The Hermit tarot card is one of the most profound and introspective cards in the entire tarot deck. When this card shows up in a reading, it signals a time for soul-searching, inner wisdom, and quiet reflection. But what does The Hermit really meanāand how can you apply its spiritual message to your life?
In this blog post, weāll explore the deeper layers of The Hermit card, what it represents in a reading, and how it can help guide your spiritual path. Whether you’re just getting started with tarot or are a seasoned reader, this guide will give you new insights into this powerful card.
Letās light the lantern and discover what The Hermit has to teach us.
What Is The Hermit Tarot Card?
The Hermit is the ninth card in the Major Arcana, numbered as IX. Depicted as an elderly man holding a lantern and a staff, The Hermit often stands alone atop a mountaināsymbolizing wisdom gained through solitude and personal growth.
Card Imagery Overview:
The Lantern: Lights the way with a 6-pointed star, representing inner guidance and divine wisdom.
The Cloak: Symbolizes invisibility, secrecy, and withdrawal from external distractions.
The Staff: Represents stability, authority, and spiritual power.
The Mountain: Achievement and perspective gained through introspection.
In short, The Hermit card represents pausing from the outside world to turn inward and reflect.
Spiritual Meaning of The Hermit Card
The Hermit isnāt about lonelinessāitās about chosen solitude. Spiritually, The Hermit invites us to:
Engage in deep self-discovery
Connect with our inner truth
Retreat from noise to find clarity
Trust the quiet whisper of intuition
As spiritual guide and mystic Rachel Pollack notes in her classic book 78 Degrees of Wisdom, The Hermit is āthe inner voice that calls us to look within.” It’s one of the most important cards for spiritual awakening, especially when you’re seeking direction or answers.
When The Hermit Appears in a Tarot Reading
In Love and Relationships
When The Hermit comes up in a love reading, it might suggest:
Taking a step back from a relationship to gain clarity
Needing space or independence
A time of individual healing before entering a partnership
In cases where both partners pull this card, it can symbolize a mutual need to reconnect with themselves before moving forward as a couple.
Real-life example: A woman wondering if she should continue dating someone pulled The Hermit in her reading on MoontimeTarot.com. This card helped her realize she was projecting her need for companionship rather than connecting authentically. She took a break, focused on herself, and later attracted a healthier relationship.
In Career and Finances
The Hermit suggests that now is a time to:
Re-evaluate your career direction
Focus on inner values over material gain
Work alone or behind the scenes on something meaningful
If you’re facing burnout or dissatisfaction in your job, The Hermit offers permissionāand encouragementāto pause and reflect before jumping into action.
In Spiritual and Personal Growth
This card shines brightest in questions about spiritual development, such as:
āWhatās my purpose?ā
āAm I on the right path?ā
āWhat lessons am I meant to learn right now?ā
The Hermit proposes slowing down, journaling, meditating, or even taking a digital detox to get in touch with your soul’s voice.
Upright vs. Reversed Meanings of The Hermit
Understanding both positions of The Hermit can give depth to your interpretation.
Upright Hermit Meaning:
Inner wisdom
Introspection
Solitude for growth
Patience and contemplation
Seeking truth within
Reversed Hermit Meaning:
Isolation
Withdrawal to the point of loneliness
Ignoring inner guidance
Fear of facing oneself
Distrust in your personal journey
When The Hermit appears reversed, it might be time to reconnect with othersāor confront something youāve been avoiding within.
The Hermit and Its Connection to Virgo
The astrological sign associated with The Hermit is Virgoāthe analytical, service-oriented earth sign.
Like Virgo, The Hermit values:
Quiet reflection
Self-improvement
Practical wisdom
Discernment and detail
Virgoās energy enhances The Hermitās message of sacred solitude and thoughtful action. This connection also makes The Hermit an ideal guide during Virgo season (Aug 23āSept 22), when people naturally turn inward to reorganize, heal, and reflect.
Lesser-Known Insights About The Hermit Card
To deepen your understanding of The Hermit, here are some lesser-known but powerful associations:
Kabbalistic Path: The Hermit corresponds to the Hebrew letter Yod and the path of wisdom on the Tree of Life.
Elemental Energy: Earth (stability and practicality)
Mythological Archetype: Represents sages like Merlin, Laozi, and the wandering monk
These connections emphasize his role as a spiritual teacherāguiding you toward enlightenment through your own experiences.
Practical Ways to Work With The Hermitās Energy
Want to apply The Hermitās message in everyday life? Try these simple practices:
Digital Detox: Spend one day a week offline to reconnect with yourself.
Journal Prompts:
āWhat wisdom is trying to come through me right now?ā
āWhat do I need space from to hear my inner voice?ā
Meditation Practice: Even 5 minutes of daily silence can invite Hermit energy.
Solo Walks in Nature: Step away from the noise of the world to reflect and recharge.
Tarot Journaling: Pull a 3-card spread on MoontimeTarot.com and write what each card reveals about your spiritual path.
Tarot Reading Tip: The Hermit in a 3-Card Spread
Hereās how The Hermit might appear in a classic 3-card tarot spread:
Past ā The Hermit: Youāve already withdrawn to reflect, and past solitude has shaped your current perspective.
Present ā The Hermit: Now is the time to turn inward. External answers won’t suffice; look within.
Future ā The Hermit: A spiritual journey is on the horizon; you might soon feel called toward deeper wisdom or mentorship.
For personal clarity, try pulling your own 3-card reading for free at MoontimeTarot.comāyou might be surprised at what The Hermit has to say to you.
The Hermitās Message for You Today
Ultimately, The Hermit tarot card serves as an invitation.
It asks: āAre you ready to be still and listen to your soul?ā
In a world full of distractions, The Hermit gently reminds us that wisdom often grows in silence. Itās not about escaping life, but about pausing to remember who you truly are.
You donāt need to retreat to a mountaintopābut carving out sacred space to reflect can illuminate your path in ways no external advice ever could.
So the next time The Hermit knocks on your tarot reading, welcome him. Follow his lantern. You just might find the answers youāve been seeking, waiting quietly within you all along.