What does the Hermit Tarot Card mean?

9 Arcana the Hermit is a card of solitude and spiritual development. It symbolizes the time of abandoning everyday life and material values ​​and turning to your soul. To hear the voice of the Universe, you need to get distracted from everyday problems, stop momentary thoughts and listen. Inner silence, patience and harmony with the inner self will help you hear the answer.
9 Arcana Hermit Tarot Card is sometimes called “Diogenes with a lantern”. This name is associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes, who had an ascetic lifestyle and promoted the highest moral values. As you know, he loved to walk with fire during the day and look for a Man.
This Arcana is a sign of detachment from the bustle of life, victory over passions and a desire to comprehend the inner nature of the events taking place.

Depiction

The old man, dressed in a gray mantle with a hood, bowed his head over the road. He illuminates his path with a lantern in which a star is burning, which he holds in his right hand. He has a staff in his left hand.
(For a detailed depiction, analysis of the Symbols and all Elements of the Hermit Tarot Card, click here)

Meaning of the Card

It’s time to leave petty worries and entertainment that have become habitual. These interfere with thinking about the soul. Each person needs a period of solitude (“reclusion”) in order to finally understand himself.
For esotericists and people who care about their spiritual growth, the Hermit can mean a feeling of loneliness because his former comrades and loved ones ceased to understand him. He went ahead, and they remained where they were. Therefore, he can now communicate only with the same Hermits, but there are few of them, and there may not be any nearby at all. He can, of course, come back, and old friends will gladly accept him, but this is where his spiritual development will end. This card says that it’s better to go ahead, conquer the next peaks, and you will find new friends.
If Justice of the Tarot symbolizes Justice in its pure form, then the Hermit Tarot shows the search for truth in its pure form, unspoiled by ideology, preferences or needs. This is the time to reevaluate your life, connections and goals. Possible changes that will occur in life will be suggested by other cards in the spread.
Almost all religions contain legends about the travels of the spirit, about great teachers or prophets who went around the world in search of truth or God.
The Hermit Tarot teaches that the moment of your spiritual development is coming. At this time you must abandon the temptations and needs of civilization, “go into the desert” in search of your own soul and the meaning of existence, and find your God. Divine power will not be able to speak openly with you while you are distracted by the worries of everyday life. The search for truth must begin alone.
In many ways, this is a search for yourself. Not only a search for God, but the image suggests that you will receive divine inspiration in your searches, if they are honest.
The lantern symbolizes your own knowledge, which must be used to illuminate the path of quest. The staff can symbolize God, support in your quest and protection against enemies that you may meet on the way.
Inaccessible to the temptations of civilization and seeking only truth, the Tarot Hermit is an allegory of the experience of self-dedication.

Positive Aspects of the Card
Discretion, wisdom and the search for deep truth, patience and concentration on the inner world, calmness, rationality. Wisdom, meditation, time for reflection, reassessment of values, caution.

Negative Aspects of the Card
Loneliness and rejection, alienation and self-pity, escape from problems and isolation, self-flagellation and secrecy, self-absorption and deception, lack of strength, chronic illness, dullness, phobias.

The Main Meanings of the Card In an Upright Position

Key Words and Phrases

Contemplation. Meditation. Concentration. The need for psychological space. Contact with the Higher Reason. Quiet study. Discoveries in yourself. Removal from society. Responsibility for yourself. Patience. Discretion. Prudent thinking. Time spent alone. Rational planning. Seeking sensible advice. Liberation. Attention to detail. Inner mentor. Advice. Self-knowledge. Revaluation. Discoveries. Wisdom. Providence. Elderly age. Sanctuary. The process of searching for the deepest truth. Inner understanding. Reflection on the mysteries of life. Detachment from the daily routine. Search for mystical insight. The need for solitude and inner contemplation. Conspiracies for good. Patient waiting. Consonance with the spiritual dimensions of the Universe. Desire to bring knowledge to light. Attention to your own spiritual health. Redemption. Sounds of silence. The answers must be sought within oneself. I need space. The streams of consciousness of the Universe pass through me. Calmly. Patience is the main virtue.

The main meanings of the card in an upright position

The path of knowledge;
Inner Light;
New life lessons;
Spiritual guide;
Acceptance of the teachings;
Revision of previous views;
Liberation from other people’s opinions;
Loneliness, loneliness “together”, the ability to do without each other;
Prudence;
Detachment from the daily routine;
Sounds of silence;
Good time to learn something.

Situation and Advice

Now is the time to move away from the mundane and seek the truth alone. You need to reconnect with Source. I need to rest in silence to reflect on the current situation. Meditation, patient contemplation, and calm reasoning will bring you back to a state of peace and quiet. This is a time of patient waiting and switching attention to yourself. Sometimes good advice can help your quest for inner understanding. Set aside time to concentrate on your business. Be patient if you have to make a sensible decision. Most likely, the answer lies in yourself, but ask for advice from a wise and more experienced person if you are confused. Now is a good time to seriously research what interests you. Use advice from a trusted source.

Persons designated by Upright The Hermit Tarot Сard

Spiritual advisors. Wise people. Teachers or mentors. Guru. Hermits. Monks. Nuns. Aged people. Seekers of wisdom. Those who need to take a break and collect their thoughts in order to understand the situation. Those who know how to wait patiently. Those who are now in the preparatory stage of gaining spirituality. People who are in voluntary isolation. People who can give sound advice. Doctors. Healers.

The Main Meanings of the Card In a Reversed Position

Key Words and Phrases

Unnecessary isolation. Forced silence. Exile. Loneliness. Lack of contact with people. Foolish or overconfident. Detachment from other people. Rejected feelings. Self-absorption. Fear of intimacy. Concentration on the external aspect. Refusing good advice. Coarseness. Recklessness. Disrespect for wise advice. Feeling isolated. Bereavement. Negation. False pride. Lack of communication. Aloofness. Suspicion. Self-pity. Nervousness. Health concern. Complaints. Lamentations. Skepticism. Escape from problems. The tendency to sacrifice oneself. Confusion. Self-flagellation. The questioner is inexperienced in some matter. His own enemy. I’d rather do it myself. I’ll do it my own way. Nobody loves Me. I am a rock, I am an island.

Asocial people. Self-absorbed, ignorant or stupid people. Exiles. Lonely people. Irresponsible people. Those who refuse to see the truth. People who separate and isolate themselves from others. People who are too self-sufficient or alienated. Schizoid or paranoid personalities.

In the Spreads

Interpreting the Hermit in spreads is not always an easy task. The meaning of the Arcana can be ambiguous. It all depends on the position of the card, the question asked and the type of spread.

In an Upright Position:

This card is associated with loneliness and contemplation. At this time, the spiritual journey is very important in your life. Drawing this card from the deck means that soon you will probably meet someone who will become your spiritual guide, and will be able to show you new opportunities for growth and gaining a higher level of consciousness. In addition, this card indicates your willingness to accept the help that is offered to you. However, be patient, for the spiritual path is long and difficult and there are no quick answers or easy decisions. Use your discernment and intuition to move forward and trust in the light and wisdom of your inner guide.
The most average value of the Arcana 9 Tarot in most spreads is the need to be alone, think and look deep into yourself. Perhaps a reassessment of values ​​and a change in further life paths are required. This is a stop card, you shouldn’t rush. Give yourself time to let go of the problem or difficult situation. Along with spiritual cleansing, a solution can come. The Hermit Tarot tells us that loneliness is not always a bad thing. It often helps to understand oneself and brings healing.

In a Reversed Position:

You reject the guidance and good advice others offer. It seems that you have no desire to enrich yourself with new experiences. You are resisting too much or create obstacles for yourself in your path. Your pride and ego interfere with spiritual development.
The reversed Hermit Tarot is not such a bad card. Sometimes, on the contrary, it has a completely positive meaning.
In an inverted position, the Hermit says that light may have descended on you. You have found a teacher and there is no need for you to wander in the daytime with fire in search of a Man. It signals an independent achievement of a goal and an emotional connection with a spiritualized and very wise person. But it can also mean refusing to help, stubbornness, suspicion, continuing an unproductive lifestyle, and unnecessary secrecy and caution.
Most often, the 9th Senior Arcana means humility, obedience to circumstances, apathy. The questioner simply does nothing, and events develop by themselves. He prefers to close himself off from problems and escape reality. This is certainly bad, but sometimes such a position helps to better understand the situation before proceeding with a solution.
The second meaning is the search for one’s own self, the desire to discover talents, a possible change in activity, support from relatives or friends.
Which of the two meanings fell to you depends largely on the topic of the question.

In a Personal Spread

In a personal scenario, it indicates such qualities as prudence, the ability to control yourself and control your emotions, which allows you to actively influence the people around you and your future. If the “Hermit” is upside down or is surrounded by unfavorable Minor Arcana, this may indicate that you are too closed on your world and do not want to hear those who are trying to reach you.

In the Spreads for Different situation

In an Upright Position:
When asked about a specific situation, the Hermit Tarot card will tell you to stop and think. Show discretion and prudence, once again analyze all the details. If there is a problem, be patient, it may resolve itself. In any case, it will soon be clear in which direction to move on.
If the question was asked about joint plans or projects with someone, the Monk warns about their cancellation.
The situation is fragile and requires caution. Pay attention to the accompanying cards, they will tell you what to look for.

In a Reversed Position:
When divining a situation, an inverted Arcana indicates your desire to escape from responsibility and problems. You bury your head in the sand instead of taking matters into your own hands and solving the problem.
The situation is not the best. Do not listen to other people’s advice. They may be wrong. Beware of excessive haste and thoughtlessness of actions. However, it is also not worth it to unnecessarily delay your own decisions and actions. Keep moderation and prudence.

Please note that the second meaning of the card is typical for those who already have a legitimate family or a very long-term serious relationship. Otherwise, Arcana will signal coldness and cooling of feelings, which can lead to separation if nothing is done.
The Hermit indicates loneliness, isolation, restriction of communication with other people. This can be voluntary or forced parting with a partner or just misunderstanding. As a result, two people which are next to each other are still feeling lonely. The card calls to look into your own soul and admit to yourself what it really wants. What desires are suppressed, and what thoughts you have to hide from yourself or your partner. Or, perhaps, on the contrary – you hide from the thoughts and desires of your partner, and imperceptibly for yourself hid from him completely and therefore found yourself alone.

In a Reversed Position:
Inverted Arcana Hermit indicates the selfishness of one or both partners, lack of tolerance and unwillingness to seek compromises. Perhaps soon you or your chosen one will decide to take a break in the relationship or break up.
The card warns that feelings can be rejected. In a relationship, quarrels, conflicts, inability to concede to each other are possible.
In a relationship, the one who wants to be loved must first love himself. It is the feeling of true love for oneself and self-esteem in the fortuneteller (or whom they are fortunetelling to) that is not enough. If the question is “Will we be together?” the Tarot divination answers “no”.

In the Spreads for Dates

In an Upright Position:
No problem, only if you believe in yourself.
In a Reversed Position:
Are you deceiving yourself? Do you really want to continue this relationship?

In the Spreads for Family

In an Upright Position:
You are now a pillar of support for your family.
In a Reversed Position:
You have a tense atmosphere at home. Relations with relatives are strained. Find out why comfort has disappeared. Are you just using your family to release pent-up tension? If you are not aware of what exactly throws you off balance, then quarrels and frustrations will continue.

In the Spreads for Friendship

In an Upright Position:
Friends give you the hope and strength to do what seemed impossible.
In a Reversed Position:
Two friends give you two opposite aspirations. You can’t be everything to everyone, so it’s time to make a decision and establish yourself in one thing. You need to sort out the pressure from your peers and will have to deal with it in the near future.

In the Spreads for Money

In an Upright Position:
The card means wealth. You may not have it now, but one day you will become rich, and honor and glory will come along with wealth.
Finances don’t play an important role in your life. You are not chasing after wealth, but trying to enjoy your chosen job, perhaps leading a rather ascetic lifestyle. The income is rather average or below average, there is enough for food and the most necessary needs, but there is no extra money.
When Arcana 9 falls to a specific question about monetary transactions, the answer will be a possible financial limitation (delayed wages, non-payment, etc.).

In a Reversed Position:
Caring for money can prevent you from enjoying it. Remember that money is nothing more than metal and paper. Only the meaning you attach to them can create feelings of confidence or anxiety.
As in the upright position, the inverted 9 Major Arcana indicates limited finances. In addition, the card suggests that a person is currently unable to cope with financial problems due to their own limitations in views or lack of opportunities.

In the Spreads for Education

In an Upright Position:
Your focus and determination will be rewarded. Now is not the time to stop. Keep moving and the victory will be yours!

In a Reversed Position:
You have a tendency to spend class time chatting or daydreaming. Try to understand why you are doing this. Once you figure out the reason (maybe you don’t want to learn under the stick or are afraid that even trying will not help your progress), you can work on the specific issue and not spray your efforts.

In a Reversed Position:
When divining on you, the Hermit Tarot in the working sphere in an inverted position means dissatisfaction with the current activity. Perhaps you should look for a job that you like more and will bring moral pleasure. If you find it difficult to work in a team, it makes sense to try to start your own business.
If you do the spread not for yourself, but in general for the sphere of work, an inverted 9th Arcana that falls out may signal dishonest activities, fraud or deception on the part of any of the employees or colleagues.

In the Spreads for Health

In an Upright Position:
The Hermit Tarot in matters of health signals the need to take care of oneself. Most likely, you yourself are the source of ailments that appear due to depression, nervous disorders, stress. These are such disorders as hormonal cycle disruption, insomnia, eating disorder, lack of energy, etc.

In a Reversed Position:
The Hermit Tarot in an inverted position in matters of health means the same as in an upright position. It is necessary to put in order your nervous system and try to reduce the amount of stress in life, before this leads to more serious disturbances in the body.

In the Perspectives

You act in a serious and correct way. You clearly understand what is right for you. You will find your own path and walk it without hesitation.

Answer to Yes / No Tarot Spreads

In an Upright Position:
Yes, only if there are cards with positive polarity nearby.
In a Reversed Position:
Definitely not.

Combinations with other cards

Strengthening
The High Priestess: self-realization, self-deepening
Eight of Cups: search for depth
Four of swords: contemplation, appeasement
Seven of Swords: loneliness, solitude

Weakening
Nine of Cups: sensual pleasure
The World: participation in the life of the world
Two of Cups: networking, partnership
The Lovers: the emergence of connections and relationships, sexuality

Arcana’s warning

Don’t spend too much time alone. Too much self-digging doesn’t lead to anything good.

Self-Development Lesson

The spiritual path that leads us from the darkness of our ignorance to the light of knowledge is narrow and not devoid of difficulties. However, if you open your heart and mind to spiritual guidance, then when it is presented to you. You overcome the obstacles that appear in front of you and ultimately achieve your goal.

Psychological significance of the Arcana:

The time has come to reject petty problems and vanity, as they prevent you from concentrating on your own soul. And it is it that now requires close attention. Every person needs a period of withdrawal from everyday life and other people. Try to be a Hermit for some time, in order to finally understand yourself and your needs, reflect on your problems. This is necessary in order to learn to see yourself from the outside, to really assess the level of your development and to love yourself. Remember that he who does not love himself is unable to love anyone. Do not count as being wasted the time spent in inactivity, solitude and contemplation. Remember that the sword of the winner is forged alone. Calm analysis and reflection on your plans will allow you to avoid mistakes in further actions.

Final Advice of Arcana

The 9th Arcana tip is as follows: step aside from problems and troubles, stay alone, look deep into yourself. You need to harmonize your inner world. Remove emotions, try to understand the true state of affairs. You already know the answer to your question, you just need to hear yourself. When you act, take your time, be patient, this will help you in solving the problem.

In an Upright Position:
Don’t rush things. Everything will come in due time.
Be flexible, take into account changing circumstances, at the same time, do not delay making a decision for too long. Otherwise, delay will most negatively affect the affairs of the Questioner.

In a Reversed Position:
You should not be fenced off from the outside world in your tiny enclosed space. Life is much more interesting than you think!
Show stubbornness, disobey where you have to submit to someone else’s will. Look for like-minded people. Being alone is dangerous as there is a risk of becoming a bargaining chip in the hands of intriguers.

Conclusion

The Hermit is a card of detachment from the world, a path to oneself. This is a period of introversion, when we “close” from external influences in order to find peace and, most importantly, to find ourselves far from the hustle and bustle of people. Thus, the Hermit symbolizes important events that show us who we are, what we strive for and how to achieve it. It combines two poles: the deepest experience and the highest knowledge. Many are afraid of this card, but in vain. Only where these qualities of the Hermit are misunderstood does the fear of loneliness and abandonment arise. However, the one who is ready to follow the call of the Hermit does not lose himself, but finds, gaining clarity, strength and the ability to get along with himself.

Discover other Major Arcana: