The Hermit
Stepping back to find your own answer.
Step back to think. Time alone can show you what matters.
- solitude
- reflection
- inner guidance
Traditional association: Virgo
What the card shows
An old figure in a grey cloak stands on a snowy peak. One hand holds a lantern with a six-pointed star inside and the other a staff.
Nine is the number of near-completion and solitude. The lantern lights only the next few steps, which is how inner guidance often works. Virgo, the usual sign, is careful and discerning.
▲Upright
Time apart to hear your own thoughts and decide what matters.
What do I hear when everything gets quiet?
▼Reversed
Solitude turns into isolation, or you cannot be alone with your thoughts.
Is this solitude restoring me or hiding me?
The Hermit in a reading
In love
Time alone to understand what you want; sharing it when ready.
Reversed: Solitude turns into isolation, or you cannot be alone with your thoughts.
At work
Deep focus, research, finding a mentor or becoming one.
Its shadow side: isolation, avoiding people or choices.
As a Major Arcana card
Life's big themes and turning points. A Major Arcana card points to a bigger theme than the everyday cards around it.
Related cards
The Minor Arcana cards that share the number 9.
Nine of Wands
Nine of Cups
Nine of Swords
Nine of PentaclesRead it with other cards
Questions about The Hermit
What does The Hermit mean in tarot?
Time apart to hear your own thoughts and decide what matters. Keywords: solitude, reflection, inner guidance.
What does The Hermit mean reversed?
Solitude turns into isolation, or you cannot be alone with your thoughts. Excess: withdrawing too far. Blocked: restless, unable to be still. Fading: coming back toward other people.
What does The Hermit mean in love?
Time alone to understand what you want; sharing it when ready.
What does The Hermit mean for work?
Deep focus, research, finding a mentor or becoming one.
What question does The Hermit ask?
Upright: What do I hear when everything gets quiet? Reversed: Is this solitude restoring me or hiding me?
ShenTarot for iPhone and Android
Read your own cards
Scan your Rider-Waite-Smith deck or draw on screen, ask your question and get a reading you can keep asking about.