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The Hermit Meaning - Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings

By Tina Gong

Published

Hermit Keywords

Upright Keywords Reversed Keywords
self-reflection, introspection, contemplation, withdrawal, solitude, search for self loneliness, isolation, recluse, being anti-social, rejection, returning to society
Skip to Upright Meaning Skip to Reversed Meaning
The Hermit Meaning - Original Rider Waite Tarot Depiction

The Hermit Tarot Card Description

The Hermit depicts an old man standing alone at the peak of the mountain while holding a lantern in one of his hands and a staff on the other. The mountain denotes accomplishment, development, and success. The hermit tarot card refers to the level of spiritual knowledge that he attained, and that he is ready to impart that knowledge to everyone. There is also a deep commitment he has to his goal and a solid awareness of the path that he is taking. Inside the lantern, you will notice a star with 6 points which is also known as the Seal of Solomon. This symbol represents wisdom. The staff that he holds depicts authority and power.

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Upright Hermit Meaning

The Hermit is a seeker for the knowledge that comes from within. A lonely wanderer in the path of the night, he searches for that which can only be gained with long periods of solitude - the inner voice. To hear it, he must disconnect from the crowds whose voices and desires threaten to overcome his own. He walks through the dark night of his unconscious, guided only by the low light of the northern star, with his destination being his home, his self.

He walks through the dark night of his unconscious, guided only by the low light of the northern star, with his destination being his home, his self.

You are currently contemplating that you need to be alone. Never be afraid to take this chance to reflect, as it could help you clear your mind of all the clutter that comes with everyday life. The Hermit may also refer to your effort in taking action that is authentic and aligned with your true self. You are perhaps searching your inner soul for guidance on what is right, and where your next steps are to be.

The hermit's appearance in a reading can also denote the appearance of someone who will come to your life that will be your mentor.

Upright Love Meaning Upright Career Meaning Upright Finances Meaning
pause in love life to introspect, self-understanding in love contemplating next steps in career, searching for purpose in career contemplating role of finances in happiness, less focus on material things

Upright Hermit Tarot Love Meaning

Love, being one of life’s greatest mysteries, can be a great teacher. It requires all of us to truly know ourselves, our needs, our fears and our insecurities. The Hermit tarot love meaning can signal that we may need some time alone in order to develop some insight about our selves before forming a strong romantic relationship with another person. This period may feel a bit lonely, but it will place you on the right path to finding a love that you are meant to have. If you’re already in a relationship, this soul-searching is something that the two of you may want to do together. Both of you may want to think about what you expect out of a relationship, and what may make you happier. The initial talks may be uncomfortable, but will prepare a strong foundation for tackling the future ahead.

Career Meaning - Upright Hermit

You may be spending some much needed time thinking about what you want out of your career right now. You may feel as though the path you are treading at the moment is not really working for you, and there can be the sense of not being fulfilled. Right now, you are trying to understand what kind of work would give you joy on all levels. If you’ve been pursuing a career purely for money, or financial stability, these qualifications are no longer enough for you. You may be looking for a purpose, or at least something that gets you closer to who you want to be.  

Finances Meaning - Upright Hermit

You may be coming to the realization that money doesn’t bring you happiness right now. This may be a time with less focus on material things, and more focus on trying to understand where you can truly find fulfillment.

Reversed Hermit Meaning

When reversed, you are perhaps in a situation where you'd like to be alone; there is nothing wrong about that. However, there is a possibility that your seclusion may become harmful to both yourself and others. Though the Hermit sets forwards with noble intentions to search for his inner truth, his path inward may also be filled with great danger. Going inward may lead to madness and the abyss, for the unconscious is filled with images that he may not yet understand, lurking and waiting to lure you ever inside. Like a man that gets lost in his own dreams, the hermit may find himself stuck in a world of his own, alone, trapped, unreal. You must learn to balance your need for truth with connection to your fellow human.

When it comes to work, the hermit reversal meaning refers to your preparedness to get to the bottom of something that has been troubling you for quite some time now. There is searching to be done, and it will be your responsibility to ask the question that will allow the other people to understand the circumstances.

Reversed Love Meaning Reversed Career Meaning Reversed Finances Meaning
romantic rejection, loneliness, feeling distant from partner realigning career to internal goals, outcast at work, working alone better understanding of material situation

Reversed Hermit Tarot Love Meaning

The reversed Hermit tarot love meaning can indicate a period of loneliness, one that is being forced on you instead of one that you are initiating yourself. While this time may be trying, making the most of it can help you concentrate on your own goals, and clarify what it is you want from a partner and from life. These will be the building blocks for creating a strong future relationship. Should you already be in a relationship, you may find that one of you feels distant and is drifting away. Someone may feel alone in the partnership, despite each person’s efforts. Now is the time to examine these dynamics and see whether you can extend a hand. Attention, care and a strong dose of self-awareness may be needed in order to feel connected again.

Career Meaning - Reversed Hermit

At times, the reversed Hermit can signal coming out of a period of contemplation. You may be ready to rejoin society, this time with a clearer understanding of what it is you want in terms of your career. You may now need to do a bit of realignment, whether it’s looking for a new job, networking to find mentors and teammates, or other more socially related aspects of developing your career. On the other hand, it can also be that your period of solitude can be extending further; you may choose to avoid working with others altogether. Being on your own may feel much less limiting at first; but make sure you continue to receive social support. At times, this card can also indicate being forced to work alone, leading to feelings of loneliness, or being an outcast amongst your coworkers. 

Finances Meaning - Reversed Hermit

When it comes to financial decisions, you may be ready to look for advice from outside sources. Ideally you have come out of a period of contemplation on what material security and money means to you, and you may be putting those insights to use. Hopefully, this can lead to a better relationship with your material situation.

Hermit Meaning Tarot Cheat Sheet

The Hermit Meaning - Tarot Card Meanings Cheat Sheet



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