moderation, temperance, patience, harmony, fusion, good influence, confidence Reverse: Discord, conflict, disunion, hostility, frustration, impatience
The Devil	Upright: Ravage, weird or strange experience, downfall, unexpected failure, controversy, violence, disaster, an ill-tempered person Reverse: Divorce, release, handicaps are overcome, enlightenment
The Tower	Upright: A sudden change, abandonment of past, ending a friendship, unexpected events, disruption, bankruptcy, downfall, loss of money or security Reverse: Following old ways, a rut, entrapment, caught in a bad situation, imprisonment
The Star	Upright: Hope, faith, inspiration, optimism, insight, spiritual love, pleasure, balance Reverse: Unfulfilled hopes, disappointment, dreams are crushed, bad luck, imbalance
The Moon	Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing Reverse: Deception is discovered before damage can be done, trifling mistakes, taking advantage of someone
The Sun	Upright: Satisfaction, accomplishment, success, love, joy, engagement or a happy marriage Reverse: Unhappiness, loneliness, canceled plans, broken engagement or marriage, a clouded future, a lack of friends
Judgment or Rejuvenation	Upright: Awakening, renewal, a well lived life, better health, a quickened mind Reverse: Fear of death, failure, possible loss, ill health Upright: Atonement, judgment, the need to forgive, rejuvenation, rebirth, improvement, development, promotion, efforts are rewarded Reverse: Delay, disappointment, indecision, procrastination, theft, worry
The World	Upright: Completion, perfection, recognition, honors, the end result, success, fulfillment, triumph, eternal life Reverse: Imperfection, lack of vision, disappointment

1. Minor Arcana Tarot Cards Quick Reference Chart upright and reversed meanings