The Hermit
The Hermit is card nine of the Major Arcana. After the outward striving of The Chariot and the inner work of Strength, The Hermit steps away from the crowd to look for answers within. It's the card of solitude, reflection and hard-won wisdom.
What's on the card
An old man in a long grey cloak stands alone on a snowy mountain peak. In one hand he holds a staff; in the other, a lantern containing a six-pointed star, lighting only the next few steps ahead. He looks down, as if guiding someone climbing behind him. The cold, empty landscape shows how far he has withdrawn from ordinary life — and the height he has reached through his search.
The Hermit Upright
Upright, The Hermit invites you to slow down and turn inward. It's a good time for reflection, study, meditation or simply spending time alone to work out what you really think and want.
The card also points to guidance: a mentor or wise person may appear, or you may be the one who lights the way for others. The answers you're looking for won't come from the noise around you, but from quiet thought.
The Hermit Reversed
Reversed, The Hermit can point to isolation that has gone too far — loneliness, withdrawal, or shutting people out. It may also show the opposite: avoiding reflection by keeping constantly busy, or refusing to take time out when you clearly need it.
Sometimes it signals returning to the world after a period of withdrawal, ready to reconnect.
Keywords: introspection, solitude, guidance, reflection, the hermit card, hermit meaning, hermit tarot card meaning
The Hermit in Love & Relationships
In love, The Hermit often suggests needing space — time alone to understand yourself before committing, or a relationship going through a quiet, reflective phase. For single people, it can mean choosing solitude for now. Reversed, it may warn of loneliness or emotional distance.
The Hermit in Career & Work
At work, The Hermit favours research, study, independent work and careful thinking over fast action. It can also point to reassessing your career path. Reversed, you may feel isolated at work or be avoiding a decision.
The Hermit and Money
With money, The Hermit suggests reviewing your finances carefully and living simply. It's not a time for flashy spending. Reversed, it may point to financial worries you've been avoiding looking at.
Advice
Step back, go quiet, and let your own light guide you.
The Hermit — Yes or No?
The Hermit usually means "not yet" — take more time to think before deciding. If the question is whether you need time alone, the answer is yes.
Zodiac Sign
In the traditional Golden Dawn system of correspondences, The Hermit is paired with Virgo — worth a look if you want to see how this card's themes show up on the horoscope side of the deck.
Either side in the Major Arcana
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hermit a bad card?
No. It's about reflection and inner wisdom. Its only warning is against isolating yourself too much.
What does The Hermit mean in love?
Needing space, time for self-reflection, or a slower, quieter phase in a relationship.
What zodiac sign is The Hermit?
The Hermit is linked with Virgo in the Golden Dawn system.
| Group | Cards | Traditional Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Major Arcana | 22 | Life’s big turning points and archetypal themes |
| Wands | 14 | Traditionally linked to fire — ambition, energy, creativity |
| Cups | 14 | Traditionally linked to water — emotion, relationships, intuition |
| Swords | 14 | Traditionally linked to air — thought, conflict, communication |
| Pentacles | 14 | Traditionally linked to earth — money, work, the material world |