The Hermit: Tarot Card Meaning

Meaning of the The Hermit card upright

An old man with a lantern stands on a snowy peak, lighting only the next few steps. He is the card of retreat that brings clarity. It suggests stepping away from noise, thinking things over alone and looking for the answer inside you.

The Hermit reversed

• isolation
• loneliness
• withdrawing from life

Reversed, the Hermit shows isolation that has gone too far, a fear of contact or, on the contrary, a refusal to be alone with your thoughts. Ask whether you are resting or hiding, and whether the time has come to share what you have found.

The Hermit in love and relationships

In love this is a pause to understand your own needs, or a quiet, deep relationship with no show. Being single may be a useful stage now. Reversed, loneliness, coldness or running away from closeness.

The Hermit in work and finances

At work it speaks of study, research, expertise and independent work. It suits a specialist who goes deep. Reversed, you may be cut off from the team or burying yourself in details.

Symbolism of the The Hermit card

The lantern with a six-pointed star is the light of knowledge that he carries for others. The staff is support gained from experience. The snowy peak is the height reached by solitary work.

The Hermit in a yes or no reading

In yes or no spreads, The Hermit upright reads as “no” and reversed as “maybe”. The answer comes from the general meaning of the card (solitude, wisdom), so always take the wording of the question and the neighbouring cards into account. Try a yes or no reading.