The Hermit -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

9. THE HERMIT

At a glance:

The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and the pursuit of truth.

Upright Keywords:
Time for introspection, wisdom, solitude

Reversed Keywords:
Isolation, loneliness

Numerology:
9 - compassion, universal love, spiritual enlightenment, near-completion

The Hermit: Upright Meaning

The Hermit card depicts an old man standing atop a snow-capped mountain, holding a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other. His lantern casts light onto the path ahead, symbolizing the search for spiritual knowledge and inner wisdom. The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and the pursuit of truth. This card suggests that it might be time to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to focus on self-discovery and personal growth.

During "The Fool's Journey," they realize that even though they’ve learned so much, there is still much they do not understand. The Hermit reminds us that without self-awareness and reasoning, one will never understand WHY things happen the way they do. To fully understand life’s challenges, one must step back in order to see the bigger picture.

In the realm of numerology, The Hermit is associated with the number 9, which signifies compassion, universal love, and spiritual enlightenment. This number is also linked to humanitarianism and nearing the completion of a cycle. This can be a sign to seek deeper understanding into your life's purpose and direction.

Love/Relationships

The Hermit love meaning suggests a need for space and self-reflection. This does not imply loneliness or detachment but rather a period of introspection that can ultimately strengthen the relationship. Taking time to reconnect with yourself can lead to a deeper, more meaningful connection with your partner. Accept solitude to gain clarity on your needs and desires within the relationship. Perhaps it’s time to set aside personal time for meditation or a stay-cation, which can rejuvenate your sense of self and bring new insights into your partnership.

Money/Career

You might be contemplating your career path and motivations, seeking a deeper understanding of your professional goals. The Hermit suggests that working alone or taking a step back from collaborative efforts might be beneficial at this time. Avoid distractions and office politics, and concentrate on what truly matters to you professionally. Remember: this is a time to listen to what you truly want without other people’s opinions. Take advantage of some alone time to jot down your values, goals, and mission statement in order to reassess.

Spiritual/Self

Spiritually, The Hermit card is a profound symbol of inner guidance and personal development, urging you to reconnect with your true self. Representing introspection, solitude, and the pursuit of truth, this card suggests that now is the perfect time to step away from the chaos of everyday life to focus on self-discovery and growth. 

Drawing inspiration from Buddhism, we see stories like monks who isolate themselves to meditate in the hopes of finding peace. This practice underscores the importance of solitude in understanding oneself and the world. Prayer and ritual, fasting, or engaging in solitary hobbies are also effective methods to develop both personal and spiritual goals. 

These practices often mirror the stage in "The Fool's Journey," where, despite having learned much, there is still a realization of how much remains unknown. To truly grasp life’s challenges, stepping back to see the bigger picture is essential.

By accepting solitude, you stand to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your path.

Astrology

The Hermit card is closely associated with the astrological sign of Virgo, which embodies traits of introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. Virgos are known for their analytical minds and attention to detail, often seeking to understand themselves and the world around them on a deeper level. This connection to Virgo highlights the importance of introspection and self-analysis in your journey. Just as Virgo values precision and clarity, The Hermit encourages you to seek clear insights and profound understanding through quiet contemplation and thoughtful reflection.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

When The Hermit card appears reversed, it signals a fear of being alone or an avoidance of solo time. In other words: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). Although these fears are valid, don’t underestimate the value of being alone. Take on this challenge, as it can make you more resilient and provide valuable insights into your own strengths and desires. By accepting solitude, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life's path. Learning to be alone is a skill that takes time to develop, and getting comfortable with solo time is crucial for personal growth. 

Alternatively, this card can present itself if you've been secluding yourself too much. The Hermit card can be a bit nuanced, so remember to take an honest look at the situation and the other cards in the spread. If too much “alone time” is truly the case here, consider stepping back into the world and reconnecting with others. It might even be a good time to lean on others for support.

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CARD SUMMARY

It might be time to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to focus on self-discovery and personal growth.

Learn More about Tarot.