Does the Hermit Card Mean Yes or No in a Tarot Reading?

The Hermit card resides in the ninth position of the Major Arcana. When the Hermit appears, it’s a call to step back from external noise and turn inward.

The answers you seek have been within you all along — you just needed a little starlight to see them.

But what about in a yes or no tarot reading? In that case, the Hermit is a maybe. The answer depends on the question.

The Rider-Waite version of the card depicts an old figure standing alone on a mountaintop, holding a lantern with a six-pointed star inside, a symbol of magic and wisdom. This lantern represents the light of wisdom, guiding you, the seeker, through darkness..

Is the Upright Hermit Card a Yes or No?

The upright Hermit card is a maybe.

The Hermit is an invitation to walk the solitary path of self-reflection, holding your lantern high as you search for truth in the dark. The Hermit doesn’t isolate for isolation’s sake; they step away to gain clarity. And sometimes, that means ghosting everyone for a bit.

So, in a general reading, if your question is about whether you should do some soul-searching, or sit longer with a question you’re wrestling with, or go on that solo trip, then the answer is yes.

But, if it evolves something external, it suggests you take some time for contemplation before making a decision.

For career readings, The Hermit suggests holding off on big moves for now. It’s neither a yes nor a no, but rather a prompt to step back, recalibrate, and trust that clarity will come once the noise of external expectations fades.

In love, The Hermit suggests “not right now.” Some time alone may be necessary to gain clarity about your relationship or that you’ve lost yourself in the relationship and need some time to find yourself again. If you’re single, you might find that solitude feels more nourishing than swiping right.

Finally, when it comes to reconciliation, The Hermit is a no. Right now, personal growth takes precedence. You need time to understand what went wrong and why before considering revisiting the past.

Is the Reversed Hermit Yes or No?

The reversed Hermit card is a no.

In a general reading, the reversed Hermit suggests you’ve spent enough time in introspection. It’s time to rejoin the world, even if it feels jarring at first. Wisdom isn’t meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be shared.

For career readings, this card signals disconnection from your work or colleagues. It’s time to reevaluate how isolation or being the lone wolf is impacting your professional growth. And, if you’ve been hiding from opportunities or second-guessing your skills, consider this your cosmic nudge to take action.

In love, the reversed Hermit often represents emotional distance or a fear of intimacy or it’s time to open your heart again. If you’re single, it suggests that you might be too withdrawn to attract a meaningful relationship. In a relationship, it indicates that one or both partners are pulling away. It’s possible this can be worked out, but one or both of you need to come down from your mountain and stop hiding in the cave.

As for reconciliation, this is more of a “proceed with caution” yes. The time apart may have provided clarity, but the question remains: Have both of you done the work? If not, you risk repeating the same haunted cycle.

The Hermit’s message is clear: When the path ahead disappears into shadow, trust the lantern you hold. The light isn’t external — it’s you. Are you ready to walk that path alone, if only for a little while?