The Hermit

What Does The Hermit Tarot Card Mean?

The Hermit tarot symbolism generally represents introspection, inner wisdom, and self-reflection. As you can see, it displays an old man who is standing alone while carrying a lantern in his hand. The lantern most likely represents knowledge and enlightenment that one is expected to gain through continuous self-examination.

The Hermit represents a period of introspection when one pulls back to gain guidance and wisdom. According to tarot reading experts, his card counsels withdrawal from the activities of everyday life to spend some time with your inner self; his card places great emphasis on solitude in self-development and self-understanding. It can also be the wise one whom you can take as a mentor and whose advice you can ask for in difficult times.

The Hermit Upright Position and What It Tells Us

The Hermit upright indicates withdrawal, isolation, and seeking inner guidance. It suggests a period of reflection and self-discovery, when you may be stepping back from the outside world to discern clarity or insight.

The card invites you to take time for yourself, silence distractions, and turn inward toward your deeper emotions, thoughts, and convictions. The Hermit is an emphasis on following your inner direction more strongly, listening to your intuition, and following a path that calls to your true self.

It can also indicate the need for guidance from a teacher or spiritual mentor to light the way. In a relationship, it may indicate moving away and re-examining your wants or needs. Lastly, this time of solitude will see more clarity, honesty, and spiritual awareness, allowing you to move forward in confidence.

The Hermit Reversed as a Sense of Reclusion

The Hermit reversed represents loneliness, reclusion, and rejection. It directs you toward self-examination to tackle your struggles, which can come in the form of continuous rejection or unwanted solitude.

Alternatively, if you are already a reclusive person, the Hermit in reverse might be a sign that it’s time for you to embrace people around you if you want to put an end to your current stagnation. Overall, the reversed Hermit calls for re-engagement with the world and reminds you not to neglect the insights your inner voice can provide. It’s in your best interest to listen to it.

Hermit in reverse also signifies a fear of looking at oneself or resistance to confront deeper realities. You may be pulling back not for self-awareness, but because you are insecure or fearful.

The Hermit reversed meaning suggests that being alone is good, yet excessive withdrawal breeds feelings of isolation and missed growth opportunities. It calls for a balance of introspection and interaction with the world — turning inward to seek wisdom while keeping an openness to what others can teach and support you. Reaching out, communicating your ideas, and opening yourself to vulnerability might be the path to escaping stagnation.

The Hermit Love: A Period of Discoveries

The Hermit in love is a period of self-discovery and alone time in a relationship or within your love life. If you're in a relationship, it's a signal that one or both of you may need to take some space to reflect on your own desires and needs. It's a call to prioritize self-awareness and personal growth.

In some situations, it may mean needing to have space in order to get a clearer sense of what you really want out of love. For singles, the Hermit is calling on taking time to practice self-love and emotional recovery before getting into a relationship.

It's a card that is all about inner knowledge, patience, and contemplation in seeking to know what your heart really desires. Keep in mind that when it comes to the Hermit reversed love, the meaning would be the opposite.

The Hermit Yes or No Question: Explained in Detail

When it comes to the Hermit yes or no, the Hermit raises his head and says, “Sure.” The answer to your question is a definitive yes. As you come to terms with the idea of being distant from others for a while, you will find the wisdom needed to shed light on your life path.

In an upright position, the Hermit yes or no stands for introspection, self-reflection, and self-discovery. This card tells you that you should get out of the crowd and start spending time alone to explore yourself. It also suggests taking a break from the daily grind.

If you’re going through mental pressure, this is the right time to consult a mental health professional. They will help you overcome what you are going through and equip you with the right instruments for handling mental breakdowns in the future.

If you draw the upright Hermit when asking a yes or no question, the answer is no. The deck is saying that it’s not the right time to do what you are planning, at least not yet. Take a pause to think everything through once again before proceeding.

The Hermit reversed yes or no is also a no, but the reasoning is different. The cards recommend you reassess your situation and seek outside input. Your isolation and disconnection from others hinder your progress.

Reading The Hermit in a Spread with More Cards

Now, what about the common combinations with the Hermit and their meaning? Let’s find out.

The Three of Wands. The combination of the Hermit and the Three of Wands represents a phase of planning and looking ahead. You need to plan for the future with thoughtful consideration and foresight.

The Wheel of Fortune. If you draw the Hermit together with the Wheel of Fortune, it means that you need to reflect on the upcoming or current changes in your life. Understand your role in them to find inner harmony and overcome any challenges that come your way.

The Ten of Swords. The Ten of Swords represents a painful ending of something. When paired with the Hermit, it suggests that you need to take some time to reflect on what has just happened to you to be able to heal.

The High Priestess. It’s a spiritual journey of inner discovery guided by wisdom and intuition. In this pairing, the Hermit’s quest for knowledge complements the High Priestess’s deep understanding, and the pair symbolizes a powerful enlightenment that comes from within.

The Star. The Hermit’s light is coming to inspire and guide you through the heavenly dance of hope and reflection. This combination suggests a harmonious blend of the Hermit’s introspection with the Star’s optimistic renewal; the two light the way to a future filled with bright possibilities.

The Emperor. The king is led by the wisdom of the sage. The combination of the Hermit and the Emperor represents soulful introspection paired with wise leadership.

The Fool. You are likely to embark on a transforming journey of self-discovery soon, guided by the Hermit’s light. This duo highlights the contrast between the Hermit’s seasoned wisdom and the Fool’s innocent curiosity, which predicts a path of growth that is both enlightening and adventurous.

The Two of Cups. Accept the divine union of spiritual connections as the Hermit’s light blesses the growing love between soul mates. The pairing of the Hermit and the Two of Cups speaks to the sacred balance of personal introspection and deep, meaningful relationships.