Learn the Tarot: The Hermit Meaning
Learn the Major Arcana with That Oracle Guy Patrick. Together we’ll dive into the meanings, symbolism, and history behind each card — with affirmations, journaling prompts, and theme songs to help ground the lessons into your daily life. The Wisdom of the Major Arcana is yours to claim.
#9 The Hermit, Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck
Meeting The Hermit:
As The Fool ascends a lonely mountain path, the air grows still. The chatter of the world fades away — replaced by the swirling wind and crunch of his footsteps in the snow. He has wandered very far to get here: chasing dreams, learning from lovers and warriors. But now something calls him into the silence.
At the summit, he sees a lone figure—a man wrapped in a gray cloak, holding a lantern that casts a golden glow against the snow. The Fool hesitates. This figure is unlike all the others.
The Hermit does not speak at first. Instead, he studies the Fool with eyes that seem to see beyond flesh, beyond time. Then, in a voice both gentle and firm, he says,
“You have come seeking answers, but are you ready to listen?”
The Fool shifts uncomfortably.
“I’ve learned so much, met so many people, but I still feel… lost. I thought I would find meaning in movement, in experiences. But something is missing.”
The Hermit nods, turning his lantern slightly. Its glow is faint, yet steady.
“The light you seek is not in the world outside. It has been with you all along. You must stop running long enough to see it,” he says.
The Fool frowns. He is used to action, to momentum. The idea of stopping—to simply be—unsettles him.
“But… what if I don’t like what I find?” The Fool responds.
The Hermit smiles.
“Then you will know what still needs healing.”
Silence stretches between them, filled only by the wind’s whisper. The Fool, for the first time in his journey, does not rush forward. He does not demand answers. Instead, he closes his eyes and listens—to the wind, to the mountain, to the quiet echo of his own heartbeat.
And for the first time, he begins to hear himself.
The Hermit watches, his lantern unwavering. The Fool is beginning to understand. The greatest journey is not measured in miles, but in the depth of one's own self-discovery.
As the Fool opens his eyes, something has shifted within him. He thanks the Hermit and turns back down the mountain, the light of the lantern lingering in his mind.
He knows now: wisdom is not something found. It is something remembered.
Keywords for The Hermit:
Solitude
Introspection
Wisdom
Guidance
Self-Discovery
Inner Light
Retreat
Spiritual Seeking
Associations:
The Element: Air
The Planet: Mercury (knowledge, wisdom, teaching, introspection, inner dialogue, higher learning).
Zodiac: Virgo
Card Symbolism:
The Lantern: Represents wisdom and enlightenment. The light inside is the Seal of Solomon, symbolizing spiritual insight and higher consciousness.
The Staff: A symbol of authority, experience, and stability. It represents the support that inner wisdom provides on our journey.
The Cloak: The Hermit’s cloak is gray, symbolizing neutrality, wisdom, and secrecy. It shows that true knowledge often remains hidden from those who are not seeking it.
The Snowy Mountain: The solitary mountain represents spiritual achievement, isolation, and higher understanding—a place that few can reach without dedication.
The Hermit’s Gaze: He looks downward, showing that his wisdom is directed inward rather than outward. It represents deep contemplation and the idea that truth is found within.
The Dark Background: The Hermit is often surrounded by darkness, symbolizing the unknown, the mysteries of the self, and the void of deep reflection.
The Roman Numeral 9 (IX): Symbolizes completion, fulfillment, and spiritual wisdom. It is often associated with endings that bring a new level of awareness.
Upright Meaning:
When The Hermit appears in a tarot reading, it’s time for some sincere self-reflection.
We’re all busy people, living our busy lives, being productive in society. And occasionally that gets the best of us. When was the last time you postponed your responsibilities and slowed down enough to ask yourself: How am I doing, really?
We can all benefit from these moments of stillness. Check in with yourself, with your processes, with your patterns of behavior. Who are you? What are you seeking? What are your current priorities in life? Are you busying yourself too much? Is there something you’re currently avoiding?
You know you better than anyone — but when was the last time you had a one-on-one conversation with yourself? Quietly. In stillness. Maybe meditating, or journaling. Do that right now — for a day or two. The world will keep on going, there will be plenty of time to “be productive” after your hermit retreat. But for now, give yourself that stillness. It’ll reconnect you to the important thing in your life.
If you’re already in Hermit mode, then keep going. Your call for a bit of solitude and introspection is for a reason. Make the most of it by being honest with yourself — you have nothing to lose here. Then, after a day or two, step out and communicate your findings.
Reversed Meaning:
When The Hermit shows up in reverse, then our search for solitude has veered into isolation. That lantern of his only has a few days of light available — if we’re not careful, we’ll feel stranded at the top of that summit, surrounded by darkness. If we stare at the darkness too much, it’ll stare back at us.
Now’s the time for you to snap out of it. You have discovered and reflected enough right now — sometimes the best way to process your findings is to communicate them out to another person. A trusted someone in your life. Talking it through will help make sense of all the big themes that are swirling in your mind.
The Hermit in reverse likes to do this thing after a while … where we begin to wonder, “Oh my gosh. Does anyone else feel this way? Am I the only one having these experiences?”
Yes, people do feel this way! No, you’re not the only one! Throw some cold water on your face and talk to someone.
You may be grieving right now, or healing right now, or processing your trauma right now. That’s beautiful. That’s okay. Community is the next step in that healing process for you, that’s why The Hermit is Reversed here.
Reach out to someone — they may have been waiting for you to give them the sign that it’s okay. Take care of yourself, and let others take care of you too. <3
Now go get ‘em.
Journal Prompts for The Hermit:
When have I benefited from solitude in my life? What wisdom did I gain during that time?
What distractions prevent me from connecting with my inner truth? How can I reduce them?
What deeper knowledge or spiritual understanding am I currently seeking?
How do I balance solitude with connection in a way that supports my personal growth?
Affirmations:
“The answers I seek are within me. Through stillness and reflection, I uncover my truth.”
“I honor my need for solitude and trust that my inner wisdom will guide me.”
“Every step I take on my spiritual journey brings me closer to enlightenment.”
Theme Song:
Posing in Bondage by Japanese Breakfast, 2022
About The Author
Patrick is an evolutionary tarot reader specializing in deep, transformative tarot sessions that empower clients to gain clarity, break limiting patterns, and navigate life with confidence. As a lifelong believer that there are no coincidences, he knows firsthand the power of tarot and oracle cards as a north star for your personal growth.
Ready to experience a deeper tarot journey? Book a reading today or explore more articles and resources at: ThatOracleGuy.com
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