The Hermit | Symbology & Interpretations | Tarot Card Meanings
- Amber Jayne Benjamin
- Feb 22, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 14, 2024
With the Virgo energy, The Hermit signifies reflection and meditation through entering the mind of oneself. Finding the answers within is where you will find your greatest teacher. The Hermit is a card of isolation, journeying, spiritual growth, and contemplation. Finding your light as you go within yourself away from your chaotic life by 'hermitting'.
The Hermit card in the tarot signifies introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. It represents a period of self-reflection and spiritual growth, where one retreats from the external world to seek wisdom and clarity within.
The Hermit encourages introspection and soul-searching, urging individuals to listen to their inner voice and follow the guidance of their intuition. It can also indicate a time of seeking solitude to recharge and find inner peace.
However, it's essential to be aware of the potential for isolation or avoidance of necessary healing. Overall, The Hermit invites individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery, enlightenment, and personal transformation.
The Hermit Keywords
Upright Keywords | Reversed Keywords |
Going within to find the answer, being reserved, isolation, loneliness, self-inspiration, meditation, contemplation, inner guidance, you are your mentor. | Hiding, abandonment, feeling left out, misfit, rejection, anti-social, needing time alone, withdrawal, isolation, deep inner healing. |
Imagery & Symbolism
The imagery of the Hermit card in tarot typically depicts a solitary figure standing in a quiet and isolated setting. The central focus is on the Hermit's posture, often shown with a bent back or leaning on a staff, which conveys a sense of introspection and contemplation.
The Hermit is frequently portrayed holding a lantern, the primary source of light in the scene. This lantern serves as a guiding beacon, casting a gentle glow on the Hermit's surroundings.
The figure is often clothed in a long robe or cloak, and sometimes a hood, creating an appearance of seclusion and detachment from the external world.
The Hermit's facial expression is contemplative, suggesting a deep internal focus and a willingness to embark on a journey of self-discovery. In some renditions, the Hermit may be surrounded by mountainous terrain or wilderness, emphasising the sense of solitude and the challenges inherent in the spiritual quest.
White Beard: Symbolises the individual being wise and in reflection.
Grey Cape: Symbolises the hermit in its shadow side. Grey is significant for feeling sad, upset, dreary, and burdensome. The cape also includes a hood, which is placed over the Hermit's head, this can suggest the Hermit does not want to be seen from behind.
Looking Downwards: The Hermit is looking down at the ground beneath in contemplation.
Eyes Closed: This symbolises the hermit focusing on his thoughts and meditating to find the truest answer.
Holding Lantern: The lantern is significant of a glimmer of hope. It is alight and inside resides a yellow star, suggesting there is beautiful hope and happiness if the hermit looks up.
Star: The star is caged inside of the lantern, which can suggest the Hermit is cold and closed off, as well as withdrawn from other people. It would be hard to break down these walls.
Staff/Wand: The staff can be seen as a walking stick, to help the Hermit along in his journey, as he is gripping hard. The staff can also be seen as a wand, and the hermit is holding onto the wand as the only energy he has left for now.
Snow: Symbolises the coldness and unapproachability of the hermit.
Direction: You could read the hermit facing left as he reflected on his past actions to find the answers to move forward.
The Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
UPRIGHT
When the Hermit appears in a general reading it can suggest it is time to enter a quiet space where you can find the answers and solutions to your problems. It is a time of healing and reflection to find your next step.
Meditation and contemplation are important at this time, as you need to take a break to find answers from within. This card can suggest you can find the answers on your own, and you may already have the answer if you seek advice from within.
REVERSED
The Hermit can suggest that you may be withdrawing from daily life to your detriment. You could be feeling lonely or may have feelings of abandonment and low confidence. Although time alone may be needed, deep self-reflection and inner healing are also needed.
It may be time to come out of your shell and spend some valuable time with others. Alternatively, the Hermit can suggest that you may not be spending the alone time that you need.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
UPRIGHT
The Hermit appearing in a love or relationship reading can suggest that now is an important time to withdraw from your relationships to gain spiritual insights and answers. You may be feeling alone when it comes to relationships or you may be lacking the support you need, causing you to go into a social recluse.
When in a relationship, it may be that you feel it is one-sided, or that a break is needed. This doesn't necessarily lead to a breakup, however, deep inner reflection is needed for both partners. Alternatively, if you are single, you may be feeling too lonely and are seeking a relationship. In this case, it would seem more as though your loneliness is due to feeling dependent on a relationship or partner, rather than feeling independent.
REVERSED
The Hermit can suggest that a break from your relationship is very much needed. There is a possibility of you being isolated from others in your relationship, particularly where one partner may be controlling the actions of the other. The Hermit reversed can also signify being forced into a period of loneliness. This can be in circumstances such as long-distance relationships.
CAREER, JOB & BUSINESS
UPRIGHT
The Hermit appearing in career, job, or business readings can suggest that you will find your answers by reflecting on past experiences and lessons. You know the answer already and you are wiser than you think.
Alternatively, you may be feeling unsupported in your work environment or lonely, particularly if you work alone. Sometimes, the Hermit can suggest that you are not embracing your true self in the workplace.
REVERSED
The Hermit can suggest that you may be feeling like a misfit at work, or possibly an outcast. Your job may be seen as unique or different from what society deems as a 'stereotypical' daily job, and it may be affecting your self-esteem and confidence negatively.
FINANCES & MONEY
UPRIGHT
In financial reading, The Hermit appearing can suggest it is time to do some serious and deep meditation regarding your finances. You may be contemplating how your finances relate to your life purpose and internal goals, and what steps you need to make next to achieve them.
REVERSED
The Hermit appearing can suggest you need to think about your finances seriously and consider the implications your actions can bring depending on the steps you take.
WELLNESS
UPRIGHT
In a wellness reading, the presence of The Hermit implies a vital need to realign with the interconnected elements of your well-being: mind, body, and spirit. It signals a call for a restful pause to quiet the mind, engage in profound mindfulness exercises, and embrace meditation deeply. Furthermore, it suggests that this period of rest is essential for healing and introspective reflection to take place.
REVERSED
The Hermit card often symbolises a complex interplay of inner peace and unsettling emotions, potentially triggering internal conflicts. It may indicate a sense of isolation and reluctance to share your emotions or struggles with others. This calls for a moment of introspection and the recognition that seeking professional support could be beneficial.
PERSONALITY & ARCHETYPES
Within the realm of personality archetypes, The Hermit embodies characteristics of a reserved and introspective individual. Rather than being perceived as cold-hearted, they may exhibit a certain aloofness or guardedness, often stemming from a preference for solitude and inner reflection.
This archetype tends towards shyness and withdrawal from social interactions, perhaps finding comfort in the quieter, simpler aspects of life. They may exude an aura of unapproachability or appear awkward in bustling environments, as they thrive in more intimate and contemplative settings.
POSITIVES & ADVANTAGES
The presence of The Hermit signifies a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. It heralds a time of deep introspection where you become your own spiritual guide, tapping into the wisdom of your higher self and connecting with your spirit guides.
This card suggests that you are embarking on a path of profound spiritual growth, where the light within you shines brightly, illuminating your journey. Through solitude and introspection, you uncover the depths of your soul and align with your true purpose, allowing your inner light to guide you towards greater fulfilment and enlightenment.
NEGATIVES & DISADVANTAGES
In its shadow aspect, The Hermit symbolises a retreat into isolation, disconnecting from the community and feeling alienated or marginalised. This card may reflect a sense of exclusion or a feeling of being out of place, leading to a profound sense of loneliness or being misunderstood.
Additionally, it warns against the tendency to avoid confronting inner wounds or seeking healing, perpetuating a cycle of emotional stagnation and disconnection from growth.
THE HERMIT TAROT CARD MEANINGS:
