Hanged Man as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Hanged Man, it means that there was a period of pause and reflection, a time where sacrifices were made for greater understanding or growth. This could indicate a phase where you deliberately chose to forgo immediate gratifications to gain a deeper insight or to work towards a higher goal. It suggests a time marked by inner growth and understanding, where the pause allowed you to gain a new perspective and evolve.

The Hanged Man as the past can represent a period of voluntary or forced surrender, where patience was tested, and it became necessary to look at things from a different perspective. During this time, you were encouraged to release control and allow things to unfold naturally, perhaps learning to trust the process more than focusing on the outcome. This card signifies a transformative period where a new lens of understanding and perception was developed through patience and surrender.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hanged Man in the past position means the relationship went through a phase of stagnation or perhaps a time of self-sacrifice for the betterment of the partnership. This phase likely helped in cultivating patience and understanding as both parties worked towards harmony and mutual growth. It shows a time of deep reflection where the foundation of the relationship might have been strengthened through conscious efforts and compromises.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hanged Man in the past position means that there were times of sacrifices and compromises that may not have been reciprocated, leading to a one-sided dynamic. It portrays a relationship where you might have felt stuck, giving more than you were receiving, possibly leading to resentment over time. This period asked for a deep examination of the relationship’s dynamics, ultimately guiding you towards self-realization and understanding of your desires and boundaries.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hanged Man in the past position means there might have been a period of estrangement or a time when one had to take a step back to reflect on the dynamics of the relationship. This was a phase of self-discovery, where personal boundaries might have been analyzed and understood better. Despite the challenges, it could have fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other’s individuality and needs.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hanged Man in the past position means there were phases where progress seemed slow, requiring patience and a reassessment of goals and strategies. This card suggests a period where you may have felt stalled but used the time wisely to refine your approach and realign with your career goals. It signifies a time of learning and growth, which may now serve as a solid foundation for your current endeavors.

Reversed Hanged Man as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Hanged Man reversed, it means that there might have been resistance to necessary change, possibly resulting in wasted time or missed opportunities. During this period, there was a likelihood of holding too tightly to established ideas or ways of doing things, rather than embracing needed transformations. It speaks of a time that called for evolution and growth, but instead, there might have been stagnation and an inability to move forward due to resistance to adapting to new perspectives.

The Hanged Man reversed as the past can represent a time of stubbornness, unwillingness to adapt, and avoiding seeing things from a new perspective, which might have caused delays in personal growth. It was a period characterized by a rigid mindset, possibly hindering opportunities to learn and develop. Reflecting on this time may reveal valuable lessons about the importance of being open to change and the rich insights that come from considering different viewpoints.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hanged Man reversed in the past position means the relationship possibly went through a phase of stubbornness where neither party was willing to compromise, leading to tensions. This card indicates a cycle where disagreements could have escalated due to an unwillingness from both parties to see the other’s perspective and work towards a middle ground. It suggests a time where the relationship may have benefited greatly from letting go of rigid views and embracing empathy and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hanged Man reversed in the past position means there might have been a lack of sacrifice and understanding, where stubbornness and unwillingness to change played a significant role. This could indicate a dynamic where both individuals found it hard to give ground or understand each other fully, leading to conflicts and a breakdown in communication. It speaks of a past burdened with resistance to mutual growth and understanding, paving the way for the eventual separation.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hanged Man reversed in the past position means that the relationship had periods of stagnation where understanding and perspective were limited due to resistance to change. This timeframe might have seen the relationship grappling with conflicts arising from limited understanding and lack of adaptability. It points to a history of missed opportunities for deeper connection and camaraderie, which could potentially be revisited with a fresh and more open perspective.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hanged Man reversed in the past position means there were times of delay and frustration, likely due to a lack of flexibility and an unwillingness to adapt to changing circumstances. This period might have witnessed stalled projects or missed opportunities due to an inability to change course as required. Looking back, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being adaptable and receptive to shifts in the career landscape to foster growth and progression.

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.