The Hermit Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

The Hermit Keywords 

• Upright: introspection, solitude, inner guidance, maturity, reflection, self-development
• Reversed: detachment, isolation, avoidance, assumption, loneliness, guardedness

The Hermit: Description and Symbolism

The Hermit walks alone with only his lantern to guide him. He has chosen to lean into simplicity at this time, represented by the gray cloak he wears. The card’s blue-gray background symbolizes neutrality. The Hermit has chosen solitude not out of spite, but in a search for inner clarity. He looks down to focus on his next steps, symbolizing self-awareness and careful thought.

The lantern that lights the Hermit’s path not only serves him, but also those who wish to learn from him. He embodies the archetype of a wise old man with his long beard, lending him authority. The snow at his feet suggests mountains of lived experience. The Hermit has lived to tell the tale of his adventures and is open to doing so. While the hood of his cloak symbolizes the mysteries that withdrawal brings, the gold staff in his hand suggests his willingness to share his wisdom. 

The gold staff the Hermit leans on symbolizes mental force and spiritual guidance. He is supported by the divine as he chooses where to direct his conscious attention. The 6-pointed star in the lantern further represents his willingness to help humanity by symbolizing divine connection. While the Hermit may seem reclusive on the surface, he uses his time in solitude as preparation for guiding others.

The Hermit in tarot is traditionally associated with the zodiac sign Virgo. Ruled by Mercury, Virgo corresponds strongly with themes of service, analysis, and hard work. This zodiac sign is willing to retreat to seek deeper answers, the same way the Hermit does so philosophically. The astrological association between the sign of Virgo and the Hermit highlights the tarot card’s themes of reflection, humility, and goodwill towards humanity.

The Hermit – Upright Meaning

When the Hermit card appears in a reading, you could be going through a period of intentional solitude. Perhaps you are taking some time off from work, or you have decided to take a break from dating. So long as you let your intuition guide you rather than fear, you will be following in the footsteps of the wise Hermit. 

You could also find yourself in a situation where you realize you need time to reflect. When the Hermit appears, you are encouraged to look deeper to understand the details. There is no need to rush a decision when you need clarity. 

Another interpretation of the Hermit card is that you may be stepping into the role of a mentor. You have learned many lessons that allow you to impart knowledge to others. It is now time for you to hold the torch that will guide others on their journey.

Love Meaning – The Hermit Upright

In love, the Hermit card emphasizes the need for boundaries and self-reflection. Even if you are in a loving relationship, it could benefit the partnership to have some alone time. Take a night for yourself to journal about your recent thoughts or take yourself out on a date. You are likely to return to your partner with a clearer understanding of your needs and feelings in the relationship.

If you are single, the Hermit encourages you to use this period as an opportunity to practice self-love. It would be a fitting time to pick up a class or hobby that you have been wanting to try. By retreating into your innermost desires, you will be able to approach relationships and dating with more clarity about your needs. 

The Hermit could also symbolize someone you could learn from. Whether it be a partner or a romantic interest, the Hermit describes a person who is wise and willing to support your growth in some way.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Hermit Upright

When the Hermit appears in a career context, you may need some time to yourself to breathe new life into your work. It would be wise to lighten your load and use your extra time to research your passions. Perhaps you have wanted to start a side project or delve deeper into a subtopic within your field. The Hermit encourages you to chase after these passing interests.

Another interpretation is the potential of serving as a mentor or teacher. This card could be a sign to share your knowledge through classes or training sessions. You have acquired enough knowledge and experience in your field to benefit students who aspire to walk a similar path.

Financially, the Hermit encourages you to hold back from spending. It may be necessary to rethink your budget to ensure you invest in long-term satisfaction.

Health Meaning – The Hermit Upright

In a health context, the Hermit card encourages you to retreat and focus on your pressing needs. Whether you have been feeling mentally drained or physically tired, you will benefit from finding outlets that inspire and energize you now. Solo activities like a nature walk or meditation will do wonders for you at this time.

Spirituality Meaning – The Hermit Upright

When the Hermit appears in a spiritual context, you are reminded to look within for the answers you seek. You have endured enough experiences to derive wisdom from, so consider finding a nice spot to journal or meditate. This tarot card also suggests that it would be a good time to find a spiritual mentor.

The Hermit As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Hermit card resembles feelings of inner tranquility and thoughtfulness. You are more inspired by profound ideas at this time, so it is worth following your curiosity wherever it leads.

The Hermit As Actions Meaning – Upright

The Hermit symbolizes moments of stillness and contemplation. There is no rush for this wise figure, and he finds peace in that. This card encourages you to pause for a moment. Your next achievement will come after a careful search for clarity.

The Hermit – Reversed Meaning

When the Hermit’s themes of self-reflection and solitude are reversed, you could be taking too much time alone. Perhaps a recent experience has sown a disinterest in meeting new people or putting yourself out there. Fear could be making the outcome you seek harder to come by. Rather than giving in to the urge to avoid unwanted feelings, you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone. You will gain more clarity from life experience and connection than from solitude at this time.

The reversed Hermit could also suggest that you have received advice that you don’t resonate with. You may need to reflect on whether their guidance is truly misaligned, or if they gave you a truth that is harder to swallow. You control the opinions that influence your actions, so don’t get discouraged. Use this as an opportunity to choose who gets into your circle. The reversed Hermit gently reminds you to be kind to yourself as you find a balance between external support and introspection. 

Love Meaning – The Hermit Reversed

When the Hermit’s values of solitude and reflection appear reversed in love, it could suggest that you are keeping your feelings tucked away. If you’re in a relationship, your tendency towards privacy could be hindering intimacy and connection. Be patient with yourself as you reflect on the sources of your fears. 

The reversed Hermit could also signify avoidance and detachment in love. Perhaps you went through a heartbreak or separation that made the idea of relationships less attractive to you. It is good to honor your inner voice, but be careful not to close yourself off to genuine connection. This card suggests you may have chosen solitude for long enough to put yourself out there again.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Hermit depicts someone unsure of their needs in love, yet interested in a connection. It is best to give this person time to realign with their true desires before proceeding further.

Career and Finance Meaning – The Hermit Reversed

When the Hermit appears reversed in a career context, you could be going through a period where it feels more intimidating to make connections at work. Perhaps you have kept busy for a while, and now you are starting to run on empty. While it is beneficial to be selective with your energy, this card reminds you not to get caught up in your head. A balance is needed between connection and solo reflection. 

The reversed Hermit could also suggest that you are closed off to others’ advice on work and financial matters. It is healthy to be deciphering with information, but be careful not to close yourself off to helpful guidance. There could be something to learn from those more experienced than you.

Health Meaning – The Hermit Reversed

In health, the reversed Hermit card emphasizes the need for retreat and rest. You could be feeling more overwhelmed by your responsibilities than usual lately. Use your discretion for which areas you would benefit from withdrawing versus leaning on others for support. 

Spirituality Meaning – The Hermit Reversed

The reversed Hermit in a spiritual context suggests you may be more detached than you intended to be. You may be closing yourself off from experiences that would bring the wisdom you are seeking in isolation. This card encourages you to find a balance between personal reflection and external factors to achieve the spiritual growth you desire.

The Hermit As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Hermit represents feelings of avoidance and detachment. You may need to lean into your passions or support system to reignite your spark now.

The Hermit As Actions Meaning – Reversed

As actions, the reversed Hermit card symbolizes withdrawal and possible stagnation. It could be time to get out of your comfort zone to feel fully satisfied.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

The Hermit in the ‘past’ position refers to a time of solitude and reflection. You took time to look within and learned the importance of doing so. The advice you sought from loved ones and mentors also could have informed your present situation. 

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Hermit card advises you to take some time alone to listen to your inner voice. You could have been busy for a while and need some silence to hear your thoughts. This card encourages you to reflect and meditate on the situation at this time.

Future Position

When the Hermit card appears in the ‘future’ position, it predicts that the pace of your life will slow as a result of your present situation. You will come to realize that you need answers that can only be found within. This tarot card could also predict that a mentor will walk into your life to guide you through your situation.

Yes or No Meaning of The Hermit

• The Hermit Upright: Yes
• The Hermit Reversed: No

When the Hermit appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. A positive outcome is likely in your given situation, but it will require careful reflection and consideration.

When the Hermit card appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. Time and reflection are needed to achieve a positive outcome. 

Advice and Message of The Hermit

The Hermit’s message is to retreat into silence and simplicity when you need answers. Sometimes the best clarity is found alone in your own thoughts, so allow yourself to delve deeper into the details. The wise Hermit advises you to take time to listen to your inner voice – only then will you find the clarity you seek.

Summary of The Hermit Tarot Meaning

The Hermit card serves as a symbol of self-development and inner guidance. The world can be busy and loud, so sometimes you must retreat into silence to find clarity. Don’t let others’ perceptions deter you in your search for inner wisdom. If the Hermit appears reversed, you may be going through a time where it is difficult to separate yourself from the opinions and expectations of others. Rather than isolating from a place of fear, you are advised to withdraw to reconnect with your intuitive wisdom.