The Hermit (IX) is the ninth trump or Major Arcana card in most traditional tarot decks.
The Hermit Tarot card is the embodiment of solitude, wise and compassionate.
Like The Fool, The Hermit is on his own journey towards enlightenment.
While The Fool is ignorant, The Hermit is wise.
While The Fool is beginning his journey, The Hermit is in the middle of it.
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The Hermit corresponds to Virgo in the 6th house ruled by Mercury, making it one of the most cautious and detail-oriented cards in the deck.
The imagery on The Hermit card features a grey-robed elder standing atop a snowy mountain, holding a lantern with a six-pointed star and a staff.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
- The Elder - A solitary figure, eyes closed, focused inward.
- The Staff - Represents the element of fire.
Living apart from the world yet independent, detached yet engaged.
The Hermit card from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck
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Symbolism and Interpretation
In order to travel in the wilderness, The Hermit holds a lantern in his right hand.
The lantern only reveals what is just ahead of him; It does not illuminate the entire journey.
Much of the path is still unknown.
The Hermit must therefore rely on his insight to guide him, merely using the lantern as an assistance.
Inside the lantern, the source of the light, there is a six-pointed star.
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This is the Seal of Solomon.
It is a symbol of the Hermit’s individual wisdom.
The drive behind the Hermit, much like The High Priestess, is intellect.
In the Hermit’s left hand, he holds a long staff.
While the lantern projects into the future, the staff helps the Hermit in the present.
The staff is illuminated by the lantern and is informed by its wisdom, but the staff is connected to the ground; it is rooted in the present moment.
Like the columns in The Hierophant, the throne in The Emperor, or the stone chariot in The Chariot, the grayness of the Hermit’s robe signifies his unbiased attitude towards life.
Having reached spiritual enlightenment, he is at peace.
Like the star inside the lantern, the Hermit’s white beard illustrates his wisdom.
He has walked his journey for a long time and has gained incredible insight because of it.
The snow on the ground reiterates the unbiased nature of the Hermit.
He walks on a blank slate; the path ahead of him is clear of any ego.
The snow also illustrates how far he has come.
When this card is upright, you may experience a period of solitude. You can use this time for personal reflection or to deepen your relationships.
The Hermit shows that you are taking a break from everyday life to draw your energy and attention inward and find the answers you seek, deep within your soul.
You realize that your most profound sense of truth and knowledge is within yourself and not in the distractions of the outside world.
You leave behind the mundane to set off on a journey of self-discovery, led only by your inner wisdom and guiding light.
The Hermit invites you to retreat into your private world and experience a deep sense of seclusion and introspection.
You know that you need to take this journey alone or with a small, intimate group of spiritually minded people.
When you allow yourself to tune in to your inner, guiding light, you will hear the answers you need and grow wise beyond your years.
Find your light, shine it on your soul and create your unique path.
You will see what lies ahead of you - not miles upon miles, but enough to know where to step next.
The Hermit often appears when you are at a pivotal point in your life and considering a new direction.
Through meditation, contemplation, and self-examination, you may begin to re-evaluate your personal goals and change your overall course.
The Hermit also represents the desire to turn away from a consumerist or materialistic society to focus on your inner world.
Finally, The Hermit may appear in your life as a spiritual mentor here to raise your vibration and enhance your consciousness.
The Hermit in Love
Love, being one of life’s greatest mysteries, can be a great teacher.
It requires all of us to truly know ourselves, our needs, our fears and our insecurities.
The Hermit tarot love meaning can signal that we may need some time alone in order to develop some insight about our selves before forming a strong romantic relationship with another person.
This period may feel a bit lonely, but it will place you on the right path to finding a love that you are meant to have.
If you’re already in a relationship, this soul-searching is something that the two of you may want to do together.
Both of you may want to think about what you expect out of a relationship, and what may make you happier.
The Hermit (Upright) in a Love Reading:
- New Relationship: Even in the beginning of a relationship, a Hermit partner will habitually withdraw to recenter and process. Although this person cares, he (or she) will be frequently absent due to physical proximity or other obligations. If both partners are independent and self-reliant this connection holds potential. However, mutual affection must be communicated and understood.
- Long Term Partnership: Hermit partnerships thrive on independence. There is likely a deep bond between both people, but also a desire to periodically retreat, replenish, or work on independent goals. Both partners might even prefer to sleep in separate places.
- Seeking Romance: The appearance of the Hermit does not mean that you are doomed to be alone! Seeking an authentic love takes time. This card often mirrors a feeling that you are walking through the dark. Much like the Hermit, you can’t see your way fully through the passing shadow. Your inner light is illuminating the next step to take. Choose the wise path. Love will follow.
The Hermit (Reversed) in a Love Reading:
- New Relationship: The Hermit reversed might find it awkward to connect with others, having “gone it alone” for so long. This person truly desires to connect in a meaningful partnership but may lack some basic relationship skills. This person will also retreat when his feelings are hurt, or he feels misunderstood. Communication does not always come easy for the Hermit reversed.
- Long Term Partnership: The Hermit reversed can represent an overly critical partner in a relationship. He (or she) is a scorekeeper and will analyze their partner’s every word looking for inconsistencies. Instead of self-reflection, they may focus on what they think everyone else needs to improve. This is often a smokescreen for feeling neglected or not knowing how to ask for what they need.
- Seeking Romance: The Hermit reversed can signify that it’s time to rejoin the world of the living. Becoming too isolated can feel safe and comfortable because you are never challenged to grow. It may be time to take slow and steady steps into society again.
The Hermit in Career and Finance
You may be spending some much needed time thinking about what you want out of your career right now.
You may feel as though the path you are treading at the moment is not really working for you, and there can be the sense of not being fulfilled.