When we come upon the Hermit in a Tarot spread, we know that we have, at last, reached the midpoint of the Major Arcana. The journey of the first half of life has reached an end. The Hermit indicates that our attentions must shift from the outside, external world to our inner selves. In many ways, this is the card of self-discovery. Some believe the Hermit indicates the beginning of spiritual enlightenment or the discovery of our spiritual selves.

In a Tarot card reading, the Hermit represents the search for answers, and he will feel dissatisfied until he has completed this process. This is often a shadowy path representing the unknown. It is a journey that requires solitude and trust. However, it is not all dark along the way, as the Hermit is guided by the light of his intuition.

The Hermit's correlating number is nine - the number of termination and endings. Nine has significant meaning due to the fact that it is the last single number in a sequence. This indicates the conclusion of a particular life cycle. After nine, we return to one, the number of individuality. A nine represents the end of a cycle and signifies the incorporation of all eight previous stages of development. Nine is the number of completion.

The path of the Hermit is one that requires courage and self-examination. His Tarot card meaning refers to the process of letting go of traditional principles and trusting the unknown in order to evolve. He must be willing to detach from the comforts and familiarity he has become used to in order to grow in a new direction. His journey is a lonely and uncertain one, as he examines the darker, more difficult aspects of himself with the ultimate goal of a deeper self understanding. The archetypal symbolism represented by the Hermit is the wise old man and teacher. He, at times, can appear in one’s dreams or in chance encounters. The Hermit is there to help point out meaning amongst chaos. He provides the clarity needed to strive ahead even though our internal state is plagued with fear and trepidation. He is the light of a higher awareness and a translator of the greater universal message.

One negative aspect of the Hermit is when he is unable to discard old ideas and remains fixed in dogmatic, inflexible beliefs. Consequently, he chooses ignorance and is unable to change. This will only further his isolation. He can be associated with loneliness and confusion. In a Tarot card reading, the negative characteristic of the Hermit may indicate that there is too much fear to embark on the spiritual journey.

Upright Hermit Tarot Card Meanings In A Tarot Reading

In its upright position, the Hermit suggests it is a time for withdrawal and privacy. The Hermit reminds us that we can find truth in our solitude and self-examination. Meditation and contemplation are needed to progress and connect with the quiet wisdom both within ourselves and of the universe. We find guidance through our connection to something greater than ourselves. Before proceeding into action, you must thoroughly consider your plans for self-discovery and your desired goals for personal growth. You may need to take things more slowly as you decide which path or strategy is the right one for you. This may be a very personal experience for you, so it is wise to keep your thoughts to yourself. Counseling might aid you in your search for self. In a Tarot reading, the Hermit indicates that you may get counsel or advice from a wise, more experienced mentor, so be open to expert help.

• Solitude

• Inner guidance

• Contemplation

• Seeking out the truth

Reversed Hermit Tarot Card Meanings In A Tarot Reading

In its reversed position, the Hermit warns that excessive isolation can be harmful. You may feel lost, lonely, and without purpose. Be careful of becoming so consumed with doing things your way that you have passed up good advice from a wise counsel. You can be your own worst enemy. Be wary of turning away from sound advice. You may be suspicious of help offered by others. The fear you are feeling is blocking you from discovering your path and benefiting from help that is offered along the way.

• Isolation

• Loneliness

• Feelings of Rejection

• Disregarding advice