Hanged Man as Hopes and Fears (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 Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Hanged Man, it means that you’re seeking enlightenment, a new perspective, or a pause for reflection that can lead to significant personal growth or a resolution to your situation. This card symbolizes the importance of slowing down and reassessing your priorities, suggesting that sometimes, stepping back can provide the clarity needed to move forward more effectively. It encourages embracing a moment of suspension to gain insights that were not previously apparent, allowing for a deeper understanding of one’s self and circumstances.

The Hanged Man as fears can represent fears of stagnation, being trapped in indecision, or the anxiety of sacrifice without seeing the potential benefits. This reflects concerns about the cost of inaction or the potential loss associated with making significant changes. It underscores the challenge of finding value in waiting or in making sacrifices, especially when the outcomes are uncertain. This card invites you to trust in the process of transformation, reminding you that periods of apparent inactivity can be fertile ground for personal development and eventual progress.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hanged Man in the hopes and fears position means you’re open to seeing the relationship from a new angle and willing to make sacrifices if needed, yet fear that such sacrifices may not lead to the desired outcome. This card suggests a readiness to explore different dynamics within the relationship or to let go of certain expectations to foster a deeper connection. However, it also highlights the anxiety that these changes might not yield the improvements hoped for, emphasizing the need for open communication and mutual understanding to navigate this uncertain terrain together.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hanged Man in the hopes and fears position means there’s a contemplation on what could have been done differently, with a readiness to view the past with new understanding, yet there’s fear that such insights may come too late. This indicates a willingness to reflect on past actions and their impact on the relationship, seeking closure or a better understanding of the breakup. The concern that these revelations might not alter the current situation or feelings highlights the complexity of moving on, underscoring the value of this introspective process for personal growth regardless of its impact on past relationships.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hanged Man in the hopes and fears position means you’re willing to pause and consider their point of view deeply, yet fear that this pause could be misconstrued as distance or disinterest. It suggests an effort to understand their perspectives more fully, acknowledging that true empathy might require suspending your own judgments temporarily. The worry that such a thoughtful approach could be misinterpreted speaks to the delicate balance in relationships, emphasizing the importance of clear communication about your intentions and the depth of your care.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hanged Man in the hopes and fears position means you’re considering a period of reflection to reassess your path, willing to make sacrifices for long-term gains, yet wary of the potential for loss or wasted effort. This signifies a strategic pause to evaluate your career direction or financial strategies, recognizing that some goals may require a temporary step back to ultimately achieve greater success. The apprehension about the outcomes of these sacrifices highlights the inherent risks in such decisions, reminding you of the importance of careful planning and the courage to embrace change for the sake of long-term fulfillment and stability.

Reversed Hanged Man as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Hanged Man reversed, it means that there’s a resistance to letting go, a reluctance to see things from a new perspective, or an impatience with delays and uncertainty. This position suggests a struggle with accepting the need for pause and reflection, indicating a push to move forward without the necessary introspection. It highlights the importance of embracing periods of stillness as opportunities for growth, urging you to reconsider the value of viewing situations from a different angle for true progress.

The Hanged Man reversed as fears can represent a fear of aimlessness, reluctance to sacrifice, or the dread of being stuck in a situation without progress. This reflects concerns over feeling directionless or trapped by circumstances that seem beyond your control, compounded by an unwillingness to make the necessary sacrifices for change. It serves as a caution against the paralysis of indecision, encouraging you to find the courage to make tough choices and to trust in the transformative power of releasing outdated attachments.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hanged Man reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a concern that stagnation or unwillingness to adapt may be harming the relationship, with a fear of change preventing growth. This card points to the need for flexibility and openness in addressing relationship challenges, warning against the dangers of clinging too tightly to comfort zones. It suggests that embracing change and compromise can pave the way for a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hanged Man reversed in the hopes and fears position means there might be a reluctance to release old patterns or to see the past relationship from a constructive perspective, fearing that moving on may erase what was valuable. This indicates a struggle with letting go of the past and learning from the experience, hindered by a fear that acceptance signifies forgetting or diminishing the relationship’s importance. It calls for a balance between honoring the past and allowing yourself the freedom to grow and embrace new possibilities.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hanged Man reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a worry that misunderstandings or a lack of willingness to compromise could drive a wedge in the relationship. This suggests a period of tension that might benefit from a renewed effort to understand differing perspectives, emphasizing the need for empathy and open dialogue. It urges a reevaluation of your approach to conflicts, advocating for flexibility and the willingness to see beyond your own viewpoint to maintain harmony.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hanged Man reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s an anxiety about being stuck in a non-productive path, with a fear that indecision or resistance to change could hinder professional growth or financial stability. This highlights concerns over missed opportunities due to a failure to adapt or reconsider one’s approach, stressing the importance of being open to new strategies and ideas. It encourages a proactive stance in seeking out avenues for advancement, reminding you that progress often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

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.