The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

The Hermit is a tarot card of introspection, solitude, and wisdom. This Major Arcana card invites you to step away from the bustle for a moment around you and go within, for that is where the answers are that you seek.

Especially in today’s world of doom scrolling and endless distractions, it’s easy to lose yourself along the way. The Hermit suggests it’s time to take a pause, engage in some quiet reflection or meditation, and reconnect with your authentic self.

Whether you’re seeking clarity in love, career, or your spiritual path, the Hermit encourages you to look within for answers. It reminds you that sometimes, the best way forward is to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your authentic self.

Like all cards in the Rider-Waite deck, The Hermit is filled with symbolism. A cloaked, grey-bearded figure stands alone on a snowy, difficult path, holding a staff similar to one we saw the Fool holding.

He also holds a lantern out in front of him. His clothing isn’t flashy as he’s focused on his inner self instead of being showy. The lantern lights his way and holds a six-rayed star or hexagram.

The six-pointed star the Hermit carries has been an important symbol for thousands of years, and for the alchemists, it was “used to symbolize the union of opposites, and it is considered by some to be the symbolic epitome of “as above, so below.””

If you know the next part of that phrase, it goes on to say “as within, so without.” In other words, by working on the internal self, you impact your outside world and your experience within it. This is one of the primary lessons of the Hermit. Do the internal work and see results in your external world.

The Hermit Keywords

Upright Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

The Hermit speaks of a time for introspection, contemplation, and inner growth. It’s time to step back and embrace solitude. How that looks for each person will be different. For you that might mean journaling under a full moon, diving into spiritual studies, or simply spending time away from distractions.

If you’re looking for a specific answer, the Hermit card — like the High Priestess — suggests it’s time to trust your intuition over outside sources or advice.

Love and Relationships

For couples, the Hermit suggests a need for personal space and introspection. This doesn’t necessarily mean separation but rather a chance for each partner to reconnect with their individual identities and life path.

If you’re single, the Hermit card encourages self-discovery before seeking a relationship. Finding love might take a backseat while you figure out who you are and what you truly want.

Career and Finances

In a career context, the card encourages you to ask yourself if you’re on the right path. Does your work align with your values or goals for your life?

Financially, the Hermit advises budgeting and thoughtful decision-making. Avoid impulsive spending and focus instead on strategic planning that is in alignment with your bigger picture.

Reversed Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

When reversed, the Hermit can signify you’ve been isolating, withdrawing, or resisting to introspection. You may feel disconnected from others or are avoiding facing important truths about yourself. Being unwilling to face these is holding you back from moving forward or leveling up.

When reversed, though, the card is generally a sign it’s time to come back from the mountain and soul searching and rejoin society and social gatherings and put those learnings to the test.

Love and Relationships

In love, the reversed Hermit card may indicate loneliness in a relationship. One or both partners might be withdrawing instead of addressing issues directly.

If you’re single, it suggests that fear of vulnerability or past wounds may be blocking your path to meaningful connections.

Career and Finances

Reversed, the Hermit can point to you taking on a lone wolf approach at work and that that may be hindering your progress. Try engaging with your coworkers more often – the connections may lead somewhere unexpected.

Financially, it could mean it’s time to seek advice rather than figuring everything out on your own.

How to Interpret the Hermit in a Past-Present-Future Tarot Spread

A popular tarot spread is the past-present-future spread, here’s how to interpret the card depending on where it lands.

• Past position: It suggests a period of introspection or solitude shaped where you are today.
• Present position: It’s time to step back and look for the knowledge inside yourself or do some inner work.
• Future position: It suggests some alone time and soul-searching will lead to the clarity you’re seeking.

Tarot Journal Prompts for The Hermit

If this card comes up in your reading and you wish to meditate or journal about it, here are some prompts to consider:

• What wisdom am I seeking right now and have I been looking for it mostly outside myself?
• How can I create space for inner reflection?
• How do I balance taking time for myself and connection with others?
• Are there any deep truths about myself that I’ve been avoiding?
• When was the last time I meditated or took some quiet time?

Important Card Combinations for The Hermit

The Hermit + The Moon

This combination suggests a journey of self-discovery that involves confronting hidden fears and subconscious patterns. Doing so will likely uncover some hidden truths that can help you find your true path.

The Hermit + The Star

Together, these cards symbolize hope and enlightenment after a period of introspection.

The Hermit + The Hanged Man

You’re getting the sign quite loudly that it’s time to pause, reflect, and surrender to find new perspective.

The Hermit + The High Priestess:

When combined, these cards suggest a similar message: trust your inner wisdom — the answers are within.

The Hermit + The World

This combination signifies the completion of a journey. Look back to see what wisdom you have gained from it as there is some magic there.