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The Hanged Man Tarot Card Meaning

If you find yourself at a cross-roads and unsure which way to go next, remember that whatever choice you make you are going to be alright. Each path before you at this time is one of growth and karmic repercussions. It is easy to feel unsure because undoubtedly there is a lot of pressure around you at this time. Odin, the great Norse God hung from the World Tree for nine days in order to gain the wisdom and mystery of the Universe and an understanding of mankind.

So must you, in this time in your life, metaphorically take some time receiving wisdom from the Universe. When you receive this card in a reading you are being instructed to pause and to spend some time in reflection. There is something that you are missing because your life is moving too fast; slow it down significantly in order to identify what decisions need to be made in your life at this time. This card often comes up in a reading when one is being plagued by a certain level of uncertainty and therefore the Hanged Man reminds you to have faith in solace and allow yourself to gain perspective.

Consider each option based on what you will have to give up as the choices you face at this time usually are accompanied by a choice of sacrifice. You must choose one or the other but in that choice one option will be denied. You will lose something in the choice you make so choose wisely.

The Hanged Man is depicted by a youth that hangs from a living tree upside down. One foot is crossed in a T-Cross position. Even though he hangs above the Earth, he is still connected through the contact with the tree. In this, the development of the soul grows stronger and he has attained some measure of perfection on this path of life. Cards 1-10 illustrate a time of learning, of fine tuning a process of connection with the Divine, now his own success is placed into his very capable hands. Now it is time for him to be brave, to make choices that will change his entire life. If you receive the Hanged Man in your reading, he symbolizes pending decisions, coming to terms with that you do not understand and taking the time necessary to learn so that decisions can be made. In a sense, you too, must hang yourself in utter stasis in order to focus on how to change your whole experience.

There are those in this world who simply ‘believe’ that they are free from the chains that bind them but continue to allow themselves to be blown by the wind from one thing to another, but you are able to receive true freedom because you know the importance of Solace. This is the Hanged Man’s message for you.

A darker aspect of this card can come from not taking advantage of what the Hanged Man has to offer. This is the feeling of desolation or loss directly related to the fear of making changes. Many of us feel that if we make the wrong decision then all will be lost and this thought process creates a never ending cycle of non-movement. The Hanged Man reminds you that the fall is a short distance. If you hurt yourself, you can get up and brush yourself off and try again. In a sense, you have tied yourself up and are refusing to benefit from the new perspective that awaits you should you only open your eyes and allow that to be.

Something to remember with the Hanged Man is that the entanglement is voluntary. Every moment that you feel stuck or unable to move, you are doing so of your own volition; which means that at any moment you could choose to untangle yourself, to let yourself down from the tree and take your next, calculated step forward. If this card has come up in your reading then it is time for you to make a decision, any decision. The stasis will smother you to death; you must pick up and make a change. Your best option is to use this time to reflect, to see the world from the perspective of the Hanged Man. The Human Brain adjusts to a different perspective after three days of exposure, therefore, if things feel upside down for you…just wait for your Brain to catch up and all will be well. Embrace the new perspective.

The Hanged Man in Love

If this card appears regarding a love situation, then now is the time for you to consider taking a step back to calculate all of your options. Sometimes we are rushing too quickly into a relationship, or standing too far back from a pursuit. You must allow yourself the time necessary to reflect on your next move. In love this card could also symbolize a level of entanglement that you are not quite ready to undertake. Consider all of your options and then allow yourself to be free.

Remember that your heart is where Love forms, it is where God thrives. The heart removes distance and has the power to simplify and bring anything that you want to you right now. Spend some time doing the opposite of what your ego tells you to do and you will have success. Be patient with yourself, accept and understand what you can and cannot do and spread a little bit of that love that you give to others to yourself. Find out what you are hiding and bring that into the light. Any movement is better than no movement at all. Do not allow your fear of love, or being loved, stop you from trying. This will only encourage stagnation.

Another aspect of the Hanged Man in love for both those in a relationship and those seeking love is that there is a choice that comes up. This card is usually seen when there are multiple options in love. Be wary of going down two paths at once as when the Hanged Man appears this is not a time of wanton love. Your situation is serious and you will find that you have serious prospects in love ahead of you. Do not waste them both by not making a choice.

The Hanged Man As Feelings

It can sometimes mean that the other person is tied up or married and the relationship may never progress. It can mean that you are waiting for something to happen but it never does. It can also signify an online relationship where you may have fun with someone but never really commit to each other. The relationship is suspended and the other person wants you to think they are pondering about taking action but when it really comes to it, they don’t. 

The Hanged Man in Health

In matters of the equilibrium, the Hanged Man warns to be aware of your body and to make sure that it is balanced in all things. When this card appears in your Health reading you will want to take a full inventory of your body to see what areas need balance. Consider a full body chakra cleansing, or even just verify what kind of sleep you are getting, what kind of food you are taking in, are you stretching. Are you treating your mind and your spirit as the sacred temple that it should be? The Hanged Man asks for you to take some time to ponder what you could be doing better for your body’s physical health. Often when something is completely off balance in the body this will come up in the form of tumors, sore muscles, bones that are healing incorrectly. In areas of serious health issues, the Hanged Man indicates a need for professional input. Many times it will indicate a need for a second opinion in medical decisions.

The Hanged Man in Work and Wealth

The Hanged Man in matters of business addresses the need to trust your instincts. You know the answer. If you are uncertain, then take some time to consider the right move. When taking time to meditate on a potential work endeavor, you give your prophetic nature an opportunity to show you what it can do. Now is the time in your life to trust the connection between you and God. Follow the instincts in your gut and you will go far.

Reversed Hanged Man in a reading

The decisions that you are making are too rash, they are not being controlled by your intuition but by a shallow, surface level desire. There is an inappropriate use of the Ego or even a downright resistance to spiritual connection. The Hanged Man tells you that it is time to stop what you are doing and connect to God or the Universe. Spiritual guidance is needed at this time and there will be no movement until this happens.

The Eight of Pentacles gives you a taste of success but reminds you that you can’t have what you want overnight.

There is a goal in sight for you right now and you are on the right path – learning new tricks, creating healthy environments around you, and otherwise doing what you can to succeed. The Eight of Pentacles is a reminder not to give up and to continue on the path that you are on now.

When this card comes up in a reading it usually will accompany a daunting time in one’s life where life seems mechanical or monotonous. Consider daily tasks in which you are bored from doing the same repetitive motions. You may feel like you are caught in a rat race or that you are trying with your all but you are not getting anywhere. Often before we can advance onto higher lessons in life we have to continue taking baby steps. You may feel that you are ready for more or that you should be doing more in your life… however if you feel this way then you are probably discounting the actions you take and their importance. Right now is an important time in your life and you are on the cusp of something greater. It is important to not quit just yet and allow your actions to complete their cycle.

The man on the Eight of Pentacles card is working diligently at creating new coins out of wood and then placing them onto a tree. The background sky is white and is indicative of purity and spirituality. Often it is assumed that he is an apprentice of some sort of trade and that the coins and the wood are symbolisms of his future prosperity. Like the apprentice, you are learning skills for your life so that you can ultimately get what you want. You need to learn to take pride in your small accomplishments. Avoid downplaying your own efforts.

The card can also be a sign that you need to lighten up on someone around you. Rather than focusing on you as the apprentice, the Eight of Pentacles be showing you as the master in a relationship in your life, where you have the skills to succeed but someone around you is not quite up to par with you. In work and love both this card can indicate problems that can be easily resolved with patience and communication. The overall message of the Eight of Pentacles is that hard work and determination will allow you to succeed. Whatever your role is regarding this card, communication, building a foundation, and consistency is key to the questions that you have of life right now.

The Eight of Pentacles in Love

When dealing with other people in relationships petty arguments and bickering is bound to happen. The Eight of Pentacles comes up when there are small complaints in the relationship or insecurities about a partner. If either of these situations are you then the Eight of Pentacles is reminding you that we are not all perfect. We must all start somewhere in order to grow on your path and it is likely that you are with your partner at this time for a reason. You more than likely have some information or experiences that will prove beneficial to your partner.

Right now is a good time to think of ways in which you can offer yourself as an example, rather than a standard. Think of the ways in which you express to your partner and how the two of you work together. You may find that you are being looked to for guidance and that you are being too harsh in your own judgments. When looking for love, the Eight of Pentacles has a different meaning entirely. In this case traditionally the card turns around and places you back as the apprentice and advises to take small steps forward right now. Focus first on ways that you are ready for love and cultivate those. Be aware that you likely still have old emotions or hang ups from a previous relationship that need to be resolved so that you do not repeat past mistakes.

The Eight of Pentacles in Health

The Eight of Pentacles is a card that represents a work in progress. The card can be somewhat concerning in health because it usually will symbolize that you have been working hard for your health goal and yet you are not seeing the desired responses. Whatever your health concern is, right now you need to take a step back and look at the process you are taking. Consider what ways you are doing counter-productive actions and which efforts are simply not enough. Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed with the larger picture at hand. Take one step at a time and do not lose sight of your goal.

It can be a good time to ask someone else for assistance that has dealt with similar health issues before or seek the motivation of others. Because of the earthy energy of the card and the suit of pentacles in general, you may find that you are getting overwhelmed from your efforts. Try not to beat yourself up. Realizing that you are doing what you can and that questioning the reasons of your actions or making excuses are not going to get you anywhere.

The Eight of Pentacles in Work and Wealth

The Eight of Pentacles usually indicates a beginning in one way or another regarding both work and finance. Even if you are the boss of a company and know your industry like the back of your hand, there are still things that you need to learn. Allow yourself the opportunity to increase your knowledge base at this time and work on exercises that are going to grow you expertise. Now is not a good time to be making HUGE changes in your life of finance or career, rather you want to focus on the smaller changes that you can make as well as to jump on opportunities to network, learn, and grow.

The Eight of Pentacles is also a thinking card. Your focus is important right now. You may notice that you have bitten off more than you can chew in a work project or are feeling discouraged about a lack of progress in finances. Remember that even mistakes are opportunities to grow. Take what you can out of even the worst of situations and apply it to future opportunities. The loss will work out in the end and may even prove to be for the best. 

In work the eight of Pentacles implies that you are working but are not paid what you should be. Reversed this card indicates that the work is efficient. As he has already completed five of the pentacles which are above him it can indicate that work is not finished. Like the seven of pentacles which is all about patience, the eight can suggest that on the 8th pentacle you can publicly show your strength. This card can indicate you are producing some results but it will take time. Additionally, that you are completely dedicated and also learning at the same time. In some tarot books, this card is seen in work as being responsible but above all, it implies that you can accomplish things well but you need to understand that things are needed in detail. If you are looking for work, been to a job interview then this is a positive card, it can imply that you are committed to new tasks and generally you have so much on your plate. The key is to focus on yourself right now. In business, the eight of Pentacles implies that there is mastery but it will take work to become the master. This card also indicates cash and career developments. The 8 is a great card for business and it shows that you will a “master” and you will make enough money in life. 

Reversed Eight of Pentacles in a reading

The Eight of Pentacles reversed shows a lack of motivation, determination, and vision. It can be a detrimental card in a reading because when you are not focused on the task at hand then careless mistakes can be made. Make sure you are doing all you can to make informed decisions and to not jump to conclusions. When reversed the Eight of Pentacles tells you to stop, look, and listen before making another leap physically or spiritually.

Upright Eight of Pentacles Meanings in Keywords

• Working hard in life
• Producing good results
• Extra careful at work
• Working diligently
• Appreciation
• Development
• Employment
• Appreciation
• Development
• Employment
• Authority
• Patience
• Bad results
• Small success

Reversed Eight of Pentacles Meanings in Keywords

• Late success
• Acknowledgment
• Breakthrough
• Recovery
• Material stability
• Resignation
• Organization
• New beginning