Rider Waite Card Meaning - The Hanged Man

XII - The Hanged Man - A Period of Inactivity While Insight Gained

The Hanged Man is the third of the four cardinal virtues represented in the traditional tarot pack, and he signifies prudence. Prudence sometimes demands that we retrain ourselves and make necessary sacrifices, just like the man hanging on the gallows tree. He is not dead, but the restraint of hanging upside down from a tree is not the best of positions to be in; nevertheless, he endures, seemingly in a blessed state as indicated by the halo around his head.

This card speaks of personal sacrifices, the need to delay gratification in service of a higher ideal or objective. Acting impetuously or imprudently will cost more than the questioner is willing to pay, and the best choice is to forego frivolous promptings.

Reversed, the Hanged Man shows pointless sacrifice. Whatever is given up is done in vain without any mitigating benefit. The card in this position can also indicate the end of a period of suspension and a decision to move forward with or without whatever was hoped to be gained by self-denial.