The Hermit Tarot card often gets the wrong impression by people who do not understand what the picture means. It seems to be a lonely person trying to find his way in the world.
The thing is, there is much more to this card. It’s not at all a negative card. If you are learning to read cards for yourself or maybe for other people, you need to know everything you can.
Keep reading to get a firm definition for the Hermit Tarot Card! You’ll be amazed and dazzled at what you learn!
The Brief History Of The Hermit Tarot Card
The Tarot cards have a very interesting start. When they were created in the 14th century, it was for fun. It would be many years before it was thought to be used for divination.
In fact, there is a dictionary of card games that has the Tarot games listed in it. In the Tarot deck are the Major Arcana which are trump cards and then the Minor Arcana has four suits to it just like regular playing cards.
When the spiritualist movement came about in the 1800s, people were trying to read fortunes and reach out to the dead. Tools such as automatic writing, Ouija boards, pendulums, and they even did séances.
That in mind, the Tarot cards seemed to fit right in. They realized that you could actually use the cards to communicate with those who have crossed over as well as reading people’s future.
Over the many years, Tarot has become a very popular means to guide people or help them understand what lies ahead. Now…The Hermit Tarot card is one of the trump cards.
The picture shows an older man wearing a cloak and holding both a staff and lamp. What is he doing though? He really appears to be searching for something.
Let’s now take a look at the Hermit Tarot card definitions so that the artwork makes more sense!
1. The Basic Definition Of The Hermit Tarot Card
When you first look at the Hermit, you wonder how it relates to the in depth meaning it has. With that in mind, the Hermit Tarot card means searching on your own.
The Hermit typically learns best when he’s the one doing all the searching and learning. It’s a very spiritual path that he’s taking. Have you just had a life changing experience?
Maybe it’s time you concentrate on your life by doing some soul searching. Only you can figure out what you need or want. Perhaps the Hermit being the wise teacher can help you.
It’s also possible that this card is telling you that you’re on the path to healing what isn’t working or is broken. The card can stand for healing mentally, emotionally, and physically.
You’re in need of a process that will allow you to dig deep. It also means that it’s time to do this on your own. Don’t rely on others to do it for you. You have to take control and do it for yourself.
It’s time to disconnect from your normal routine and start going a little more inward. I’m not saying that you need to become a recluse, but I am saying that a little bit of a “time out” from your normal daily strain would be healthy.
Sometimes people get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that they lose themselves. The Hermit Tarot card meaning is all about finding yourself and remembering who you are.
It also does mean spending time alone, learning, and growing as a human being. Get your head together so that you can be on the right path and make the right decisions.
2. The Hermit Tarot Card Definition (Reversed)
The Hermit makes for a very different feeling when he’s in reverse. This is where he can represent being lonely, being alone, or feeling misunderstood. You may feel like no one really gets you.
If this is a reading for someone else, then it’s showing them going through an emotionally unbalanced time in their lives. They may have enforced time alone via illness or some other means.
The reversed Hermit Tarot card means that things look sad, hopeless, or lonely. This can represent depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from normal life.
It may be a temporary situation or it may mean a lifelong issue that needs a physician’s diagnosis. This is one of those cards that you definitely want to look at the other cards around it.
If you only pulled it as a card of the day, then you may want to pull another card if you’re not clear on which direction the card takes you.
The Hermit Tarot card also may be telling you that it’s time to come back out of your shell and get back out there in your element. Be bold, be brave, and find your place in the world.
Whomever the card is pulled for is telling you that this person isn’t in a good place and may need your guidance to help them find their way forward again.
Of course, if it’s for you, then the card is telling you that you need to face what you fear or dread so that you can get back to normal life again or you need to seek out a mental assessment. Don’t let yourself get too low.
3. Love And The Hermit Tarot Card (Upright)
The Hermit Tarot card means that you’re able to look at your spiritual connection with someone and get ready for a commitment. It’s also a card about loving yourself completely.
I don’t mean that in an egotistical way. I mean that in the way of really knowing, appreciating, and loving yourself the way you should be.
On the other hand, it may be telling you that you need a little time from your partner so that you can reconnect with yourself. Sometimes two people can forget who they are and need to have “me” time.
You’re on a journey in this life which means you’re on a journey with love as well. Allowing each other to have a bit of free time helps you both be happier and closer!
If you’re not in a relationship, then it may mean you’re going through a period in your life where you are alone and craving the affection of another. The thing is, the Hermit card is telling you that this is a spiritual lesson for you.
If you listen to the Universe, then you’ll figure out what you need to do next in order to break the loneliness and finally be with someone worthy of you.
4. Love And The Hermit Tarot Card (Reversed)
Seeing the Hermit Tarot card in reverse means that things may not be going well in a relationship. You may be feeling lonely with your partner. Perhaps one of you is rather detached.
If you’re single you might be feeling lonely, misunderstood, or lacking hope that you’ll meet someone special.
Something isn’t right when the Hermit is in reverse. It might be a suggestion to you that communication is needed with your partner so that you two might find a solution or move on from each other.
For single people, the reversed Hermit wants you to look into yourself and figure out why the partnership hasn’t worked for you in the past. What will it take for you to find someone who will be a wonderful match?
This is when you go inward and practice self-love. Meditation can really help you open yourself up and look at past patterns that have made it difficult for you to find the right person.
Reflecting is something needed and you’ll find greater success if you can eliminate old behaviors that cause you to pick the wrong partners.
One last thing is that when the Hermit is reversed, it also means that it’s time to stop feeling sorry for yourself and get back out there. The perfect partner isn’t likely to land on your doorstep via delivery.
5. Finances, Job, And Career With The Hermit Tarot Card (Upright)
Seeing the Hermit Tarot card when you’re asking about finances may mean that some change needs to happen for you. In regards to money or career, the Hermit Tarot card means that something is imbalanced.
If things aren’t going well or you’re not making enough money, then it may be that you’re putting too much energy and focus on the lack. You’re sacrificing your personal downtime in hopes it will help you achieve something.
The truth is that everything works better when you balance your life. Put your focus on what you have and what you are. Giving thanks every day to the universe can help you open up doors that weren’t open previously.
Success comes when you take time to yourself, explore your desires or talents, and plan better. That’s what the Hermit brings to you when he turns up in your reading.
Of course, you can get more information by pulling another card or two with the Hermit. It will let you know which direction needs a bit of attention so that balance won’t be so elusive.
Again, I really suggest doing meditation or affirmations that help you relax and let positive energy flow in. That will help you draw success from the Universe!
6. Finances, Job, And Career With The Hermit Tarot Card (Reversed)
The reversed Hermit Tarot card means that something needs to be adjusted. If you find that you’re not getting the job you want, your career isn’t taking off, or your financial support is dwindling; you may need to look elsewhere.
When you’re not happy where you are or bringing in the financial support you really want, then it’s time to look into other options. The Hermit wants you to look inward to figure out what you need.
Search for options and ideas. The other part of this is that if you work better alone then you might look to something that allows you to do that. You could also start your own business.
On the flip side, if you’re lonely working by yourself, then you should seek out positions that allow you to work in a team. If you have your own business then you can take on another partner.
Oh, and don’t just dive into a new position or company without doing a bit of research. That will help you from getting into another dead-end situation. Do your research!
7. The Hermit Tarot Card As A Person (Upright)
The Hermit as a person is someone who tends to be withdrawn, reclusive, or spends much time alone. They may have problems being around people or just choose not to be.
This person may be very spiritual. Many Psychics or Empaths spend time alone because it’s easier for them to concentrate without dealing with other people’s energy.
The Hermit may be seeking wisdom or sharing wisdom. Surely, you’ve seen movies where there are “seers” that often live in a hut or house away from everyone else.
Though that’s very different in modern times, it’s certainly easy to understand why the Hermit would live in a similar fashion.
If this card represents you then it’s saying that you are or will become a very wise person who knows the importance of going within and trusting your inner voice.
You may also teach other people how to do this if you are the Hermit. When the Hermit represents someone else, it’s someone advising you or someone seeking your advice.
8. The Hermit Tarot Card As A Person (Reversed)
The Hermit Tarot card meaning for someone else in a reading represents a person who spends lots of time alone. It may also mean that they are lonely in their lives.
The reversal can describe a person who is not happy in their life and needs to work on healing. If not another person, then it may be you that needs to do something differently.
Find new activities that excite your soul so you can get back out there and enjoy the company of others. It’s not always healthy to stay away from nice folks.
Isolation from reality is a miserable experience if it’s forced on you. Sometimes the reversed Hermit can mean forced time alone. It may be medical, mental, or law-oriented.
Whatever the case, this person needs to figure out how to get on track and do better in life. It’s a push for you or someone else to motivate you for life again instead of being lonely.
9. Advice From The Hermit Tarot Card In A Reading
The advice from the Hermit Tarot card is that it’s time to get in touch with your inner self. You’ve been away from your own truth and it’s causing you to be unbalanced.
It’s time to find something that really makes you feel good in life again. Whether that’s a new job, career, or love relationship. Find out what you need so that you can go for it!
Don’t allow the feeling of being lonely eat you alive. Get in touch with who you are and look at what you desire. Only you can manifest what it is that you want.
For someone else, you would want to tell them that they’re going through a period of pulling back to learn, get in touch with their spiritual side, or reconcile old habits.
They may need to be told that they’re excellent advisors or it may be you yourself that needs to realize that you’re very helpful to other people. Spiritual growth comes from the Hermit Tarot card meaning.
10. The Hermit Tarot Card As Feelings
There are a few feelings that are tied to the Hermit Tarot card. The feelings most associated are isolated, lonely, spiritual, empathic, psychic, hurt, abandon, wise, solitary, or feeling solid.
There is definitely a huge mix of different feelings. The Hermit Tarot card means that you’re feeling different things that are all things you should be learning from.
Spiritual growth happens when you look at your behaviors and try to find different routes to take. There is always another way and it’s up to you to find it.
This goes for other people as well as for you. If the card comes out reversed, then it means you may be having a hard time feeling happy or finding your emotional freedom.
For someone else, they’re not seeing things for what they are and definitely need to spend a little alone time so that they can learn to trust their own inner feelings. That emotion is what drives a person.
11. The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning Regarding Children
Is your child spending a lot of time alone? This card may be pointing out the fact that they are doing this. They might be pulling back from friends or avoiding other kids.
Watch your child’s activities. Are they hanging out with other kids or are they spending time doing things alone? That’s something that can be very telling of a child’s personality.
This card may also be an indicator that your child is possibly being bullied at school or their extracurricular activities. You absolutely have to observe your child because it’s crucial for them.
The Hermit showing up for your child can indicate something is wrong with them and they feel quite alone but haven’t expressed it to you.
If you don’t have children yet and you’re asking about having kids, the Hermit may indicate the need for more research, more time, and more preparation.
The reversal of the Hermit card definitely can mean a huge problem for your child. It might be a good idea to get them to a counselor or doctor. Always protect them as much as you can.
Again, if you’re trying to have children, get a doctor to check you out to make sure you and your partner are physically able and ready.
Give your kids lots of love and tender care. They depend on you to learn how to love other people. Teach them how to love themselves so that they are more self-reliant as well.
12. Health And The Hermit Tarot Card
The Hermit Tarot card means there is more emotional health that needs attention. While it can mean physical, it’s mostly tied to feelings and how someone perceives their “inner” selves.
On the physical side, someone is wearing themselves out and not taking enough rest intervals or not relaxing enough when they are home. Workaholics are sometimes represented by the Hermit Tarot card.
Rest helps heal mental, emotional, and physical problems. When you’re not resting, you fall prey to illness and fatigue. This card is kind of a warning for you or for someone else that it’s time to find time to relax.
The Zodiac sign associated here is Virgo. With health, this means you need to watch out for issues with the gut, digestion, as well as pancreas. Eating properly and exercising can help with the digestion process.
Seeing the Hermit card coming up when asking about health, it’s a warning to pay close attention to any digestion issues going on and maybe even implement a new diet to help with better flow.
13. The Hermit Tarot Card Answer “Yes” Or “No”
The Hermit Tarot card means “maybe” when you’re asking a “yes” or “no” type of question. Because the card has different emotions or connotations, it’s not clear enough to give more than a maybe.
It also means that the outcome or answer relies on you or the other person if you’re reading the Tarot cards for someone else. There are decisions that need to be made as well as actions to match.
Since this doesn’t produce a definitive answer, you can always try pulling another card or looking at the cards around it to help you get a better idea of which way the card is leaning.
The Tarot cards don’t always give you a concrete answer because the cards are subjective. There is always room for change, growth, and different choices.
You should keep that in mind if you get frustrated not understanding what the answer is. I will tell you this; if you keep reading for yourself you may face irritation.
The cards want to remind you that you make your own choices. If you rely on the cards alone, you may get answers you think are wrong, when in reality they’re being straight up with you. You have to learn to be objective!
14. The Hermit Tarot Card In Position
When you pull multiple cards, you get a bit more to your answers. Pulling one card limits the information you get. I want to show you what each position means in relation to the card you pull.
Remember, the cards you pull around it make a difference as well. It’s a whole story, not just a clip of one. I recommend starting with a very easy three-card pull. Once you master that, you can do amazing things with other layouts.
Let’s take a look now what the Hermit Tarot card means in each position of the three-card spread:
The Hermit in Past Position:
You may have recently gone on a spiritual journey, a trip alone, or spent time by yourself in order to reflect on your life. This allows you to really look at your life and figure out where you’re going next metaphorically.
If you pulled the card in reverse, you may be feeling low, depressed, or lonely. A breakup could have happened or some kind of other epic disappointment hit you to the core.
Job, residence, or personal changes have happened that have altered the course you’ve been on.
The Hermit in Present Position:
The Hermit Tarot card means a change or an alteration when in the present position. It’s time to go through an experience or transition in your life. Something is pushing you to change the course you’ve been on.
You may be spending time apart from your partner or experiencing what it’s like to be alone if you’ve recently become single.
The reversal of the Hermit Tarot card meaning is a little different as you are doing something totally alone. It may signify you withdrawing from your normal daily life but are now being pushed to snap out of it.
The Hermit in Future Position:
Change is on the way for you. It’s time to take some “me” time. You’ve been putting yourself and your needs off for work or for another person. Plan your trip today!
If it’s not a literal trip then it may just be a personal or spiritual journey that you’re looking forward to. Perhaps you’re going to a retreat to connect to your inner self.
Of course, if the card is reversed in the future position, the Hermit Tarot card meaning is that of a breakup, a separation, forced rest due to illness, and feeling as though you are in solitary confinement in your mind.
15. The Lessons The Hermit Tarot Card Wants To Teach You
I’ve touched on most of the things you should take away from the Hermit Tarot card but if you need a bit more clarification, I have some key points for you to remember when you see the Hermit.
He wants to teach you important life lessons. Here are the points to keep in mind:
- Take time for yourself each day to touch base with your inner self.
- Get plenty of rest when you’re doing a lot of work.
- Remember that downtime is every bit as important as work time.
- Solitude is good for you now and then.
- Don’t let the outer world distract you from what you’re here to do.
- If you lose touch with your inner self then practice some grounding and meditation.
- Be aware if you start to become withdrawn to cut the cause off at the head.
- Do your best to create and maintain balance in your life. Work hard and rest well.
- Do not neglect your well-being by living too much by routine.
- Make time and space for what you love to do or people you appreciate.
- Fine-tune and learn to really listen and understand your intuition.
- When you feel lonely, reach out to people that care about you.
- Pay attention to what the Universe is trying to teach you.
These are excellent lessons to take from the Hermit Tarot card. It’s very on target to the point. When you pay attention to your needs and desires, you flourish.
Too many people are running around like chickens with their heads cut off and not giving their own soul some growth. Give yourself some TLC! You deserve it and you definitely need it!
You can also teach people these things so that they can learn how to enrich their own lives. The candle gets passed from one person to the next, so be sure to pay it forward!
16. Astrology And The Hermit Tarot Card
I mentioned in an earlier section that the Hermit Tarot card is associated with the Zodiac sign Virgo. When you think of the personality of a Virgo, this really does make a lot of sense.
Virgo can tend to be reclusive, withdrawn, cold, and works too hard. He doesn’t always listen to his inner voice which causes him to make decisions that lead to painful lessons.
He is wise beyond his years in certain things but sometimes lacks the confidence to share what he knows. He’s a quiet person who is the strong silent type.
The ruling planet for Virgo is Mercury. It’s easy to see how this person can get lost in their own thoughts and let their emotions get out of control when they don’t confront issues that are present.
Mercury is the thinking planet that helps you to problem-solve. Virgo is actually pretty fabulous at problem-solving and they are AMAZING advice-givers. They just need to figure out how to be more open.
They also need to learn how to be less picky when it comes to choosing a long-time or forever partner for love.
If you pull the Hermit Tarot card, it wouldn’t hurt to find out what is going on with Mercury’s aspects at the time. It can help you figure out if it’s something that will be a hassle or something that will teach you.
17. The Hermit Tarot Card In Numerology
The number for the Hermit is IX which is nine. The number nine is a leadership number. This person is a pioneer, someone fantastic with advice, someone with great wisdom, and reliable.
Again, that sounds right for Virgo and for the Hermit Tarot card meaning. It’s so fascinating to see how everything really does tie in together.
If your personal life path number happens to be nine, then your life’s purpose is actually to work in a career or job that helps other people. Imagine that! Humanity needs the number nine to learn from.
You can help inspire people to be their best, find love, coach their lives, or teach them to help themselves. Truly it’s a huge job but you’re the right one to do it if your Life Path Number is nine.
If your personal year cycle happens to be nine, then you’ll spend the year helping other people in some way. You may take on more responsibility. You might do lectures or some kind of teaching.
One last thing is that the number nine is the number of completion of a cycle, thus, doing what is needed to wrap things up so that the next year will hold a fresh beginning.
18. When You Keep Pulling The Hermit Tarot Card
Naturally, you feel completely confused why you keep pulling the Hermit. Well, the Hermit Tarot card means that you’re ignoring your need for rest, space, and alone time.
It’s kind of like a warning that you really need to pay as much attention to your needs as you do for necessity. Something is unbalanced and you need to wake up to see what is going on.
The card may also be telling you something is about to happen that will require you to have it together. Heads up! It’s time to take time off or find some solitude to help you regain your sense of oneness.
If you get the reversal of the Hermit Tarot card then something may make you feel sad, lonely, or displaced. The good thing here is that you can catch it before it happens and maybe even turn it around.
One of the very best things about Tarot card readings is the ability to gain insight or a “heads up” so that you can make alternative changes or decisions that will make things better.
19. Symbols For The Hermit Tarot Card
The symbols on the Hermit Tarot card are a man in a robe that looks much like a monk or seer. He has a wise look about him walking with his staff and light to see the way.
He looks deep in thought and travels alone. There is snow at his feet and he’s watching the steps he takes. He probably is taking it slowly as well so that he doesn’t trip.
That’s a perfect representation of the meaning of the card. Of course, if you have been thinking about getting a tattoo that represents you as being a loner or a wise one, the whole card’s picture would be fantastic.
Then again, you could have any type of person in a robe or cloak appearing to be on the move by themselves. The light helps him find his way in the dark and the staff helps him keep his footing in tricky situations.
There are plenty of artists that would be happy to do the Hermit Tarot card tattoo for you so be sure you do your homework.
Read next: The High Priestess Tarot Card Complete Guide
20. Spirituality And The Hermit Tarot Card
The Hermit Tarot card by far is the most spiritual card in the deck. He’s a seeker of wisdom, truth, and lessons. He’s taking everything he’s experienced as life lessons.
This may be why you are in need of taking a trip to help you discover your own spirituality. Perhaps you’ll be taking a resort trip where you can take workshops but also spend time by yourself.
Yes, the Hermit can indicate being alone or lonely but all things considered, you can learn from your predicament and become a better person leading a better life.
Your path is to learn everything you can and help implement it in daily life. You’re a leader that is inspiring others to do the same thing.
If you’re pulling this card in terms of someone else, you can definitely get that this person is a little bit of a loner but is someone with high spirituality. This person appreciates time to themselves.
Imagine that if the Hermit card was your birth Tarot card. It means your entire life will be spent learning lessons to enrich your soul. Some lessons are not easy, but the harder things are, the more important the lesson.
Just know that the Hermit’s appearance can be helpful or it can seem unnerving. It really depends on your perspective and it depends on the other cards that come out around it.
Try not to see the Hermit Tarot card as something negative, sad, or depressing. There is something to be learned and whatever it is will make you wiser. That’s not bad at all!
I hope that this guide has helped you really get inside and learn everything about the Hermit Tarot card. You will find it very useful while you’re learning the Tarot.
I wish you all the luck of the Universe!
Your friend and Relationship Astrologer,
Anna Kovach
