Hanged Man as Obstacle or Challenge (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 Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Hanged Man, it means that a period of self-reflection, patience, or the need to see things from a different perspective is required to overcome your challenges. This suggests that your current difficulties may not be resolved by quick, decisive action, but rather by stepping back, taking time to reflect, and viewing the situation from a new angle. Being patient with yourself during this process is key, as clarity often comes with time and thoughtful consideration.

The Hanged Man as an obstacle or challenge can represent the need for introspection, a change in perspective, or the importance of being patient. This signifies that you may need to pause and turn inward, examining your thoughts, feelings, and motivations to gain a better understanding of your current challenges. By shifting your perspective and embracing patience, you can find new ways to approach and overcome these obstacles.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Hanged Man as an obstacle or challenge means that a period of self-reflection or gaining a new understanding of the other person’s perspective may be necessary for the relationship to grow. It implies that for the relationship to progress, you may need to spend some time understanding your own feelings and the feelings of your potential partner. This period of introspection and understanding can lay a strong foundation for a fulfilling relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Hanged Man as an obstacle or challenge means that patience, open-mindedness, and looking at issues from a different angle will be crucial to resolving conflicts or misunderstandings. This suggests that any tensions or disagreements within the relationship may need a fresh perspective for resolution. Patience and a willingness to see things from your partner’s viewpoint can go a long way in fostering understanding and harmony.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hanged Man as an obstacle or challenge means that a change in perspective, self-reflection, or taking time to understand the past will help you find closure and healing. This indicates that processing the end of the relationship may require a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of past events. Engaging in self-reflection and taking the time to examine the past can provide the clarity needed to move forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hanged Man as an obstacle or challenge means that patience, reassessing your goals, or looking at your situation from a different angle will be crucial for overcoming obstacles and moving forward. This suggests that your professional or financial issues may require a fresh outlook and a reassessment of your current objectives. By exercising patience and reevaluating your situation from a different perspective, you can identify new strategies and paths towards success.

Reversed Hanged Man as Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Hanged Man reversed, it means that resistance to change, stubbornness, or an inability to see things from a new perspective may be causing difficulties. These behaviors can keep you trapped in unproductive patterns, making it harder to overcome the challenges you face. Embracing change, letting go of stubborn attitudes, and opening your mind to new viewpoints can be key to resolving your current issues.

The Hanged Man reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent a lack of self-awareness, impatience, or a refusal to change one’s perspective. This suggests that you may be struggling to see the broader picture or to understand the underlying causes of your difficulties. Developing self-awareness, cultivating patience, and being open to shifting your viewpoint can help you navigate these obstacles more effectively.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Hanged Man reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that unwillingness to change, impatience, or a refusal to see the other person’s point of view may hinder the relationship’s progress. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and a lack of connection. Cultivating patience, being open to change, and striving to understand the other person’s perspective can foster a more harmonious and fruitful relationship.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Hanged Man reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that stubbornness, resistance to change, or a lack of empathy for the other person’s perspective may contribute to discord or misunderstandings. Such attitudes can lead to conflict and prevent effective communication. A willingness to change, an understanding of your partner’s viewpoint, and flexibility in your attitudes can help resolve these issues and strengthen the relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hanged Man reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that an inability to reflect on the past, resistance to change, or a refusal to see things from a different perspective may prevent you from finding closure and moving on. It’s important to face the past, understand what went wrong, and learn from it. Adopting a new perspective can provide insights that will help you heal and move forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hanged Man reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that stubbornness, a lack of adaptability, or an unwillingness to reevaluate your goals may be holding you back from professional growth and success. Being rigid or resistant to change can prevent you from recognizing and seizing opportunities. Openness to new ideas, flexibility in your approach, and a willingness to reassess your goals can pave the way for career advancement and financial stability.

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.