The Hermit: Finding Wisdom in Solitude
The Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
Keywords - Upright and Reversed
Upright Keywords: Spiritual Enlightenment, Self-reflection, Soul Searching, Introspection, Inner Guidance, Contemplation, Solitude
Reversed Keywords: Loneliness, Isolation, Paranoia, Bring Reclusive, Anti-social, Withdrawal, Restrictive, Paralysed by Fear
Description
The Hermit depicts an elderly man standing alone on a mountaintop, holding a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other. The mountain represents achievement, growth, and success. The hermit tarot card indicates that he has reached a high level of spiritual understanding and is willing to share it with others. He also has a strong devotion to his aim and a clear understanding of the route he is on. A six-pointed star, popularly known as the Seal of Solomon, can be found inside the lantern. This sign is associated with knowledge. He wields a staff that denotes authority and power.

Upright Meaning
General Meaning
The Hermit tarot card invites individuals to embark on a solitary journey of self-discovery, seeking inner truth, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of introspection, self-reflection, and connecting with one’s inner guidance to find meaning and purpose in life. Your soul may be craving for a retreat in order to replenish and restore. This card encourages you to withdraw from external influences and turn inward. The answers you seek will be found within, not in any book or website. This card suggests a period of non-action.
Hermit + The Fool – it can signal a release of worries, leading to a feeling of lightness and positivity. This card combination is especially common for those who have spent a lot of time alone and have not had to adjust to being with others for a long time. It implies that their individuality has shaped them, and this is a positive aspect of their character.
Hermit + The Wheel of Fortune – it indicates that the seeker’s destiny is to become an animal communicator, healer, or mentor. It might also signify the arrival of a person possessing those qualities to provide guidance.
Hermit + The Hanged Man – it suggests that the seeker is unique and different from others.
Finances and Career
Love and Relationships
If you are a single person, The Hermit Tarot card can signify overcoming a period of loneliness that might have been necessary to heal from a previous heartbreak. You will be ready for a new beginning soon. It could also mean purity or celibacy. When upright, The Hermit might signify an older, wiser partner in a partnership. It could also mean that you should put in more effort to bond with your partner. It might indicate that both partners are more concerned with their own interests than spending quality time together.
Additionally, it may suggest that you or your partner need some time alone to reflect on their feelings, priorities, and personal growth. This card can also indicate seeking a deeper connection by understanding oneself better before fully committing to a relationship.
Health and Spirituality
When The Hermit appears in a health reading, it suggests that overdoing things can lead to health issues. The Hermit warns that constant activity without rest can lead to physical and mental health problems. The Hermit card encourages seekers to take a few moments each day to meditate and reconnect with their mind and body.
The overall theme of The Hermit tarot card is spiritual growth. It is an excellent time to engage in spiritual pursuits, such as energy work, meditation, psychic development, or connecting with spirit guides. You might find yourself desiring solitude, but it is an excellent opportunity to listen to your inner direction and develop your spiritual side.
Journal Prompt (Upright)
- What deeper truth is my solitude trying to reveal to me?
- How do I feel when I disconnect from the noise of the outside world?
- What does inner guidance look and feel like for me?
Affirmations (Upright)
- I trust the wisdom found in stillness.
- My path is illuminated by my own inner light.
- Solitude is not loneliness—it is where I meet myself most deeply.

Reversed Meaning
When The Hermit tarot card appears in reverse, it suggests that the seeker either spends too much time alone or not enough time alone, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation. It indicates a time to reconnect with the world and people around you. While taking time for self-reflection is beneficial, too much isolation can be harmful. Seekers should focus on finding a balance between introspection and socialisation, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Additionally, are you neglecting material needs or looking at money in a bad light? Hermit reversed can point to the imbalance that gets created when you become overly spiritual, isolated and disconnected with the life on Earth renouncing the necessary pleasures of life.
Reversed Hermit + Lovers – a couple only spends time with each other and rarely socialises with others.
Reversed Hermit + Strength – indicates that the seeker is hopeful for a brighter future, and started to replace regrets with compassion.
Reversed Hermit + the Moon – Emotional lows, depression.
Reversed Hermit + the World – the seeker does not feel at home or feels lost in this world.
Journal Prompt (Reversed)
- Am I isolating myself out of fear or habit?
- What parts of me feel lost or unseen by others?
- Where can I seek connection without losing my individuality?
Affirmations (Reversed)
- I open my heart to meaningful connection and shared wisdom.
- I honor my need for solitude and my need for community.
- I am not alone—guidance surrounds me, within and without.
Keywords
The Hermit tarot card interpretation, Symbolism of the Hermit card in tarot, Exploring the Hermit tarot card, Tarot symbolism and meanings, Major Arcana tarot cards
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