The Hermit

Card image is from The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck published by U.S.Games Systems, Inc.

The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning: Meditation, Consciousness and Solitude.

The Hermit is a Tarot card of introspection, wisdom, awareness, retreat and even spiritual enlightenment.The light in The Hermit’s lantern represents conscious awareness guiding the way.

In many ways, The Hermit is like the more mature, wiser version of The Fool. He is still an adventurer, still a seeker, only he is exploring the inner worlds of feeling, thought, ego and spirit.

Retreat from the busy-ness of daily life is at the heart of The Hermit Tarot card meaning. Solitude can help us gain the self awareness and understanding we need in order to engage peacefully with the world around us.

But there is also a rebellious side to The Hermit! The Hermit questions things, goes within and acts from his own inner truth. In doing so, he lights the way for others to do the same – he is a spiritual trail blazer of the highest order!

When:

  • Inaction, solitude and going within are what is needed right now
  • You need to listen to your own inner voice when making plans and decisions
  • Its time for your consciousness to awaken – you are ready to let go of ego and its incessant needs.

Inquiry:

  • How do you feel about consulting yourself on major issues? Or do you always rely on the advice and opinions of others?
  • How can you incorporate mindfulness, meditation and going within into your life and work?
  • How do I feel about this issue? What needs or beliefs could be underlying those feelings?

Action:

  • Plan a day of solitude, where you can meditate, practice yoga, dance, draw, write and reflect on things.
  • Explore some books about mindfulness, such as Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now.

More Tarot card meanings…

10 thoughts on “The Hermit”

  1. I asked if love was coming my way, and if I should be adventurous and try ‘online dating’ for a while and I got this card. What does it mean? My last relationship lasted two years and I have been alone for 6 months already.

    1. This is my take on it:
      The hermit about introspection, finding the answer within and isolation.
      First, I think the hermit ours asking you to look within yourself for the answer. When you asked this question did you hope for a particular outcome? Were you hoping to get a card that said yes like the lovers or the world? That would answer your question. Also, what are you ready for? Dating, a serious relationship or just fun? I think you would need a bigger reading with more cards to answer that part of your question.

      The second part is: how do you feel about online dating? Nervous, scared, excited? How you feel will influence the outcome of the experience.

      Last: I believe the hermit is telling you that online dating could isolate you. Online dating is not successful for everyone. It is a catalogue of pictures that people go through, selecting and rejecting people based on a picture and profile. It requires time oon Thor part to go through these profiles, choose who is interesting for you and contact them in the hope they contact you back and that they are all that is in the profile and that they are compatible. Others will send you messages and you will have to sort through those people as well. Then starts the chatting, possibly it moves on to a telephone conversation and then meeting of the person. That’s actually the point you would know if this is a person you want to continue with.
      Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against online dating, some people have successful results, some don’t. I’m just saying here that the hermit for this question is not favorable.

      Also, I believe that you should have separated the 2 questions: am I ready for a relationship? Or what do I need to know to be able to have a relationship? Something along those lines. And 2nd question, what do I need to know about online dating for me? What is the outcome of online dating for me?

  2. I see that The Hermit and The High Priestess are so much alike. So much reflection, introspecting, and finding answers happening.

    Is there one major element that clearly distinguishes the two?

    Thanks!

    …Henson

    1. Hi Henson,
      Yes, these two cards are similar. The High Priestess is more secretive than The Hermit. I see the Hermit being more contemplative and connected with spiritual enlightenment, while the High Priestess is more about connecting to the world of spirit and mystery in order to enhance the quality of life.
      Hope that helps!

      Kate

      1. My take on Henson’s question: I believe the Hermit is still ‘searching’ for the knowledge while the High Priestess already ‘knows’. Also, the Hermit appears in the image of a wise old man, a teacher and seems willing to impart the wisdom he has gained in his spiritual journey whereas the High Priestess seems reluctant to divulge the information, urging you to discover it
        yourself by listening to your inner voice.

        1. It’s interesting..i see rue opposite. The hermit is about finding the answers by analyses and meditation. He is alone and seeks answers for himself only. There is no one else with him, his only interest is his inner self, his eyes are closed and his head bent and facing the light in his lantern.

          The priestess is telling you something is hidden and you will be made aware of it. She looks straight at the reader with an open book on her lap. She knows and is willing to share. She already has the secret of life, the understanding.
          In my experience when the priestess shows up in a reading it signifies that something unknown will be revealed.

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