Major Arcana · 9
The Hermit
隱士
Upright Meaning
The Hermit stands alone on a mountain peak, holding a lantern to light the way. He has withdrawn from the world not out of fear, but to seek deeper truth and understanding. This card represents a time for introspection, solitude, and turning inward for guidance. The Hermit suggests stepping back from the noise of daily life to listen to your inner wisdom. It may indicate a need for spiritual retreat, mentorship, or simply quiet time to reflect on your path. The answers you seek cannot be found in the external world—they exist within you, waiting to be discovered in silence.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Hermit may indicate excessive isolation, loneliness, or withdrawal from life. It can suggest avoiding necessary introspection, or conversely, isolating yourself to an unhealthy degree. You might be afraid of being alone with your thoughts, or you may have withdrawn so far that you have lost connection with others. The reversed Hermit asks: are you seeking solitude for growth, or hiding from life? Sometimes it indicates the end of a period of isolation—time to re-emerge and share what you have learned.
Love Meaning
In love readings, the Hermit suggests a time for reflection rather than action. It may indicate a period of being single by choice, taking time to understand what you truly want in a partner. For those in relationships, it can suggest needing space or time alone to process your feelings. The Hermit reminds you that understanding yourself is essential before you can truly connect with another. This is not necessarily a negative card for love—sometimes we need solitude to appreciate companionship more deeply.
Is The Hermit a Yes or No?
"The Hermit says MAYBE because it suggests taking time for introspection before making decisions."
NO
Relationship questions
MAYBE
Work & finance
NO
When card is inverted
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hermit stands alone on a mountain peak, holding a lantern to light the way. He has withdrawn from the world not out of fear, but to seek deeper truth and understanding. This card represents a time for introspection, solitude, and turning inward for guidance. The Hermit suggests stepping back from the noise of daily life to listen to your inner wisdom. It may indicate a need for spiritual retreat, mentorship, or simply quiet time to reflect on your path. The answers you seek cannot be found in the external world—they exist within you, waiting to be discovered in silence.
Popular The Hermit Combinations
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