The tarot may not hold all of the answers to what the future may hold, but it is a useful tool to use when seeking guidance. Whether you get a professional tarot reading or pull cards from your deck, you may come across the Hanged Man. The card may appear to be a bad omen at first glance, especially with the figure hanging upside down by one ankle. It could be interpreted as you being trapped in a situation. But, according to Michelle Welch, a professional tarot reader, and teacher, the Hanged Man tarot card represents much more.

“Of the 78 cards in a traditional tarot deck, the Hanged Man appears as the twelfth card within the Major Arcana (think of them as archetypes or major life events),” Welch tells Bustle. “The number 12 represents psychological or spiritual exploration.” Many people, according to Welch, see the card and immediately interpret it as someone who is stuck in life. The figure depicted on the card, however, is based on the story of Odin, the Norse god who voluntarily bound himself upside down to the Tree of Life. “He did this for nine days without food or drink in order to achieve enlightenment, as indicated by the halo over the figure’s head,” Welch explains.

What Does the Tarot Card Hanged Man Mean?

The Hanged Man appears in the major arcana immediately after the Justice card and before the Death card. The Hanged Man, according to Stina Garbis, a professional astrologer and psychic, can be “the ultimate waiting for the shoe to drop card.” It represents the calm before the storm or a significant change, but it is important to note that this card is not always negative. The Hanged Man represents a period when you do what needs to be done to make that big change in your life because it comes before the Death card, which is all about transformation.

It’s important to remember that everyone interprets the tarot differently, so some people may interpret the card differently than others. The Hanged Man is associated with Pisces and the planet Neptune, so your decision-making process may include some creativity. Because the Hanged Man is the twelfth card, it could take you anywhere from 12 months to 12 weeks to 12 days to take the next step in your journey.

What Does the Upright Hanged Man Card Mean?

Welch interprets an upright pull as a need to slow down and seek additional guidance. “This is by choice,” she says, “which is why it is more of a disciplined sacrifice or surrender that may result in a delay of sorts rather than simply being stuck in life.” “The upright Hanged Man represents seeing things from a different perspective, which can lead to growth by letting go of old ways.”

According to Garbis, who interprets the Hanged Man as a card about waiting, an upright pull represents a pause before a major event occurs. It could be a period of being single before meeting someone, or a few months of being unemployed before starting a new job.

“The man’s symbol with his leg crossed upside down represents eventual attainment,” Garbis says. “Because it is a card of waiting when it is upright, it usually indicates that something is about to happen.” If you ask a yes or no question, it’s a ‘not yet’ card, not a ‘no’ card.” Take it as a sign to be patient, and what you want will come to you.

What Does the Reversed Hanged Man Card Mean?

When the Hanged Man is pulled backward, it may indicate a struggle rather than a surrender. You may be inquiring about a situation in which you are gripped too tightly, causing you to become frustrated.

“When things are turned around, we may not want to see other perspectives change or grow,” Welch says. “It may also indicate a fork in the road where we must pause to make a decision.” This could apply to relationships, jobs, purpose, or any other aspect of life. “You should ask yourself, ‘What is holding you back?'”