The Hermit

The Hermit

Basic Meaning of The Hermit (Rider-Waite)

The Hermit is the ninth card in the Major Arcana of the Tarot and symbolizes introspection, wisdom, and the search for truth. The card’s image shows an older man dressed in a cloak, with a lantern lighting his way, which represents his inner light and knowledge.

Upright Meaning

When The Hermit appears upright in a Tarot reading, it means it is time for introspection and to look within yourself for answers. It is a time to withdraw from the world, reflect on life’s experiences, and find your inner wisdom and truth.

Reversed Meaning

If The Hermit is reversed in a reading, it can mean that you have isolated yourself too much or that you are ignoring your inner light. It can also indicate that you are unwilling to take advice from others or that you are stuck in old patterns and need to break free to find new perspectives.

Example Interpretation

If The Hermit appears in a reading alongside The Tower and The Star, it could be interpreted as a major upheaval or transformation (The Tower) leading to a period of introspection and self-reflection (The Hermit), which in turn will lead to recovery, renewal, and new hope (The Star).

Psychological Interpretation

Archetypal Meanings

The Hermit is a powerful archetype that represents a journey of self-discovery and introspection. This figure is often depicted as a wise old man, alone in the wilderness, holding a lantern to guide his way. He symbolizes the search for inner truth and wisdom, and the willingness to withdraw from the external world in order to find it.

As an archetype, The Hermit also embodies the idea of solitude and introspection as a necessary and valuable part of the human experience. Just as the hermit retreats from society to gain insight and understanding, we too must take time to be alone and reflect on our own thoughts and emotions.

Behavioral Patterns

When The Hermit appears in a tarot reading, it may indicate a need for solitude and introspection. This could manifest as a desire to withdraw from social interactions or a feeling of isolation from others. It may also suggest a period of self-reflection and a search for inner wisdom and truth.

On the other hand, The Hermit may also indicate a tendency towards introversion and a preference for being alone. This could be a positive trait, as it allows for deep contemplation and self-discovery, but it can also lead to isolation and detachment from others.

Integration and Shadow Work

Working with the energies of The Hermit card can be a powerful tool for psychological growth and self-awareness. It encourages us to take a step back from the external world and focus on our inner selves. This can help us gain clarity and understanding about our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

However, The Hermit can also bring up feelings of loneliness and isolation, which may be uncomfortable for some. In order to integrate the energies of this card, it is important to be open and honest with ourselves about our feelings and thoughts. It may also be helpful to seek support from a therapist or trusted friend during this introspective journey.

Additionally, The Hermit card may also represent the shadow side of the self. This could manifest as a fear of being alone, a tendency towards isolation and detachment, or a resistance to facing our inner truths. By acknowledging and working through these shadow aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and move towards greater personal growth and integration.


More Tarot Cards In "Major Arcana"

Strength

Strength is a tarot card that symbolizes self-control, strength and courage. It also represents the ability to overcome obstacles and to handle adversity. It is a sign that the person has the necessary strength and power to achieve their goals.

Strength

Temperance

The Tarot card Temperance symbolizes balance and harmony. It depicts an angel holding two vessels, one vessel of water and one vessel of wine, and mixing the two to create a perfect balance between the two. The card also symbolizes that one must find a good balance between different aspects of their life in order to achieve happiness and satisfaction.

Temperance

The Chariot

The Chariot tarot card symbolizes a journey or a quest that is facing a person. It stands for power, victory and success that can be achieved by balancing opposing forces and finding a way to unite them to create unity. It also represents the will to take control of one's own life and to realize one's dreams.

The Chariot

The Devil

The Devil tarot card symbolizes feelings of being trapped in a destructive pattern or situation. The card also symbolizes a call to take responsibility for one's actions and overcome limiting behaviors. It can also indicate that one should avoid allowing oneself to get caught in traps created by others.

The Devil

The Emperor

The Emperor is a tarot card that symbolizes authority and leadership. It stands for control, structure, and regulation. It also represents a fatherly figure who has the necessary experience and knowledge to lead others. It can also mean that one should be responsible, enterprising, and have a will to take control of their actions.

The Emperor

The Empress

The Tarot card The Empress symbolizes creation, possibilities, and refinement. It also represents female strength and courage, parenting and creativity. It stands for an abundance of energy, kindness and goodwill. It also strengthens the ability to create new situations and to fulfill dreams.

The Empress

The Fool

The Fool is a tarot card that symbolizes a new beginning, an adventure and unknown potential. It also represents a person who is willing to take risks and trust their intuition. It is a card that advocates for change, growth and new opportunities.

The Fool

The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man tarot card symbolizes a moment of stillness and surrender. It depicts a person hanging upside down from a tree branch, indicating that one must let go of control and allow things to happen. It can also mean that one must take a step back and look at the situation from a different perspective.

The Hanged Man

The Hierophant

The Hierophant tarot card symbolizes traditional teaching and religious instruction. It also represents a mentor who helps guide us to a better life. It can also represent a role model that we can look up to and learn from. The card stands for the transfer of knowledge, guidance, power, and authority.

The Hierophant

The High Priestess

The High Priestess tarot card symbolizes intuition, mystery and spirituality. It also represents the ability to seek out deeper meaning and knowledge. It symbolizes knowledge, secrets and the possibility of finding answers within oneself. It is a sign to trust one's intuition and follow it to find the right path.

The High Priestess

The Lovers

The Tarot card The Lovers symbolizes love, determination, and choice. It represents a powerful moment of infatuation and emotional closeness between two people who are facing an important decision. It reminds us that we all have the power to choose our own happiness.

The Lovers

The Magician

The Magician tarot card symbolizes the ability to transform and create something new. It stands for creativity, intuition and power. It also represents a person who has the ability to handle different elements to create something new. The card stands for the rebirth of ideas, solutions and changes.

The Magician

The Moon

The Moon tarot card symbolizes mystery, intuition, and dreams. It depicts a moon illuminating a forest-like landscape, with two dogs standing along the path and a turtle shell floating in the water. It represents uncertainty and that we may not always be able to see the whole picture. It can also warn of dangers that may be lurking in the darkness. It can mean it is time to listen to your intuition and follow your dreams.

The Moon

The Star

The Tarot card The Star symbolizes hope, optimism and renewal. It represents comfort and support after a difficult period, and encourages us to follow our dreams and never give up. It is a sign that we are protected on our journey and that we can trust that the way forward is bright.

The Star

The Sun

The Tarot card The Sun symbolizes the light, joy, and hope. It represents love, harmony, and success. It stands for enlightenment and positive energy and means that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It can also mean that you have reached a stage of personal growth where you are ready to take new steps.

The Sun

The Tower

The Tarot card The Tower often symbolizes a feeling of chaos and change which can be very frightening. It is a sign that there are big changes coming that will shake up our lives and make us look at things from a different perspective. It can also be a sign that we must leave behind what is familiar and comfortable to make room for new possibilities.

The Tower

The World

The Tarot card The World symbolizes the end of a cycle and is a sign of perfection, balance and realization. It represents feelings of joy, fulfillment and an emotional goal that has been achieved. It also symbolizes a new beginning and is a sign that one has overcome all obstacles and is ready to start anew.

The World

Wheel of Fortune

The Tarot card Wheel of Fortune often symbolizes a fate that follows a cycle of fortune and chance. It typically depicts a wheel-shaped circle with a number of symbols representing different aspects of life. The card can represent the constant change that occurs in life, that everything is ephemeral and that nothing is permanent. Wheel of Fortune can also symbolize the power to create one's own luck and to take responsibility for one's actions.

Wheel of Fortune

Death

The Tarot card Death symbolizes a change or a new beginning. It stands for transformation and renewal, and is a sign that it is time to let go of the old and welcome the new. It can also mean that it is time to leave old habits and patterns behind and create new ones.

Death

Judgment

The Tarot card of Judgment symbolizes a moment of awakening and renewal. It represents a moment of insight and understanding that leads to new levels of liberation and transformation. It is a sign that it is time to let go of the past and take the steps needed to move forward towards a new beginning.

Judgment

Justice

The Tarot card Justice symbolizes justice, balance and order. It represents the distribution of justice and the consequences of our actions. It can also symbolize that one must take responsibility for one's own life and stand by their actions and face the consequences.

Justice