The Hermit is the ninth card in the Major Arcana. The Hermit is one of the more well known cards; regularly being seen in contemporary culture. Clad in a hooded cloak and navigating the world at night, The Hermit wants to be alone.
It is well known what a Hermit represents, and the Hermit Tarot card reflects this; representing Solitude, Introspection and Mysticism.
When you see The Hermit show in a spread; it usually represents the need for isolation and contemplation on a topic. The Hermit can generally symbolise introversion and shyness in a person, as well as somebody who is completely asocial, that is to say that they have no need or desire for social interaction.
At a glance
The Hermit is a tarot card that is associated with introspection, solitude, and inner guidance. It typically depicts an old man holding a lantern, standing on a mountain path. The lantern represents the light of truth and wisdom, while the mountain represents the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome on the path to self-discovery.
The Hermit card suggests that you are in a period of reflection and introspection, where you are seeking answers within yourself. It can indicate that you are turning inward for guidance, rather than seeking it from external sources. This is a time for solitude and contemplation, where you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.
The Hermit card can also suggest that you are being called to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and to disconnect from the outside world in order to connect with your inner self. It can be a reminder to listen to your own inner wisdom, and to trust in your own abilities and instincts. In some readings, the Hermit card can indicate that you are being guided by a higher power or spiritual guide who is helping you on your journey.
Overall, the Hermit card is a reminder to trust in yourself and your own inner wisdom. It suggests that you are being called to take some time for introspection and solitude, and to connect with your inner self in order to gain a deeper understanding of your path in life.
Card meanings
Past
The Hermit in the past position can represent a period of time in the past when you were alone; for better or worse. It could be being physically alone, or feeling lonely despite being surrounded by others.
Loneliness can be good and bad, it can help us know ourselves and grow, but can also hold us back. The Hermit in the past can also represent a self-applied period of solitude; perhaps you needed some time alone to recover, or simply time undisturbed to think.
One thing about solitude is that we can only address ourselves; we can judge our thoughts and actions and internally, we can right wrongs.
The Hermit in the past position could also represent a lonely childhood. Perhaps you did not grow up with people your age, perhaps you found it tough to associate with those around you.
Present
The Hermit in the present position can be expressed from it’s Past position. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then seriously consider having some time alone to think about what is going wrong.
It could be that this is all you need; you likely have all the pieces of the puzzle, you just need some time to put the puzzle together.
However if you’re doing well in life, still consider time alone. So many problems were solved and inventions and theories created by people who were struck by inspiration when alone. Consider having some ‘me’ time very soon, and you may be surprised by what you can come up with.
The Hermit can also represent loneliness in your current life. If this isn’t what you currently desire, then you’re going to have to force yourself out of this state. Loneliness is a big problem for many of us nowadays. Technology acts like it brings us together, but nothing can beat meeting up with friends in person.
Future
The Hermit in the future can represent a period of self imposed solitude in future. Do not mean to take this literally. This can be anything from moving to where you know nobody (a new country perhaps), to not being able to express your thoughts and feeling for fear of offending or scaring others.
The Hermit in the future can also signal an oncoming obsession. Are you currently ‘getting into’ a new hobby, or something similar? Try to regulate your time involved in this activity. It can bring us a lot of happiness to obsess, but we need balance in our lives to live well.
Finally, the Hermit can show an upcoming future where you are alone. Perhaps people will drop out of your life, for better or worse.
Work, careers and education
Teams can push us to achieve, but sometimes we need to work without the motivation of others. Whether learning or working a job; it might be time for you to apply your theory and put it into practice.
If you can, look for avenues to work on your own. Working alone can bring other benefits; you yourself, you know that everything is your doing. To others; they can see how much effort you put in and how driven you are.
The Hermit is a good card to see if you want to work on your own thing, as a solo entrepreneur, the Hermit is a great card to see. The Hermit works alone on his own thoughts and ideas. You should be able to find happiness by following your true desires.
Love and Relationships
Unsurprisingly, the Hermit is not a good card to draw for relationships; both romantic and platonic friendships. Firstly, if you are in a relationship, then consider some alone time.
We grow and become interesting when we are alone,and can stagnate when we are around somebody else too much. What do you talk about when you both experience the same things together?
If you’re single, then consider if you really want a relationship right now. It might just not be the right time. work on yourself and enjoy your own company.
Friendships follow the same path. Spend some time to yourself. Don’t avoid contact with others, but don’t prompt it either. You might end up with a new experience altogether.
Wealth
Money shouldn’t be a concern, but that’s only because you have bigger things to consider. The Hermit in regards to money isn’t a good or bad sign; nothing drastic is going to happen either way.
Money just isn’t important right now, you have other things to work on; your future, your career, theories and ideas. For now, focus on what you desire to achieve, not the means you need to get there.
The Hermit can sometimes be a good card in regards to money, but this depends on the spread. The Hermit is well off; he has enough money to focus on other things. True great inventions form history came about because the inventors were not burdened by having to make money.
Health and well-being
Don’t run away from things which are bothering you. Solitude is good for contemplation, but not for hiding from your problems.
If life is too much for you, then feel free to take a break, but don’t use a break as a way to put off something you should have dealt with already.
Face your issues, then deal with the aftermath alone if you need to recover.
Other associations
Element: Earth
Astrology: Virgo
As a Yes or No question: Yes
Crystal: Peridot
Keywords
Solitude, study, contemplation, thought, loneliness
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