Words that describe the Hermit card
Wisdom
Isolation
Solitude
Clarity
The Hermit symbolizes a period of introspection and solitude, where one seeks inner wisdom and spiritual guidance. It represents the journey within, taking time to reflect and gain clarity through deep contemplation, often in a quiet, isolated space.
THE HERMIT - Major Arcana Tarot Card
The Hermit
THE HERMIT - MAJOR ARCANA TAROT CARD MEANINGS
By Madhu Mohan
The General Description of the Hermit Card in Tarot
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, The Hermit stands alone on a mountain peak, cloaked in grey, holding a lantern that contains a glowing six-pointed star. His staff offers support as he looks inward, pausing from the world below. The snowy mountains around him symbolize spiritual elevation and solitude, while the light he carries represents inner wisdom, illumination that guides not just his own path, but eventually others as well.
The Hermit is the seeker of truth, the sage who retreats from external distractions to explore the depths of the self. He symbolizes reflection, introspection, and the pursuit of meaning through solitude. Unlike other cards that look outward, The Hermit turns inward to ask life’s bigger questions: Who am I? What truly matters? What wisdom do I carry within me that I’ve yet to uncover?
Upright position meaning of the Hermit Card in Tarot
When The Hermit appears upright, it invites you to take a pause from the noise of the world and enter a period of reflection. This is a time to withdraw, not out of avoidance, but to reconnect with your own truth. Whether through journaling, meditation, or simply time alone, the answers you seek are not external, they are already within you, waiting to be revealed in silence.
This card suggests that wisdom is cultivated through introspection. You may be questioning your path, your relationships, or your deeper purpose. The Hermit reassures you that it’s okay not to have all the answers just yet. What’s more important is the willingness to ask, to listen, and to grow from what you discover.
In relationships, The Hermit can point to the need for space, self-healing, or gaining clarity before moving forward. In work or creative endeavors, it may indicate that a temporary step back will help realign you with your core values and direction. This card reminds you that solitude is sacred, not a punishment, but a gift.
Reversed position meaning of the Hermit Card in Tarot
In the reversed position, The Hermit can signal excessive withdrawal, isolation, or feeling disconnected from others and oneself. You may be spending too much time in your own head, turning inward so deeply that it leads to loneliness rather than clarity. Alternatively, you may be resisting solitude altogether, afraid of what silence might reveal.
This card reversed asks: Are you avoiding introspection or clinging to it too tightly? There’s a delicate balance between healthy solitude and emotional retreat. The Hermit reversed encourages you to reconnect, with yourself, and with those around you when the time is right.
In relationships, this may indicate emotional distance or the need to open up after a period of withdrawal. In career or life path questions, it can suggest you’ve become unclear on your purpose, and instead of seeking inner answers, you may be searching for constant external validation.
Ultimately, the reversed Hermit is a gentle nudge to come back into balance. Reflect, yes, but also remember that wisdom, once gained, is meant to be shared. Let your inner light guide you back to connection and meaning.
