The Hermit card represents solitude. The Hermit seeks to renounce external temptations to achieve inner peace and discover truth through meditation in silence. Through experience, the Hermit accumulates wisdom and becomes a sage with the ability to light the way for others.
Standing atop mountains, the Hermit searches for the stairway to heaven. Among all tarot cards, the Hermit card represents the eldest figure, whose accumulated wisdom and energy serve as guidance for the young.
The Hermit Card Key Information
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Number | 09 (9 is the last single digit and the largest, representing a turning point. It suggests that one must reach the peak before transformation, and after accumulating sufficient experience and wisdom, the Hermit becomes a guide and spiritual mentor) |
| Aliases | Hunchback, Old Man Time, Father Time |
| Element | Earth (signifying obstacles in the process, practical considerations, slow progress, persistence, patience, resilience, stubbornness, clear goals, and limited scope) |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo (symbolizing self-discipline, diligence, responsibility, reliability, and strictness; often one who can identify problems and solve them) |
| Greek Mythology Figure | Chronos |
| Kabbalah Path | 20 (connecting mercy and beauty; mercy’s power becomes beauty through the Hermit, while beauty’s power is elevated to divine love) |
| Supporting Cards | The High Priestess, Four of Cups, Four of Swords, Seven of Swords |
Personality Traits of The Hermit Card
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Self-confident | Speaks without filter |
| Highly rational | Rather vulgar |
| Very practical | Somewhat neurotic |
| Reserved | Sharp-tongued |
| Offers balanced advice | Acts irrationally at times |
| Persistent | Overly suspicious |
| Calm and collected | |
| Contemplative |
The Hermit Card Description
The Hermit is the ninth card. The number 9, the last and largest single digit, represents a critical threshold. It suggests that one must reach the peak before transformation, and after accumulating sufficient experience and wisdom, the Hermit becomes everyone’s guide and spiritual mentor.
The Hermit’s Appearance and Symbolism
In various tarot decks, the Hermit card is consistently depicted as an elderly man with a white beard, holding a staff in one hand and a lantern in the other. This solitary figure walks alone in darkness, having chosen seclusion due to dissatisfaction with his environment. Though his silhouette appears lonely and the background dim, his inner world is rich. The lantern he carries illuminates his path and guides others toward wisdom. Once he sets his goal, his wisdom and direction are unfailingly correct.
The Path of Inner Light
The Hermit can transform power into energy, manifesting as the light in his lantern, radiating wisdom. The Hermit has mastered worldly truths; while concealing his actions, he explores wisdom with his mind and seeks an enlightened path within.
The Hermit corresponds to Virgo in astrology – the perfectionist who pays attention to detail and acts with caution, perfectly reflecting the Hermit’s nature. The lesson that Virgo must learn is: learning how to be alone without feeling lonely – this is also the direction the Hermit constantly strives toward.
From a relationship perspective, the Hermit may symbolize the need for inner exploration, temporarily withdrawing from a relationship to decide what one wants and where to go. Drawing the Hermit card indicates a clearer understanding of your role in relationships. You become more aware of your position and the dynamics at play, recognizing your need for solitude to better face your inner needs.
Perhaps you’re taking more time than usual to distance yourself from the relationship, focusing more on self-reflection. It’s also possible that you’re helping your partner gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their life journey.
Wisdom Through Solitude
The Hermit is conservative. He never rushes to make judgments or decisions, always proceeding with caution and careful consideration. He has abandoned all forms of vanity, showing no interest in appearance or pursuing fame and fortune. He focuses entirely on the essence of things, thoroughly enjoying the inner peace that solitude brings. People regard him as a teacher, deeply respecting his silent demeanor.
The Hermit actively chooses solitude, not out of fear or social awkwardness, but because he sees it as a necessary condition for spiritual exploration. Think about it – how can one listen quietly in chaos? How can one understand others without first understanding oneself? The Hermit retreats from worldly clamor to explore within. Merely knowing about the world’s ways isn’t enough for him; he strives to understand and transform this knowledge into inner enlightenment.
After this period of introspection, when you’ve reached the peak of wisdom, you’ll be qualified to carry the lamp of truth and illuminate the path for others when you return to society. You’ll teach more than just book knowledge; you’ll become a spiritual guide. You’ll use your journey of seeking truth as an experience to caution and guide others, serving as a pathfinder who helps others through their growth process.
The Hermit Card Key Symbolic Elements
| Element | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Beard | Represents wisdom accumulated with age; shows abandonment of vanity |
| Hood | Symbolizes ability to keep thoughts private; represents letting go of original identity |
| Robe | Represents the Hermit’s humility; shows focus on inner qualities rather than appearance |
| Simple Shoes | Symbolizes the difficult journey; represents necessary sacrifices for enlightenment |
| Staff | Similar to a shepherd’s staff, symbolizing willingness to guide others. |
| Lantern | Symbolizes inner light illuminating the path; represents tireless pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment |
| Desert | Symbolizes the Hermit’s solitary retreat |
Notably, the staff is held in the left hand, suggesting enlightenment. The Hermit’s evolution from the Fool shows growth: the naive Fool uses the staff to carry belongings, the growing Magician learns to use the right-hand staff for channeling power, the brave Chariot holds the staff-turned-spear to protect… Finally, the mature Hermit becomes a wise elder who uses experience to guide others’ spiritual growth
The Hermit Card Upright Reading
- Capable of independent thinking and offering valuable advice
- Possesses deep knowledge and meaningful insights
- Calm, collected, and thorough in thinking
- Maintains vigilance of surroundings
- Solitude, being single, letting go of relationships, willing to exit a relationship, or keeping emotions private
- Needs more personal space
Love Life
- Secret admiration
- Pursuit of spiritual connection
- Long-lasting relationships
- Trustworthy partner
- Rational approach to love
In relationships, you’re a solitary wise soul. Romance might be challenging, not due to your inability to find partners, but because of your natural inclination toward solitude. You prefer spending time alone addressing your inner needs rather than dating. If you’re in a relationship, your partner is fortunate because you’re honest and genuine. Once you understand what you want from the relationship and where it’s heading, you’ll work toward growth together.
Wealth
Balanced income and spending management
Interpersonal Relationships
- Self-aware
- Courteous
- Trusted due to reserved nature
- Open to honest advice
Career
- Success through hard work
- Long-term planning
- Attention to detail
Travel & Entertainment
Planned outings and excursions
Education & Study
- Excellent analytical abilities
- Seeks stable work conditions
- Achieves accurate validation
- Diligent
- Rule-following
- Methodical
Health
Emotional balance; benefits from natural foods
Other Pursuits
Calligraphy, strategic games, journaling
The Hermit Card Reversed Reading
When reversed, the Hermit loses caution and maturity, reverting to childlike attitudes – enthusiastic about life but lacking planning and responsibility. Stubborn and unreceptive to advice, without life direction. At such times, you should pause to contemplate your path: where you’re going, why, what it means, and what you’ll gain. Don’t fear or choose comfort over growth. Trust that this temporary “solitude” will reward you lifelong.
- Stubborn, inflexible, unreceptive to advice
- Antisocial, poor communication in relationships
- Loss of caution, overly hasty
- Incorrect guidance
- Superficial romance, avoiding spiritual connections, hesitant about relationships
- Distanced from truth, inner restlessness
Love Life
- Conservative
- Suspicious
- Withdrawn
- Lonely
- Superficial relationships
- Harsh toward partner
- Lacking courage to express feelings
Wealth
Unnecessary spending, lack of moderation
Interpersonal Relationships
- Distrustful of others
- Mutual suspicion
- Plagued by insecurity
- Antisocial
- Prone to friendship conflicts
Career
Anxious, doubting, belittling others out of jealousy
Travel
Melancholic, solitude-seeking, escapist, self-destructive
Education
- Poor concentration leading to mistakes
- Unable to perform to full potential
- Low self-esteem
- Exam difficulties
Health
Neurotic tendencies, stress-induced digestive issues, poor complexion
Other
Narrow-minded, pursuing petty gains
Bottom Line
The Hermit card stands as a profound symbol of inner wisdom and spiritual growth in the Tarot deck. Like the wise sage who illuminates the path for others while maintaining his solitude, this card reminds us that sometimes we must step away from the world’s chaos to find our truth.
Whether upright or reversed, this card serves as a gentle reminder that personal growth often requires periods of solitude and that the light we find within ourselves during these times can ultimately guide others on their journeys of self-discovery.