Published 07/02/2023 • Updated 11/11/2025 by Joanne Jones

The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

Written by Joanne Jones – Tarot Expert, Trusted Psychics

When the Hermit tarot card appears in a reading, are you curious what message it’s trying to share? This powerful tarot card encourages calmness, reflection, and truth from within.

The Hermit is the ninth tarot card in the Major Arcana, and it represents soul-searching, truth, and quiet introspection.

In most tarot decks, you will see a solitary old wise figure carrying a lantern and a staff as he stands on a mountain top.

The Hermit tarot card meaning can be explained by each of the symbols in the image as follows:

• The Lantern: illuminates the way forward toward truth and spiritual enlightenment.
• The Staff: represents support and wisdom.
• The Mountain: signifies strength, self-discovery, and clarity.

When The Hermit appears in a tarot reading, it often suggests a time for introspection and allowing yourself time to think about your situation.

Many people see this card as a warning, but it really should not be interpreted in such a way. It’s a gentle reminder to hold back and a time for reflection.

When life around you is hectic and often overwhelming, the Hermit reminds you that you should seek peace from within.

📞 Call a Trusted Psychic now, our gifted tarot readers are available 24/7 to guide you with compassion and insight.

The Hermit Upright Meaning

Inner Reflection and Guidance

When the Hermit is drawn upright in a tarot reading, it indicates stillness, wisdom, and intuition from your higher self.

• Inner Reflection

You might have been reaching out for answers from the outside world, hoping to find answers to “what should I do?” The Hermit upright meaning in tarot reminds you to search within, as you already have all the answers.

• Trust Your Intuition

The Hermit is all about inner guidance and trust in your own intuition. You could be at a crossroads in life right now, feeling like you need to find personal truth, calm, or direction.

• Stepping Away to See Clearly

Sometimes we need to step back to see the truth. The Hermit upright meaning may be reminding you that you need to find peace and recharge your batteries, away from stress. This may mean taking a vacation to find time to be alone and enjoy quiet reflection time.

• Spiritual Growth

The Hermit tarot card, meaning when upright, indicates there is a need to find solace and personal growth on your spiritual journey. When you connect with your Higher Self, you can return to the world refreshed and re-centred.

📞 Want to know what The Hermit means for you? Book a reading with one of our caring tarot readers at Trusted Psychics.

The Hermit Reversed Meaning

When Loneliness Replaces Solitude

• Isolation and Withdrawal

When in the reverse position, this card may indicate that spending time alone has become isolating and lonely. It may be that you are experiencing feelings of loneliness that are becoming all-consuming. A simple act of reconnecting, like making small talk or taking a brief stroll outside, can serve as a gentle reminder that the world is still there, ready for you to reconnect. ‎

• Avoiding Self-Reflection

The Hermit reversed meaning in a tarot reading may indicate that you’re avoiding something deep within. Maybe you’re keeping busy to dodge certain thoughts or emotions that need to be faced.

• Feeling Lost or Disconnected

Instead of pushing harder to figure things out, explore ways to find comfort in the small things you do every day, such as daily meditation, writing a journal or being alone in nature.

• Needing to Rejoin the World

Reversed interpretation of The Hermit might occasionally be a call to emerge from your shell. It's time to put your thoughts into action; you've done enough thinking. To make life move again, let people back in and open up.

📞 Need some assistance to re-centre your energy? Our expert tarot readers are here for you 24/7 at Trusted-Psychics.co.uk.

The Hermit Tarot Love Meaning

Space, Reflection, and Connection

Love is complicated at the best of times, and the Hermit card may appear when you or your partner needs space to process things and gain clarity. This card does not foretell a breakup or a painful ending; it is an invitation for both of you to be more understanding, patient, and honest with each other.

• Upright – Space for Understanding

In the context of a love reading, the Hermit reversed card meaning invites you to stop, take a step back, and reflect on what’s going on. Perhaps you or your partner needs to slow down and check in with yourself about what you both truly want. This may feel like rejection, but it’s not; the Hermit card signals a moment of self-care.

If you’re single and the Hermit card appears in your love reading, you might need to connect with yourself before venturing into a new relationship. Pause and reflect on what you need and what you value in life. Self-knowledge will empower you to create a healthy relationship when the time is right.

• Reversed – Emotional Distance

The Hermit reversed meaning in a love reading can indicate that you have become emotionally distant, there may be a lack of communication, or one person may be withdrawing from the other. 

Emotional distance can be created when one or both of you withdraw or are unable to express your needs and emotions.

If you’re single and the Hermit card in the reversed position is appearing in your love reading, it can indicate that you might be afraid of vulnerability and of opening your heart.

“Search data from Trusted Psychics 2024 shows that there has been an increase of 26% from customers searching for The Hermit Love Tarot Meaning, which runs parallel with the overall increase in Tarot Card Readings throughout 2024.”

What the Hermit Symbolises in Career, Finances, and Life Path

The Hermit Career Meaning in Tarot

Career, Money, and Life Path are all equally important parts of any reading, showing the need for self-reflection before you make any further moves.

The Hermit card asks you to stop and take a step back to assess your situation. It is important to make sure you take the right actions to stay on course and not just do what others want you to do.

• Career – Finding Direction

The Hermit shows up in your career tarot reading in a positive way most of the time, indicating you are trying to find more meaning in what you do.

It could mean that you are working a lot and never stop to smell the roses, or it could be that you are just a little bit lost and not sure if you are on the right path. You may be wondering if you need to even think about a career change.

The Hermit Tarot Finance Meaning

When you see The Hermit in a finance reading, it all comes down to being more mindful about your financial choices. Care should be taken when investing money or making purchases.

• Take a Break From Spending

The Hermit suggests you take a break from spending, avoid impulse buying, and consider your financial situation.

• Plan and Budget Carefully

He points to a need to save for the future to gain financial stability, rather than a focus on short-term profit.

• Turn to Your Intuition

The key to abundance is in wise choices and reflection on your personal financial goals for the future. It can also be a sign that you’re re-evaluating your priorities in life. You could be coming to terms with the fact that inner peace is worth much more than material wealth and money. 

📞 Are you uncertain about your next move? Talk to our expert tarot readers today for clarity on your career or life path.

The Hidden Symbolism of the Hermit Tarot Card

The Hermit is the tenth card in the Major Arcana; its spiritual symbolism represents our search for deeper understanding, hidden truths and seeking guidance from within.

• The Lantern

The inner wisdom is represented by the light held in the hand of the Hermit. The story illustrates how following your own truth, even in the midst of darkness, will keep you moving forward a little bit more.

• The Cloak

For the time being, he is both hiding and taking refuge with his cloak. Thought-provoking, reminding us that most personal development takes place in silence, without any distractions or busy noise.

• The Mountain

The climbing of the Mountain is symbolic that self-discovery is at hand. Persevering and doing self-reflection is what it takes to make it up there, but it’s well worth it.

Why the Hermit Keeps Appearing in Your Readings

There will be a reason why the Hermit tarot card keeps appearing time after time in your tarot readings. When a single tarot card repeatedly appears, it’s our higher self (or the universe) urgently waving a neon sign in our face. 

So, if The Hermit keeps coming up in your readings, here’s what it might mean:

• 1. You Need Time Alone

Life can be non-stop busy and stressful at the same time. We run around constantly, from one place to another, running errands, going from one activity to the next without any pause.

The Hermit appearing in your readings is your inner voice telling you that you need peace and quiet in your life to focus on your own mental well-being.

Turn off your phone, put a pot of tea on, and sit quietly with your thoughts. You’ll be amazed at how revitalised you’ll feel when you’re finally able to be alone with yourself for a while.

• 2. You’re Looking for Answers

Have you noticed yourself growing more intuitive, quiet, and reflective lately? Have you developed a meditation practice or made journaling a daily ritual? If so, that’s why the Hermit keeps appearing.

Your higher self is trying to let you know this spiritual awakening is no accident; you are actually becoming more enlightened, right before your eyes. Appreciate this time and space as a sacred part of your soul’s journey.

• 3. You’re on a Spiritual Awakening

Have you noticed yourself growing more intuitive, quiet, and reflective lately? Have you developed a meditation practice or made journaling a daily ritual?

Your higher self is trying to let you know this spiritual awakening is no accident; you are becoming more enlightened, right before your eyes. Appreciate this time and space as a sacred part of your soul’s journey.

Is the Hermit Tarot Card a Yes or No Card?

• 1. ‎ Usually, If “Maybe”

Is the Hermit a yes or no card? It’s not just a simple yes/no. Typically, it denotes "not yet." If you consider things for a while, you will eventually get an answer.

• 2. Yes – If You’re Looking for Self-Honesty

The Hermit leans toward "yes" when it comes to questions of self-awareness, personal growth, or ‎healing. It’s designed to push you towards choices that increase your self-awareness.

• 3. ‎ No – If You’re Making a Decision, Forcing a Conclusion

If you’re feeling like you need a definitive answer to a question and you want The Hermit to come down on one side or the other, The Hermit will gently decline your request.

This is a sign to slow down and stop trying to force the universe to move in a certain direction. Not all doors are meant to open right now – this may be a time to step back and let life flow as it will, trusting that the right time and place for everything will become clear.

• 4. ‎ Wait for Clarity

In some cases, the Hermit’s actual answer may simply be “wait.” When you’ve given yourself time to breathe, think, and consult with your intuition, you will arrive at an answer, and this card indicates it will be the right one.

📞 Need more clarity? Our experienced tarot specialists are here to help you reveal what The Hermit has to say to you. Connect today with one of our gifted psychics.

The Hermit’s Message for Spiritual Growth

The Hermit Tarot card is one of the most significant cards in terms of spirituality.

It can teach you how to navigate your spiritual path in life.

Here are 4 aspects of The Hermit’s spiritual message you should know and follow:

• 1. Search Within Yourself for the Answers

The Hermit is shown as holding a lantern that lights his path.

This is to represent your inner light, your inner wisdom.

You should try to find the answers from within instead of looking for validation or approval from outside sources.

The knowledge is always already present in your heart.

• 2. Embrace Solitude

Loneliness is a bad state of mind, but being alone is a wonderful thing.

You should learn to be comfortable in your own company.

If you meditate on a regular basis, take a break from everything so your inner self can speak to you.

• 3. Be Patient With the Journey

You will reach your spiritual goals, but only with time and consistency.

You need to be in the right state of mind; otherwise, you will not see results.

The Hermit reminds you to trust in divine timing and to go with the flow.

The stillness, the breaks, and the deep breaths are all a part of your spiritual evolution and transformation.

You are in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.

• 4. Share Your Knowledge With Others

Once you have gained the clarity and inner peace you were searching for, you should spread the word.

The Hermit is shown carrying the lamp for others to follow.

In the same way, you can inspire, encourage, comfort, and enlighten the souls of those around you and those in your life.

In doing so, your own light will become even greater.

Spiritual insight tip: Keep a nightly reflection journal practice.

📞 Get in touch today with a live tarot specialist and get a personalised Hermit tarot reading.

Common Myths About the Hermit Tarot Card

The Hermit is often misunderstood because he appears serious and solitary. However, there is nothing negative about the Hermit Tarot Card Meaning. The Hermit is one of the most positive cards in the entire tarot deck – you just need to look behind the image of a lone figure with a lantern to see his true message.

• ❌ The Hermit Means You’ll Be Alone Forever

This is the single biggest misconception about the Hermit card. He doesn’t predict a lifetime of loneliness and isolation; he signals the need for healthy solitude. The Hermit appears when you need space in your life to think, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.

The Hermit card is not saying “you’ll always be alone.”

It’s saying, “You deserve time to yourself to understand what truly matters.” When you give yourself that space, relationships often improve afterwards, because you are coming back to them with clearer energy and purpose.

• ❌ It’s a Negative or Sad Card

The Hermit may look sad at first glance, simply because he is standing in the darkness, far away from the world. However, this is not a card of sadness, heaviness, or lack of light. The Hermit is the opposite of that.

If anything, this is a card of strength, wisdom, and inner light. When the world is fast, crazy, and overwhelming, the Hermit appears as a calm and peaceful guide. He reminds you it’s okay to slow down and find your balance again.

• ❌ It Only Appears When Something’s Wrong

The Hermit can appear in both happy and unhappy situations. When you are moving in a positive direction, the Hermit can appear to ask you to reflect on what you have already achieved.

When you are moving in a positive direction, the Hermit can appear to ask you to reflect on what you have already achieved. He might even ask, “What's next?” and help you look for areas to continue growing and learning.

• ❌ The Hermit Has No Relevance in Modern Life

People often only see the image of a medieval image, an old man with a lantern. But the Hermit’s message is more relevant than ever today. In a world where we are constantly plugged into devices, comparing ourselves and competing for attention, The Hermit offers a much-needed breath of fresh air.

The Hermit helps us to remember stillness and balance in a world that rarely stops for a moment.

FAQs About the Hermit Tarot Card

Common Questions About the Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

What Does the Hermit Tarot Card Mean?

The Hermit represents reflection, wisdom, and the search for inner truth. It appears when life feels too loud and busy, and you need a moment to pause and listen to your own inner guidance.

The Hermit is saying, “Slow down and pay attention.” When you see it in a tarot reading, it’s a strong message to be more self-aware, patient, and spiritual in your approach.

Is the Hermit Associated With Virgo?

Yes. The Hermit is associated with the zodiac sign Virgo, the sign of wisdom, self-reflection, and analytical thought. As with Virgo, the Hermit values order and routine, introspection, and uncovering truth through silence and observation.

Is the Hermit a Positive Card?

Yes, the Hermit is a very positive card. Despite its calm, somewhat solitary appearance, it is deeply encouraging. The Hermit brings guidance, peace, and emotional clarity to any tarot reading. It’s a message that answers and healing come through calm, quiet reflection, not chaos or noise.

What Does the Hermit Mean in Love?

In a love tarot reading, the Hermit often has an emotional, relationship-reflection meaning. If you’re in a relationship, it can mean that both or one of you may need a little time to think, re-centre and reconnect on a deeper level.

If you’re single, it’s a message to get really clear on who you are before you let someone new in.

Why Do I Keep Drawing the Hermit?

If you keep drawing The Hermit, it’s not a coincidence. Your higher self, or unconscious mind, is sending you a strong message: slow down, reflect, and listen to your intuition.

The Universe is encouraging you to be quiet, still, and turn inwards for answers. Stop asking for help from others and trust yourself instead.

Real Customer Reviews: Trusted Psychics

Thousands of people across the UK have turned to our experienced team of tarot readers for guidance, calm, and renewed confidence, just like you. In this post, we’ll let you know what they have to say about their own personal experiences of working with our team of Trusted Psychics.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Eye-Opening”

“I booked a tarot reading with Joanne as I kept drawing The Hermit and just couldn’t work out what it meant. She explained it to me in a new way, and suddenly it all made sense. She said my time alone was a healing period, not a punishment.

— Sarah M., Manchester.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Spot on and calming”

“I called one of our readers about a tricky relationship issue, and The Hermit showed up right away, upright. My reader was Joanne, who said, ‘It means take a little time out, not break up. ’ She was absolutely right, and the decision to take a step back has been a blessing. My relationship is going great now, I would say that was spot on.”

— Daniel P., London.

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