9 - The Hermit
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Reflection, looking inward, self-discovery, distance, inner wisdom, solitude |
| Reversed Keywords: | Loneliness, isolation, anti-sociality, concealment, fear of others |
An older, bearded individual stands alone on a plain gray background, perhaps standing on white mountains or a snowy landscape. They're wearing a gray robe with the hood drawn up. In one hand, they are holding a light yellow walking stick. In the other, they hold out a lantern with a glowing star inside.
The Hermit's expression is downturned and solemn, but not distraught or upset.
In Readings: Upright
The Hermit is, as the name would suggest, a solitary individual whose goal is introspection and seeking wisdom. They light their own way to the truth. Sometimes, this is an esoteric truth of the universe; sometimes, it's a mundane one.
When upright, this card indicates someone who is working alone for understanding. This person needs to engage with their innermost selves in order to discover the sound of their own voice. In all cases, the Hermit is a solitary card; this is not a card of sharing.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Three of Swords: Honest introspection is the key to recover from heartbreak.
Seven of Pentacles: Waiting sucks, but be patient anyways; there are lessons to be learned even while idle.
The Sun, reversed: If you can't see, shut your eyes and turn your attention inward to find a different sort of light.
The Moon, reversed: Spending too much time alone will cause you to lose sight of what's real and what isn't. Touch grass.
In Readings: Reversed
When reversed, the Hermit's solitude becomes acutely lonely in a painful way. Rather than being for a particular purpose or deep understanding, the inverted Hermit is alone due to fear and reluctance to socialize.
The reversed Hermit may indicate someone who is working to conceal their true nature out of anxiety. It becomes a truly anti-social card. The person described by this card may feel that this is justified, but the loneliness of isolation comes at great cost.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Two of Cups: It's time to emerge from isolation and engage with others. Accept the offered hand.
Temperance: You need to engage with the outside world, also, to learn how to manage your social fears.
Seven of Cups, reversed: You're seeing only what you want to see, rather than the truth, because the only perspective you're considering is your own.
Six of Swords, reversed: You are stuck in place not because there are no ways out but because you are afraid to leave your comfortable misery.
Other Perspectives
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