The Hermit Tarot Card Meanings
Give yourself time for contemplation. Don't allow others to stand in your way.
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Universal Waite deck © U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
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What does The Hermit Tarot card mean?
Learn the meaning of The Hermit Tarot card in under a minute!
The Hermit Upright Meaning
When The Hermit appears upright, it's time to unplug from the noise and listen to the deeper voice within. Typically shown standing alone on a mountaintop, lantern in hand, this cloaked figure isn't lost -- they're looking. Not for quick answers, but for meaning, truth, and clarity that comes from lived experience.
This card speaks to introspection, solitude, and spiritual growth. It's about choosing quiet, because your soul has something important to say. Whether you're reevaluating your path or just need a reset, trust that this temporary retreat will lead to lasting insight.
The Hermit Reversed Meaning
When The Hermit shows up reversed, you might be too isolated. This can show up as withdrawing out of fear, ghosting your own emotions, or staying so deep in reflection that you forget to rejoin the world.
On the flip side, it can also signal that you've been dodging your inner work, filling your schedule, and sidestepping the uncomfortable stuff. This is all a way of avoiding the alone time you secretly need
The reversal asks, "Are you truly reflecting, or are you just spiraling? Are you healing, or hiding?" It's time to find the sweet spot between solitude and connection.
The Hermit Advice Position
Go within. Light the lantern. Ask the real questions. This is not the time for crowd-sourced clarity or performative productivity. The Hermit's wisdom comes from personal truth, not public opinion.
Whether you do a little journaling, start meditating, or just choose to reject the noise for a minute, carve out space to check in with your deeper self. Not every season is meant for visibility. Some are meant for integration.
The Hermit Love Position
In love, The Hermit calls for introspection, either within a relationship or within yourself. If you're partnered, one or both of you might need emotional space to reconnect with your individual paths. It's not a breakup vibe, but it is a "let's pause and check in with our deeper needs" kind of energy.
If you're single, this card may indicate a period of self-discovery before you're truly ready to open up. It's okay to be on a solo journey. In fact, it might be exactly what prepares you for the life you want.
The Hermit Career Position
In a career context, The Hermit asks you to reflect on your true goals. Are you climbing a ladder you actually want to be on? This card supports solo work, research, spiritual vocations, or any career moves that require a deeper kind of alignment.
It can also suggest a time to step back from external validation and get real about what drives you. Maybe it's time to revise the plan … or create one that's never existed before.
Trust the pause. It's part of the progress.
The Hermit in a Yes or No Card Reading
The Hermit is a card of solitude and wisdom. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive The Hermit, the answer is NO. Separate yourself from others' opinions for the time being.