Hanged Man as a Man (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Hanged Man is the card of sacrifice, surrender, and waiting. The Hanged Man is suspended upside down, viewing the world from an entirely different perspective. Even so, he shows  little discomfort. He is serene and calm, with a halo around his head. This new perspective is giving him enlightenment. 

The Hanged Man is a reminder that though we may want life and love to go a certain way, it is not always up to us on how things play out. Sometimes, the timing may not be quite right. Other times, being patient, doing nothing, and just letting the situation play out by itself gets us a better result. Additionally, there are times in life where sacrifice and a shift in perspective is needed.  

Upright Hanged Man as a Man

If the Hanged Man appears in a Tarot spread as a man, that means that this person is undergoing a period of introspection, willing to see things from a new perspective, and possibly making sacrifices. You’ll notice a serenity about him, as if he has all the time in the world. His voice may have a soothing quality, making you feel as if you’re floating in a calm sea as he speaks.

For physical characteristics, the Hanged Man as a man represents someone who is relaxed in posture, often with contemplative eyes and a demeanor suggesting deep thought. He may have a laid-back sense of style that suggests comfort and ease. The scent around him might be one of natural essential oils, perhaps lavender or sandalwood, exuding a calming effect. When you touch his hand or shoulder, there’s a stillness that seems to convey his internal peace.

For emotional characteristics, the Hanged Man as a man represents someone who is patient, receptive, and introspective. He tends to be a good listener, willing to let you express yourself while he takes in your words with genuine interest. His laughter might be soft and comforting, making you feel like you’re in a judgment-free zone where your feelings are valid and valued.

Astrologically, the Hanged Man as a man represents someone who is influenced by Neptune, fostering a dreamy, spiritual, and sacrificial nature. He might have Neptune prominently placed in his chart, perhaps conjunct his Sun, Moon, or Ascendant, amplifying his intuitive and self-sacrificing qualities. He could also have important placements in Pisces, a Neptune-ruled sign, reinforcing his tendency towards introspection and receptivity.

For careers, the Hanged Man can represent a man who works as a meditation instructor, spiritual guide, or a researcher. In these roles, he is deeply committed to diving into the depths of the mind or spirit to unearth new insights. He may also excel in jobs that require long periods of solitude or focus, allowing him to make the most of his introspective nature.

The Hanged Man as a man represents someone who makes you feel calm, introspective, and open to new perspectives. Just being around him may make you feel as if the noisy world has been muted, allowing you to focus inward. You may find that after spending time with him, you feel more attuned to your own thoughts and feelings, eager to explore them from new angles.

Reversed Hanged Man as a Man

If the Hanged Man reversed appears in a Tarot spread as a man, that means that this person is stuck in stagnation, resisting change, or being indecisive. His energy seems to lack the usual flow, making the atmosphere around him feel stagnant. His voice may have an edge of tension or hesitancy, as if he’s holding something back.

For physical characteristics, the Hanged Man reversed as a man represents someone who is tense, with a restless energy and possibly a frown or look of confusion. His movements may be fidgety, and he might avoid eye contact or quickly glance away. When you’re near him, you might detect a scent of sweat or stale air, indicative of his internal restlessness.

For emotional characteristics, the Hanged Man reversed as a man represents someone who is impatient, anxious, and resistant to introspection. His mood can swing quickly, from apparent calm to sudden irritation. His laughter, if any, may sound forced or insincere, leaving you feeling like something is amiss.

Astrologically, the Hanged Man reversed as a man represents someone who is struggling with the dreamy and elusive energies of Neptune, possibly feeling disillusioned. His astrological chart may feature Neptune in challenging aspects, such as a square or opposition to personal planets like the Sun, Moon, or Mercury, which could create a tendency to escape reality or engage in self-deception. Alternatively, he may have a poorly-aspected or retrograde Neptune in a prominent house, exacerbating his struggles with idealism and reality.

For careers, the Hanged Man reversed can represent a man who works as a crisis manager, a stock trader on a volatile market, or a project manager with stalled plans. These are roles that may have initially appealed to his more constructive qualities but have now become sources of stress due to unforeseen complications or his own resistance to change. He might have a workspace filled with clutter, or documents and spreadsheets open on his computer that haven’t been touched in weeks.

The Hanged Man reversed as a man represents someone who makes you feel anxious, impatient, or restricted. His energy is such that it seems to constrict the atmosphere, making even small talk feel cumbersome. You might leave an interaction with him feeling like you need to shake off a heavy weight, eager to return to a more freeing environment.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Hanged Man reveals that everything comes at its own time. No matter how much we may want to, we cannot force love or a relationship. Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing. When we are patient, opportunities will come. If we lean into the Hanged Man’s energy of patience and sacrifice, we will be ready to embrace opportunities when they do come–to the fullest. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.