The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning – 9 Major Arcana Tarot Card Meanings
The very first time I had the Hermit tarot card in my hands, I didn’t fully get it. Was it telling me to be alone? To hide from someone? Or was I missing something more profound?
This iconic figure in the Tarot’s Major Arcana is about illuminating your inner light and reconnecting with the quiet space where real wisdom lives.
In this post, we’ll break down what the Hermit card in tarot means in love, career, and your spiritual path… and why its message might be precisely what your soul needs right now.
The Tarot Journey of the Fool: the Hermit
If you’ve been on your tarot journey for a while, you know this: The Fool’s path isn’t just a straight climb.
It twists. It turns. And sometimes, it demands we stop moving altogether. That’s precisely where the Hermit tarot card steps in.
In this tarot card, the Hermit chooses solitude. This is the part of the Fool’s journey where the world’s noise fades, and you finally turn inward.
Until now, the Fool’s been out there: learning, experimenting, bumping into magic and mess.
But eventually, external experiences aren’t enough. The answers we seek can’t always be found in other people, jobs, or relationships.
There’s a more profound wisdom calling. That’s where the Hermit appears, lantern in hand, inviting us into the silence.
You might’ve seen that lantern before… it holds the six-pointed star, also called the Star of David. But the Hermit doesn’t shine a bright floodlight on your entire life. His lantern only lights up your next step. That’s part of the wisdom.
Remember that spiritual growth is about trusting the path as it unfolds, one step at a time.
In the Major Arcana, this tarot card the Hermit sits between Strength and the Wheel of Fortune. Because you first learn to master your impulses. Life will only shift and spin again, ensuring you know who you are before the universe throws you into the next chapter.
Keep in mind not to rush or hide. Go inward, do the work to find your truth, and remember that the journey doesn’t end inside.
You’re meant to bring that wisdom back into the world when ready.
Symbolism of the Hermit
I have to be honest with you, the very first time I started working with the Hermit, I thought this tarot card, the Hermit, was all about solitude, reflection, and time alone.
I was so wrong. The deeper I went (and trust me, I went deep), the more I realized this card carries layers most people don’t even discuss.
Therefore, I decided to study every symbol deeper and sat with its energy until the real wisdom started to rise and get into me.
The Hermit tarot card is all about stepping closer to your truth.
So I want to break this truth with you!
1. The Virgo
The Hermit is ruled by Virgo energy, which is about analysis, healing, and deep self-study.
It’s the part of you that wants to understand what’s happening, and WHY. Also, there are questions that most people are afraid to ask to take you into uncomfortable places so you can finally heal from them.
2. The Power of Tarot Card 9
The number 9 in tarot, aka IX or nine in tarot symbolizes spiritual completion for leveling up.
You have to know that, in numerology, number 9 is connected to wisdom gained through challenging experience.
3. The Lantern
You might see a six-pointed star in the Hermit Lantern.
This is called the Seal of Solomon, and it shows you the next step. And that’s the secret most people miss because spiritual growth comes in small, quiet moments — one decision, one insight, one truth at a time.
4. The Staff
The backbone and the other staff in his hand represent spiritual authority. Telling you that you have everything you need to support your journey into the unknown.
5. The Cloak
If you look closer, you’ll see that the Hermit wears a cloak to protect himself.
Remember that the journey of the Hermit is all about working on his personal development. And not all is meant to be shared while it’s still unfolding.
6. The Mountain
Do you know where he’s standing? Yeah, on a mountaintop.
That’s where you’ll see yourself after your long inner work.
Mountains symbolize spiritual mastery, solitude, and rising above life’s noise to see from a higher perspective. Climbing it, one breath, lesson, and shadow at a time.
7. The Beard and Age
That beard of his is for representing an elder, aka an experienced man. Because he’s lived, he’s seen and processed a lot. And now he carries that knowing.
The Hermit Tarot Card Description & Keywords
Unfortunately for you, the Hermit brings both light and shadow, depending on where you are in your journey.
Below you’ll find the keywords that capture both sides of this card. Use them as your guide to understand what the Hermit is showing you.
THE HERMIT TAROT CARD UPRIGHT CARD KEYWORDS: Soul-searching, Inner guidance, Introspection, Solitude, Enlightenment, Spiritual awakening, Wisdom, Inner truth, Personal journey, Retreat, Self-discovery, Contemplation, Quiet reflection.
THE HERMIT TAROT CARD REVERSED CARD KEYWORDS: Isolation, Withdrawal, Loneliness, Reclusion, Fear of being alone, Avoidance, Stuck in solitude, Disconnection, Exile, Paranoia, Feeling lost without direction, Refusing help
What does the Hermit Tarot Card Upright Meaning mean?
In this case, the Hermit is at your side, and with his quiet resting hand on your shoulder, he invites you to make it about time to create personal space for clarity and listen to what your soul has been whispering.
The Hermit Tarot Card in Love Upright
This moment is indeed not the right time to rush into something new. We must heal, honor our growth, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Take self-love as your compass for these moments. And in case you’re in a relationship, you might need a healthy separation to process and grow something individually.
This pause can strengthen your bond if you honor it with patience and respect.
Career Meaning – Upright Hermit
If the Hermit shows up here, it’s because you might be questioning your career path… if what you’re doing is aligned with your soul?
I feel you, I’ve been there and yes… I required more spiritually fulfilling work.
Maybe it’s time to jump into something new, working on your dream project, freelancing, or seeking wisdom from a shaman to guide and reassure your professional path.
Anything that allows you to reconnect with your deeper calling.
Finances Meaning – Upright Hermit
In finances, we’ve been asked to reassess what truly holds value. It’s where material things lose importance because you’re investing in spiritual wealth.
Your growth, peace, and alignment are more important than money.
So, whatever you have in mind for finance, let it be for another moment.
Upright Hermit as Feelings
We can expect withdrawal either from someone else or from yourself. And this is perfectly okay!
Sometimes, we just need to pull back because we need space to sort through our emotions before we can show up fully again.
Upright Hermit as Actions
Sometimes, the most potent action is no action in the external world. Focus on making an intense inner work instead.
What helped me in those moments is journaling, deep meditation, and reflection (I even went to Brazil in a spiritual retreat). This is a moment to allow clarity to rise naturally.
Upright Tarot Hermit Card Meaning in Health
This tarot card comes out here to advise you to rest, recover, and reflect.
Give your body and mind space and time to heal correctly. Just to highlight something essential! There’s a slight difference between healthy solitude and sinking into isolation. Stay connected to supportive practices.
Upright Hermit Spiritual Meaning
This is one of the Hermit’s most powerful spaces. You’re in an activation phase where you can read a massive spiritual growth potential.
Meditate, heal energy, study deeper, or even go on a spiritual retreat. Just go for it! Because you’re in a deep phase of awakening.
Trust that your inner guidance is opening you to higher wisdom, honor it!
What is the Hermit Tarot Card Reversed Meaning?
The Hermit reversed tarot is a powerful sign of sacred solitude, where the Hermit becomes a warning.
Instead of healthy reflection, you might be withdrawing too far, cutting yourself off from people, experiences, or even your truth.
Let’s break it down together, layer by layer.
The Hermit Reversed Love Tarot Card
If you pull the Hermit reversed love card and are single, you might lower your guards and soften your heart.
It happened to me in the past. I was acting like this out of fear. Fear of getting hurt again, or more about the pain from past relationships, which made me close the door before love even had the chance to knock.
Healing happens when you allow yourself to reopen that door slowly. And the same is true for relationships.
For example, both of you (or just one of you) are keeping things inside or emotionally unavailable. The Hermit tarot card kindly asks you to. “Where can you gently start sharing again?”
Career Meaning – Reverse Hermit
Career-wise, the reversed Hermit tarot could leave you feeling invisible or lost.
You’re putting so much effort and energy into work, but no one sees it. Or maybe you’re holding back from making changes because it all feels scary.
You should step out of this “scary” place. You should seek open communication, collaboration, and feedback to be seen again.
Finances Meaning – Reverse Hermit
This is when you might feel obsessed over every decision: overthinking, hesitating, or even trying to figure it all out alone.
But financial decisions shouldn’t be made in isolation. You should trust advice from someone with experience, such as financial coaching, or simply opening up to someone you trust can shift the whole energy.
It’s a reminder NOT to make financial decisions in isolation.
The Hermit Tarot Reversed as Feelings
The Hermit reversed tarot, especially in this field, reflects disconnection. As if you, or your loved one, might feel misunderstood or even afraid of vulnerability or intimacy.
That wall that feels (as your mind might say) safer than expressing what’s happening inside you. But deep down this wall, there is vulnerability waiting to be witnessed.
Reverse Hermit as Actions
This tarot card says, “It’s time to reconnect. Take what you’ve learned and bring it into real action”.
When the Hermit shows up in this aspect, it’s showing you into a loop that you might not seem to exit anymore. You could be avoiding your inner work altogether, or you’ve done so much self-reflection that you’re stuck circling the same questions.
Reversed Tarot Hermit Card Meaning in Health
You don’t have to try to heal everything silently, because healing can still be sacred even when shared.
So, don’t feel bad if you need support (therapy, wellness community, or a good chat with friends). Remember that your mental and emotional well-being is vital.
And loneliness or isolation is NOT your answer.
The Hermit Tarot Reversed Spiritual Meaning
In spirituality, this tarot card, the Hermit, could reflect a sort of avoidance or overwhelm in your spiritual growth journey.
I was there too. What was stopping me was the fear of digging deeper into what was waiting for me on the other side. I even felt disconnected from my daily life due to being overloaded.
And today, I am here to tell you to honor your spiritual journey, because our wisdom is meant to be lived, shared, and embodied.
Your light is not meant to stay hidden on the mountain forever… go and share it with the world!
FAQs: What is the Hermit Tarot Card
The Hermit Yes or No?
This is interesting because the Hermit leans toward “not yet.” It suggests you need more time for reflection and inner clarity before moving forward.
Is the Hermit a Positive or Negative Card?
This depends on where you are in your spiritual journey. Upright, it’s a powerful guide for inner growth. The Hermit tarot card, reversed, warns of isolation or disconnection.
Either way, it always brings wisdom if you listen.
What is the Lesson of the Hermit Tarot Card?
The Hermit tarot card teaches you that sometimes the most profound truth lives in silence, solitude, and honest self-examination.
What is the Luckiest Card in the Tarot?
Cards like the Sun or the Wheel of Fortune are considered the luckiest in a material sense.
What is the Intention of the Hermit Card?
The Hermit card intends to guide you inward. It invites you to step away from outside distractions, reflect, and reconnect with your higher self to move forward with more profound clarity and confidence.
What is the Purpose of the Hermit?
His purpose is pure spiritual realignment.
What Does the Hermit Tarot Card Mean as Feelings?
As feelings, the Hermit shows someone or yourself emotionally withdrawn or needing space before being ready to open up again.
What is the Power of the Hermit?
Wisdom. His strength comes from the courage to walk alone, face uncomfortable truths, and emerge with clarity that can’t be shaken by outside influence.
What Energy is the Hermit Card?
It’s all about Virgo energy: grounded, steady, and profoundly spiritual energy.
What Does the Hermit Mean as a Possible Outcome in Life Decisions?
As an outcome, this tarot card suggests a waiting period, soul-searching, or preparation before fully stepping into your next chapter.
What does the Hermit Mean When it Shows Up as an Obstacle or Challenge?
If the Hermit appears as an obstacle, it warns that you may withdraw too much, avoid vulnerability, or resist reconnection. It’s a call to balance inner reflection and engagement with the world.
In Conclusion:
The Hermit Tarot Card is here to guide you home.
Whether you’re in deep reflection or even feeling lost in loneliness, this tarot card shows up to remind you that your answers have always been inside you.
I’m not saying that this work is going to be easy. On the contrary, it will be uncomfortable, giving you the real growth you need.
Every time I got the Hermit in my life, he was just whispering to trust my timing, the whole process, and that little light inside of me, even though I couldn’t see the path ahead.
Don’t sing victory too soon, because the path continues, and so much more wisdom is waiting in the next card.
If you’re ready to keep walking, let’s move into the next step of your tarot journey with the Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card, and let’s find out how the Universe begins to shift once you’ve done the inner work.
Suggested Reads:
Hermit Tarot Cheat Sheet
