• Start Here
  • About
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    Shop Now Button SHOP NOW

A Little Spark of Joy

  • Astrology
  • Tarot
    • Tarot 101
    • Tarot Card Meanings
      • Major Arcana
      • Minor Arcana
        • Suit of Cups
        • Suit of Pentacles
        • Suit of Swords
        • Suit of Wands
    • Tarot Decks
      • Tarot Deck Reviews
      • Oracle Deck Reviews
    • Tarot Books
    • Tarot Spreads
    • Tarot Businesses
  • Angels
    • Angel Numbers
    • Archangels
  • Dreams
  • Manifestation
  • Spirituality
  • Shop now
Home / Tarot / The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning: Love, Money, Health & More

Update on July 11, 2023

The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning: Love, Money, Health & More

Written by Wille | Edited by our Editorial Staff

Contents

  1. Table of Contents
  2. The Hermit Tarot Card: Key Terms
  3. The Hermit Tarot Card Description
  4. The Upright Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
    1. Money and Career Meaning
    2. Love and Relationships Meaning 
    3. Health and Spirituality Meaning
  5. The Hermit Reversed Meanings
    1. Money and Career Reversed Meaning
    2. Love and Relationships Reversed Meaning
    3. Health and Spirituality Reversed Meaning
  6. The Hermit: Yes or No 
  7. The Hermit Tarot Combinations
    1. The Hermit and the Seven of Wands
    2. The Hermit and the High Priestess
    3. The Hermit and the Moon or the King of Cups
    4. The Hermit and the Lovers
  8. The Hermit Art
  9. The Hermit in a Reading

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
  • The Hermit Tarot Card Description
  • The Upright Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
    • Money and Career Meaning
    • Love and Relationships Meaning 
    • Health and Spirituality Meaning
  • The Hermit Reversed Meanings
    • Money and Career Reversed Meaning
    • Love and Relationships Reversed Meaning
    • Health and Spirituality Reversed Meaning
  • The Hermit: Yes or No 
  • The Hermit Tarot Combinations
    • The Hermit and the Seven of Wands
    • The Hermit and the High Priestess
    • The Hermit and the Moon or the King of Cups
    • The Hermit and the Lovers
  • The Hermit Art
  • The Hermit in a Reading

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.

UprightWisdom, soul searching, solitude, spiritual enlightenment, receiving or giving guidance
ReversedLoneliness, isolation, paranoia, sadness, being overcome or paralyzed by fear
Yes or NoNo
Numerology9
ElementEarth
PlanetMercury
Astrological SignVirgo

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 hermit tarot card meaning rider waite

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.

the hermit tarot card spark joy deck
GET THIS PRINTABLE DECK HERE

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.

the hermit modern way tarot deck card
The Modern Way Tarot®

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

hermit tarot card meanings reversed position

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.

hermit and high priestess combinations tarot
The Hermit + The High Priestess

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.

hermit and lovers card combinations tarot
The Hermit + The Lovers

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 modern way tarot deck card
Get This Deck on Amazon
the hermit tarot
A Little Spark of Joy
the hermit yes or no
Pavel le Monstre via Behance.net
the hermit love
Floh Florence Pitot via Behance.net
the hermit tarot card
Ziyi Zoe Hu via Behance.net
hermit tarot love
Natasja van Gestel via Behance.net

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.

About Wille

Leaving a bit of sparkle everywhere I go! My aim is to create content that inspires you, supports you, challenges you, and brings happiness into your life. Here you'll find the tools to connect to your spirit and activate your soul.

Previous Post: « Learning Tarot: A Complete Tarot for Beginners Guide
Next Post: The Ultimate Archangels Beginners Guide »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly says

    July 31, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    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

      August 1, 2020 at 7:34 am

      Haha can’t ignore that message???? Thanks for sharing ????

  2. Jess says

    April 8, 2020 at 6:30 am

    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

      April 9, 2020 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you so much for your feedback:)!

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

We believe that spirituality should be accessible, fun and insightful. Regardless of where you are on your journey. We aim to equip you with practical guidance and tools to deepen your connection to the world around you, to live a more rich and fulfilling life, and to unlock your full potential.

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Trending Posts

header 1

6 Powerful Reasons Why You’re Seeing Angel Number 811

ten of cups love

Ten of Cups Tarot Card Meaning

11111 header

Angel Number 11111 — Call to Step into Your Power

Find what you need

  • Shop
  • Tarot
  • Psychic
  • Dreams
  • Spirituality
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms and Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · A Little Spark of Joy