Human connection is one of the most important parts of living. But there are times when we must take a step back from others, rather than toward them. This is what the Hermit (IX), one of the most well-known Major Arcana cards, teaches us. However, very few people know and understand its true meaning.
Most assume that it has a negative connotation and represents uncomfortable feelings such as loneliness. Although this can be true in reverse, the Hermit truly represents taking back your personal power and living authentically.
Here, we’ll discuss the meaning of the Hermit Tarot Card in detail. So, if you want to know more about this Major Arcana card, continue reading.
Table of Contents
The Hermit Tarot Card: Key Terms
Before diving deeper into the upright and reversed Hermit card meaning, let’s take a quick look at the most important words connected to this Major Arcana card.
| Upright | Wisdom, soul searching, solitude, spiritual enlightenment, receiving or giving guidance |
| Reversed | Loneliness, isolation, paranoia, sadness, being overcome or paralyzed by fear |
| Yes or No | No |
| Numerology | 9 |
| Element | Earth |
| Planet | Mercury |
| Astrological Sign | Virgo |
The Hermit Tarot Card Description
Holding a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other, the Hermit stands at the very top of a snow-covered mountain.
The sky looks gloomy behind him, and his gray garments are a representation of the great possibilities that exist between black and white. With his head bowed, this teacher’s lantern light shines brightly, symbolizing all of the knowledge he possesses.
It’s important to note that the lantern only illuminates a small part of the path in front of him, instead of the full journey. It shows that the hermit must proceed with his journey step by step and accept that not everything will be revealed all at once.
Additionally, the mountaintop exemplifies all he has accomplished, even if the successes were achieved alone.
The Upright Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
In the upright position, the Hermit is a compelling card. Just as beacons of light often guide ships to the shore, this sage in the illustration is ushering in a period of personal growth and exploration. So, the Hermit upright represents wisdom earned by seeking the highest truth.
Taking time alone without distractions, reflecting inwardly, and focusing less on external stimuli are important for finding answers within oneself. It requires patience, self-acceptance, and letting go, which are traits that you can develop and cultivate with time.
Although this can seem a little scary at first, committing to a personal quest for truth can be one of the most rewarding experiences of life.
Money and Career Meaning
For most of us, working and making money is a necessary part of life. Unless you were born with a golden spoon or received a financial windfall of some kind, you’ll probably have to focus at least some of your time on earning a living. However, this doesn’t mean that your career has to rule your life.
When the Hermit Tarot Card appears in a money and career reading, it can suggest that you are too focused on working than you should be. Instead of being totally committed to material pursuits, you should work on your spiritual growth as well to find balance.
As time goes on, money may not be enough to satisfy you or make you happy, especially if you are in a field you don’t enjoy. So, take some time to decide if you are really happy with what you are doing or if you are just going with the “status quo”.
Love and Relationships Meaning
When it comes to Hermit Tarot love meaning, it definitely isn’t a positive ‘romance’ card. However, it doesn’t certainly mean the ending of a relationship or singleness, although it can.
If you’re single and want love, you’ll need to analyze your current situation to find out whether or not you’re really ready for a relationship.
Do you struggle with seeking validation from others? Work on that. If you have codependency or security issues, spend time correcting those, this way you can attract a partner or a positive vibration. By doing so, you will avoid drawing in someone who mirrors those same problems.
If you’re committed and want to stay that way, that’s great. However, that doesn’t mean the Hermit’s message is lost with you. Make sure that you are pouring just as much energy into yourself as you are your partner and family.
This way, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy balance between your marriage, family, and your well-being. Just don’t get so lost in your marriage and other relationships that you neglect the relationship with yourself.
Health and Spirituality Meaning
More so than any other card in the Tarot deck, the Hermit is a card focused on spirituality. In fact, the Hermit’s central message is to focus on spiritual enlightenment and connecting to one’s higher self by focusing inward.
If this card falls in your reading, focus on spiritual work through activities like meditation, connecting to spirit guides, and learning about and working with crystals.
Because this is a very personal process and it will probably require isolating yourself a bit. But keep in mind that it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Once you raise your spiritual vibration, everything in your everyday life will improve, including your health, relationships, and finances.
The Hermit Reversed Meanings
When the Hermit Tarot Card is reversed, it represents all of the problematic or negative sides of disconnecting from others. Are you feeling isolated or lonely?
Perhaps you’re coping with sadness and grief due to a significant loss or one of countless other circumstances that can leave a person feeling “out of touch.”
The Reversed Hermit Tarot card wants you to know that you shouldn’t run from your problems or emotions. The only real warning is to avoid letting paranoia or fear guide your steps.
As difficult as it might seem, it’s important to accept reality and embrace your feelings. It’ll make it easy for you to move forward and discover new opportunities for growth and healing.
Money and Career Reversed Meaning
In terms of money and career, the reversed Hermit Card shows that now is a favorable time to seek guidance from an experienced individual (a mentor) for investment or financial advice.
It means that you need to avoid involving yourself in unfamiliar situations and consider seeking external input when making financial decisions.
When the reversed Hermit appears in a money and career tarot reading, it suggests that resisting networking and avoiding putting yourself out there might limit your progress. Even if you prefer working alone, there are instances where collaboration and teamwork are crucial for advancement.
For example, if you are seeking a new job, explore ways to break out of your comfort zone and collaborate with others to find new ways to secure a job.
In simple words, this card in a reversed form indicates the end of a reflective phase. It reminds you that now it’s the time to reintegrate into society with a clearer understanding of your career goals and desires.
Love and Relationships Reversed Meaning
When the reversed Hermit appears in a love Tarot reading, it signifies feelings of loneliness. If you’re in a relationship, it may indicate rejection or emotional distance from your partner.
Busy schedules could be hindering quality time together, leading to a sense of isolation.
In the context of being single, the reversed Hermit may indicate a fear of abandonment or missed opportunities for a great connection.
To overcome these fears, it’s important to put yourself out there and actively seek love again. If you’ve recently gone through a breakup, there might be a desire to reconcile with your ex.
The reversed Hermit may also suggest a period of enforced solitude rather than one by choice. Utilizing this time to focus on personal goals and understand your desires in a partner and life will lay the foundation for a strong, long-term relationship.
If you’re already in a relationship, be aware of any drifting apart and take immediate steps to address the issue.
Health and Spirituality Reversed Meaning
When the Hermit Tarot card appears reversed in a health and spirituality reading, it could suggest that you’re experiencing mental health issues like anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.
The appearance of this card reminds you to take care of yourself and slow down before your health is affected.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and worry can take a toll on our mental and physical health. The Hermit’s advice is to find joy in the simple things and avoid taking on too much.
You might want to consider incorporating exercise, meditation, and alone time into your routine to help manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
The reversed Hermit may also indicate that your current health practices aren’t working, and it’s time to make some changes. Take small steps to create healthier habits that will have a positive impact on your long-term health.
The Hermit: Yes or No
In a Yes or No Tarot reading, the Hermit, for the most part, is a “no”. Unless you are asking if you should seek spiritual guidance or focus on yourself, the Hermit serves as a stop sign.
This isn’t to say that you can’t have what it is you want in the future. However, some preparation must come first.
The Hermit Tarot Combinations
The Hermit represents wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and receiving or giving guidance — also in combination with other cards.
Below you can find the most important card combinations of the Hermit tarot card.
The Hermit and the Seven of Wands
You were born to teach! If you’ve never considered yourself a guru of any kind, it is time to look at your skill sets and find something that you could share with others.
Do you dance, create paintings, or practice yoga? When you think of yourself, what are you really good at? If you don’t know, the Hermit combined with the Seven of Wands is encouraging you to take some time to look within.
The Hermit and the High Priestess
Both the Hermit and the High Priestess are connected to introspection and seeking wisdom from within. When they are paired, the message is even clearer and stronger.
Use this time to nurture your spiritual side. Take a timeout and listen to your intuition. Your higher self always knows what is best for you. The key is learning to trust this internal wisdom and guidance.
The Hermit and the Moon or the King of Cups
Do you have a knack for writing? If paired with either the King of Cups or the Moon Tarot Card, the Hermit may be urging you to embrace this calling. Blogging, journalism, or penning songs/poems can be used as either a pastime or a career. The choice is really up to you!
The Hermit and the Lovers
Although you like your independence, a partnership is on the horizon if the Lovers card shows up together with the Hermit. This could be a friendship, but it probably can also be a romantic partnership.
Either way, it is bound to elevate you on a spiritual level. This will be a positive partnership as long as you both make time to nurture your own needs alongside your connection.
The Hermit Art
Although I write all the descriptions based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, I use other decks too. Below you can find a small selection of stunning Hermit tarot cards. If you drew a tarot card yourself and want to share this, I would love to hear from you.
The Hermit in a Reading
That’s all for the Hermit tarot card meaning! If you have pulled the Hermit tarot card in your spread, did the meaning make sense to your situation in life?
Just remember that the Hermit is not about uncomfortable feelings such as loneliness, but about taking back your personal power and living authentically.
Kelly says
I love how Tarot is sooo direct!!
I had holidays booked in advance, my flight is tomorrow, I have been having second thoughts on this trip… Thinking I should just loose the money and stay home given all the Covid situation… 90% of me is telling me not to go… I asked my Tarot deck if I should travel and guess what it gave me: The Hermit!! Haha
Wille says
Haha can’t ignore that message???? Thanks for sharing ????
Jess says
This is literally a story of my life right now (the upright hermit). On 02Apr, i was given the angel message 55 that a major change was coming soon so basically buckle up. Boom, the next day (Saturday) something so unexpected exploded in my face. When I took the time to feel how I felt, I quickly realized that this was actually a blessing. Today, I had an amazing reading with a Channel named Caroline where the hermit tarot card came up several times. It was to the point where Caroline told me that I need to look up this tarot card, and now here I am. Every single one the articles I came across all resonated with me, to most definitely include this one. Thank you ??
Willemijn says
Thank you so much for your feedback:)!