The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

At the summit of the ice field, in a dimly lit landscape, a mysterious elder can be faintly seen from a glimmer of light. This old man standing on the high ridge is no ordinary elder. Although he is dressed in dim attire, his posture and the light in his hand reveal his extraordinary nature. It is from the lamp held by the old man that the light radiates, illuminating the entire night sky, which is devoid of any moon or stars.

The elder in the image stands alone, dressed in a gray robe that covers his head. This signifies a sense of isolation from the world, also deepening the sense of concealment and mystery. His aged face and the thick white beard reveal his age and the trials of time, yet also show his composure and certainty. His beard droops, covering his chest, representing the closure of speech and expression, hinting that this hermit is not very talkative and does not wish to widely publicize himself.

This hermit is an alchemist, possessing great power, adept at using advanced magic, and is of an older age. The Magician has missions, the alchemist is a scholar, a researcher. The Magician may have faults, but the alchemist is well-learned and knows no bounds. The Magician has the impulsiveness of youth, the hermit is not impulsive, having accumulated personal views and insights, possessing personal wisdom, with mystical experiences, peak experiences, capable of communicating with mysterious forces. As an alchemist, the goal is to study the principles of the mysterious and enter the world of the mysterious.

The ideals are broader and more fundamental, and the power exerted is formidable.

The hermit's talents are personal insights and experiences, more than being taught, and are self-cultivated. He has no affiliation with any organization or institution, unlike the Hierophant (without subordinates), without tasks from above (the High Priestess), and unlike the Magician, who serves the world. The hermit has talents that transcend the secular and mystical abilities, yet still has secular and practical power, which he does not use. All of this is hidden, making him the most secretive of all the cards.

This hermit holds a lamp in one hand and a staff in the other, standing alone on the mountaintop. His posture is stiff, holding a lamp, standing on the icy summit, in a cold world, too aloof, looking at the world from a high place where the cold is unbearable. The hermit's stiff posture, standing alone, as if seeing time, indicates his stubborn mindset, unwilling to change his stance, showing a calm and stable determination.

The hermit's right hand is raised high, holding a lamp, which is not an ordinary oil lamp, but one lit from the hermit's heart. The lamp represents the hermit's cultivation. The light inside the lamp is in the form of a six-pointed star. The six-pointed star is an esoteric symbol, representing the light of wisdom and hope. It is a combination of material and spiritual, yin and yang principles, and also the four elements that make up all things. The six-pointed star is a system of elemental combination, also representing all complete elements. In alchemy, it is the cultivation of gold, a result of cultivation. The six-pointed star represents the search for truth and also has a subtle wish to save the world.

And this lamp containing the light of stars is raised with the right hand parallel to the heart, also connected with the line of sight of the bowed head, which is equivalent to the starlight, heart, and brain being connected as one, the three being connected and circulating in place of each other. This lamp is actually equivalent to the hermit's avatar and soul, possessing the energy it imparts.

The staff supported by the hermit's left hand is actually a special staff used by ancient alchemists, capable of casting spells. This kind of staff can usually transform into a snake, or it can summon snakes. If we observe carefully, we will find that this hermit is actually standing on an independent, elevated stone slab, and the staff is also placed here, his power is enough to subdue everything in the world. The hermit can touch the ground with his staff, indicating that his ability is sufficient to control the practical side, to contact the reality, to probe the news. (Capable of handling worldly affairs with the staff) This can also be seen as a kind of language, representing silent transmission and communication. Although this staff is inconspicuous, it has vitality and magical power. Energy is born from the ground, guided and circulated upwards.

The hermit lowers his head and closes his eyes in deep thought, what is he worrying about? A hermit should have no worries, no secular duties to tie him down. However, the deep furrows of his brow reveal what he is concerned about, and why does he hold up a lamp in the wilderness at midnight? He is not worried about his own affairs, but is lamenting the ignorance of the world, worrying about the common people. This bright lamp is also a call, attracting the hearts of those with ambition, or the appreciation of wise monarchs and virtuous lords, or the pursuit of like-minded people. However, he does not wish to call through education or propaganda, he is no longer willing to express himself, too lazy to argue with the world, only passing on the mysterious and profound message with the lamp, becoming only a passerby for those who are predestined and those who are knowledgeable, creating a high-style aloof way, everything is implied in silence...

The hermit stands alone on the peak, surrounded by an ice field and frozen peaks. It is a dark night, the sky is very cold and desolate, symbolizing the inner state and the real environment, both are very bleak. This card has a lot in common with the Fool, in that the main character is standing on a cliff. The Fool is in a very happy state, the hermit is in a more melancholic state, but both are in a high position, in a peak experience, and may fall at the next moment.

The overall tone of the picture is dark, and the hermit standing on the frozen plateau is revealed in the hazy, overlooking the whole world from a high place, holding a lantern containing a lot of truth, which is a special light. He can attract those who are knowledgeable, guide the change of the world and the change of people's hearts. The overall composition is biased towards a direction, the back of the hermit is a blank background, the front he faces implies the direction he yearns for.

The Lantern

At the forefront of The Hermit card, the lantern represents guidance and enlightenment. The Hermit, in his wisdom, holds this lantern out to illuminate the darkness, showing the way for others. This symbol speaks to the idea of wisdom being a guiding light, offering clarity to those who seek it.

Star in the Lantern

Inside the lantern, a six-pointed star shines brightly. This star, often associated with the Seal of Solomon, represents the balance of opposites and the union of the spiritual and material worlds. It’s a symbol of inner wisdom and the spiritual guidance that The Hermit possesses and shares.

The Staff

The Hermit leans on a staff, often interpreted as the staff of authority or of the patriarchs. This staff symbolizes The Hermit’s power and strength, but not in a worldly sense. It is the strength derived from truth, wisdom, and experience. The staff also supports The Hermit in his journey, indicating that wisdom and truth provide support during solitary quests.

Snow-Capped Mountains

The backdrop of The Hermit card is a range of snow-capped mountains, representing challenges, obstacles, and also spiritual elevation. The Hermit stands at the peak, suggesting that after introspection and seeking inner truth, one can attain great spiritual heights. The snowy peaks also symbolize isolation and purity.

Cloak of Solitude

The Hermit is draped in a gray cloak, symbolizing invisibility, a sense of being unnoticed, and also neutrality. This cloak protects him from the external environment and distractions, allowing him to focus inward. It signifies The Hermit’s withdrawal from the outside world in pursuit of inner wisdom and understanding.

Keywords

Introspection, Solitude, Guidance, Wisdom, Inner Search, Contemplation, Enlightenment

General Overview

The Hermit card is a beacon of wisdom, shining light in the darkness of uncertainty. It suggests a time of introspection, contemplation, and searching deep within one’s soul for answers. This is not a journey undertaken with haste but with deliberate steps, seeking understanding and truth. The Hermit does not represent loneliness but rather a chosen solitude, a retreat from the noise of the everyday world to find the silence within.

This card often appears when one needs to take a step back from external distractions to connect with their inner self. The Hermit’s lantern represents the light of wisdom, illuminating the path for those who seek knowledge. The mountainous terrain signifies the sometimes challenging journey of introspection and self-discovery.

While The Hermit suggests withdrawal and introspection, it’s not about permanent isolation. Instead, it signifies a period of reflection, after which one emerges with greater clarity, wisdom, and understanding, ready to guide others or take the next steps on their life path.

Character

Personality of the Individual

A person who is very cautious and meticulous, with unique insights into matters, usually accustomed to working alone, and not fond of participating in group gatherings or activities.

Work Philosophy

Shows a mature attitude at work, but is not used to cooperating with others. When dealing with matters, they are particularly thoughtful and will strive to solve things perfectly.

Emotional Outlook

Maintains a bachelor's lifestyle, even giving off a vibe of evading emotions. In reality, they are emotionally mature but not yet ready to accept a relationship.

Financial Perspective

Believes that money is an external thing and does not particularly accumulate wealth, but maintaining their own life is not a problem. They have a special talent for investment and financial management.

How to Deal with the Individual

Such people prefer to be alone, so unless necessary, do not bother them; they are essentially non-harmful, and making friends relies on chance.

Representative Figures

Model students, wise elders, teachers, solitary dwellers, experienced individuals.

Work

Work Situation

You have reached the peak of your career, but with great height comes loneliness. It's time to start thinking about how to pass on your work experience.

How to Solve Work Difficulties

At this time, you should look at how predecessors solved problems, handle things cautiously, and even if there is a bit of stagnation, do not be afraid, as you can certainly complete this matter independently.

Workplace Relationships

The interactions among colleagues in this job are not high, mostly everyone does their own thing, so there's no need to especially manage interpersonal relationships, just take care of yourself.

How to Get Along with Your Boss

They are meticulous and responsible bosses, often meticulous in their work, so if things are not done carefully and up to standard, they will definitely be pointed out and redone.

Job Prospects

This job has reached its limit of development, and there will not be a better prospect in the future. If you are waiting for retirement, this would be a good place.

Job Hunting/Changing Jobs

It should be difficult to actively find a job now, and if there is one, it will be others coming to you, so spread the word that you need work, and then wait to see how things go.

Love

Love Situation

The development of the relationship has reached a bottleneck, and even if two people are together, they will still feel lonely. It might be time to rethink this relationship.

Possibility of New Romance

There is no opportunity for a new romance at the moment. Even if you are proactive, there will be no results. It's better to take the opportunity to enjoy your single life.

View on This Relationship

Familiar and accustomed to this relationship, but it lacks fresh excitement. If this relationship is not carefully maintained, it may collapse quickly.

Sexual Attraction

There is no sexual attraction in this relationship, and there is even a sense of evading sexual relationships. If one party is too eager for a sexual life, it will not be satisfied.

How to Resolve Arguments

At this time, you should reflect on yourself first, instead of blaming others. If you can't figure out what to do, you can also consult someone with rich experience in emotions.

Possibility of a Breakup

Avoiding each other is the best way to break up. As long as you hide and let the other party not find you, the breakup will naturally succeed, and other things are not necessary.

Possibility of Reconciliation

There is actually no affection between the two people, and reconciliation is completely impossible. You should quickly get used to living alone, which will make you happier.

Friendship

Interpersonal Situation

You are a bit of a loner, so you don't make many enemies, and you don't have many friends, but when others encounter problems, they often want to ask for your help.

How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends

Try to look at what happened with a tolerant heart, and you will find that it is not a serious matter. Just wait for him to come to you and explain the situation.

Family

Family Situation

The current situation at home is not bad, but everyone is doing their own thing, so there is less communication. Everyone should get together every once in a while.

Relationship with Elders

Actually, the elders take good care of you, but sometimes you may not understand their way of being good to you. As you grow older, you will gradually understand more and more.

Relationship with Peers

You have less interaction with your peers, but you are often seen as a role model. Your every move will become the focus of attention, and you can't escape even if you want to.

Relationship with Juniors

You are a master in the hearts of juniors. No matter what problems they encounter, you can help them solve them. But remember, actions speak louder than words, and be a good role model for them.

Academics

Academic Situation

There are no problems in learning, maybe you are a top student, and you are also loved by teachers, but sometimes you may feel less understood by other students.

Learning Methods

You can naturally see the core and principles of things, try to understand them in your own way, and you don't necessarily have to rely on the help of teachers, which may be more effective.

Relationship with Teachers

Basically, he is a knowledgeable teacher, so you can learn more from him in terms of knowledge. However, he also has higher requirements for students, and those who do not meet the standards will definitely be scolded.

Relationship with Classmates

Your relationship with classmates is relatively light, and you are a person who likes to be alone. This is helpful for your learning, so just make a few good friends.

Finance

Financial Situation

The financial situation is not something you are concerned about now, but it is still very stable. You should start making longer-term plans and not just focus on the present.

Investment Situation

If long-term investments have made a profit, it's time to take profits at this point. It has reached its peak, and continuing to hold will gradually reduce profits.

Purchasing Strategy

This is not a suitable time for purchasing. If you can wait, wait a bit. When purchasing, pay attention to the quality of the goods and carefully check the products you buy.

Keywords

Isolation, Loneliness, Withdrawal, Disconnection, Stubbornness, Ignored Advice

General Overview

When The Hermit appears in its reversed position, it warns against excessive isolation or a retreat from the world that is not born out of genuine introspection but rather from avoidance or fear. The solitude that in its upright position is purposeful and enlightening can, when inverted, become a prison of one’s own making. It can suggest a time when one is not heeding the wisdom available to them or refusing the guidance of others.

This card can also indicate that someone may be feeling lost without the guiding light that The Hermit usually provides. The introspection and guidance once sought might seem elusive, leading to feelings of confusion or aimlessness. It could also imply an over-reliance on others’ opinions, thereby losing one’s personal sense of direction or intuition.

Alternatively, The Hermit reversed can serve as a reminder that while introspection and solitude are vital, they must be balanced with connection and engagement with the external world. It’s a call to ensure that one’s retreat does not become a prolonged escape, avoiding necessary confrontations or responsibilities.

Character

Personality of the Individual

A person who is overly cautious, to the point of seeming timid, accustomed to hiding themselves, with a strong spirit of inquiry into certain matters, always seeking to get to the bottom of things.

Work Philosophy

Still in the process of learning at work, capable of doing things well according to the boss's instructions, but not daring to take responsibility for their own suggestions, often falling into their own thoughts.

Emotional Outlook

Too timid in love, unable to express their feelings, even if a good partner has appeared, they remain passive, with many conservative and outdated concepts.

Financial Perspective

Does not understand money well, so only saves money desperately, sometimes spends money recklessly due to lack of consideration, often not knowing how much money they have.

How to Deal with the Individual

Passive in making friends, so if you want to interact with them, you have to take the initiative, but they are timid, and too much action might scare them.

Representative Figures

Ascetic, monk, nun, conservative, timid person, self-deprecating individual.

Work

Work Situation

A situation where one must study hard and is still exploring, with no one to teach you how to do things, often feeling like they are fighting alone.

How to Solve Work Difficulties

At this time, one should delve into the situation of the problem, find the cause of the problem, and only then can the problem be solved. Relying on others will not succeed.

Workplace Relationships

Workplace relationships are not important in this job, just be careful not to offend anyone, and don't spend too much thought on other matters to avoid affecting work.

How to Get Along with Your Boss

Since the boss cannot take responsibility, they often find scapegoats among subordinates, so be cautious in dealing with them, and change course when the situation is not right.

Job Prospects

There is still some room for development in this job, but it will still be very hard. If you are not willing to endure, staying might be even more painful.

Job Hunting/Changing Jobs

It is possible to find a new job now, but the situation will not change much. If you feel like changing the environment, you can try a new one.

Love

Love Situation

The emotional situation is a bit unclear, and the current relationship is not very certain. If you don't find an opportunity to clarify, the two might drift apart.

Possibility of New Romance

There is no new love interest appearing now, and even if you have a new object, it is more of a one-sided love. You should gradually get used to living alone.

View on This Relationship

Maintain this relationship very cautiously, but feel that their own contributions are not valuable, thinking that the other party's performance is not mature, so it is hard to maintain.

Sexual Attraction

There is no sexual attraction in this relationship, and one or both parties may have a serious virgin complex, setting more restrictions on this relationship.

How to Resolve Arguments

Arguments are not as simple as they seem on the surface, and there are deeper reasons behind them. If you cannot find the real core of the problem, it is difficult to resolve this contradiction.

Possibility of a Breakup

The two have no feelings left, and either party can naturally break up by proposing it, and you can also tell the other party that you want to live alone.

Possibility of Reconciliation

There is no possibility of reconciliation in this relationship, even if both parties remain single. It is better to use the time to do something more meaningful.

Friendship

Interpersonal Situation

You are more passive in interpersonal relationships, so you don't have many friends. If you want to improve your interpersonal relationships, you need to change your overly timid habits.

How to Resolve Misunderstandings with Friends

There are actually no misunderstandings between you and your friends, and a lot of it is imagined by you. As long as you see the truth of the matter, you will know that there is no problem between you.

Family

Family Situation

Currently, the family lacks a certain stable key element, so everyone is a bit uneasy, and it is necessary to find this thing as soon as possible to stabilize everyone.

Relationship with Elders

You can understand the viewpoints and ideas of the elders, but you cannot completely agree with them. If there is good communication, the relationship should gradually improve.

Relationship with Peers

You are a more reclusive person among peers, and you don't like to be the center of attention. People tend to overlook your opinions, but you like it that way.

Relationship with Juniors

You are often too critical of juniors, so they will keep a certain guard against you. If you want to improve your relationship with them, you need to be more tolerant.

Academics

Academic Situation

You are not so clear about the direction of learning, and you may need to spend more time thinking about this issue. If you can think clearly, it should be very smooth.

Learning Methods

At this time, you should delve into the study, not just understand the surface knowledge, try to use more data to support your views, and you should gain a lot.

Relationship with Teachers

It is a teacher who does things by the book, and as long as you meet the standards and rules, you will be liked by him. If you want to cut corners, he will definitely point out the problems.

Relationship with Classmates

The relationship with classmates is not helpful for learning, and most of the time you have to rely on yourself to study. Even if others think you are a bit reclusive, it doesn't matter.

Finance

Financial Situation

The current financial situation is not very good, and you should be very careful to deal with it. If you are not careful, you may face a bankruptcy crisis, and you should handle the problem cautiously and conservatively.

Investment Situation

The next investment will inevitably face significant losses, so you should make a decisive decision to solve the problem. If you join new investments, this part will be a total loss.

Purchasing Strategy

At this time, it is only suitable for small-scale and high-quality purchases, and everything should be quality first. Be careful to check the goods you purchase to avoid substandard products with quality issues.