The Hermit: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
The Hermit Upright Meanings
Keywords
Introspection, Solitude, Guidance, Soul-Searching, Wisdom, Withdrawal
Generally
This card relates to a period of introspection, soul-searching, and seeking guidance from within. Taking a break from social media, a solo holiday, a period of quiet reflection after a major life event, spending a weekend reading alone.
In a Love Context
This card can signify a period of being single for the purpose of self-discovery. Taking a break from dating to understand yourself better, a relationship where one or both partners need space, a wise and older partner.
In a Money Or Career Reading
This card points to a period of reassessment of your career path. Taking a sabbatical, leaving a busy job for a quieter role, a career as a researcher or a specialist expert, seeking guidance from a mentor.
In a Spiritual Reading
This card is about seeking spiritual wisdom through contemplation and self-reflection. A silent meditation retreat, a spiritual pilgrimage, seeking the guidance of your higher self. Like The High Priestess.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Withdraw from the world. Take time for prayer/meditation. Seek your own inner counsel.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A period of solitude. A profound personal insight. Finding the answer within yourself.
As Obstacles
A forced isolation. A feeling of loneliness is blocking progress. A refusal to engage with the world.
As Hidden Energy
Unmanifest wisdom. Unrealized need for solitude. Like The Fool reversed.
As Resources/Alliances
Meditation. Guru. Contemplation.
The Hermit Reversed Meanings
Reversed Keywords
Isolation, Loneliness, Rejection of Guidance, Paranoia, Stubbornness
In A General Or “Open” Reading
Reversed, The Hermit can point to unwanted isolation, loneliness, or a rejection of guidance. Feeling lonely and cut off from others, a stubborn refusal to listen to good advice, paranoia, becoming a recluse.
In a Love Or Relationships Reading
This card often signifies loneliness within a relationship or a painful isolation after a breakup. Feeling emotionally distant from your partner, a fear of being alone that keeps you in a bad relationship, a bitter and lonely single life. Like the 3 of Swords.
In a Money Or Career Reading
This can mean feeling isolated at work or a stubborn refusal to accept help. Being ostracised by colleagues, a "lone wolf" attitude that is harming your career, ignoring a mentor's advice and failing.
In A Spiritual Context
This can mean a spiritual path that has led to a feeling of disconnection. A "dark night of the soul," feeling abandoned by the Divine, a stubborn refusal to seek guidance from a spiritual tradition.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
A warning against becoming too isolated. It is time to re-join the world or to accept the help that is being offered.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A period of painful loneliness. A decision made in isolation that leads to a poor result.
As Obstacles
A paranoid fear of others. A stubborn refusal to listen to advice. A crippling sense of loneliness is preventing you from moving forward.
As Hidden Energy
A hidden fear of being alone is driving your decisions. A secret paranoia is undermining a situation.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from ending a period of isolation. A difficult truth learned during a lonely time can now be used.
The RWS Hermit in Key Card Combinations
Combinations with Major Arcana
The Hermit & The High Priestess
The Hermit (↑) & The High Priestess (↑): A profound spiritual retreat. A period of silent meditation leading to a deep intuitive insight. Seeking and finding hidden knowledge.
The Hermit (↓) & The High Priestess (↑): A lonely person who is ignoring their intuition. A fear of solitude that prevents you from hearing your inner voice.
The Hermit (↑) & The High Priestess (↓): A period of study that is based on superficial information. A wise person who is being misled by gossip.
The Hermit (↓) & The High Priestess (↓): A toxic situation of paranoia and secrets. A lonely person who is spreading malicious rumours.
The Hermit & The Wheel of Fortune
The Hermit (↑) & The Wheel of Fortune (↑): A period of introspection that leads to a fateful turning point. A lucky break that comes after a long search.
The Hermit (↓) & The Wheel of Fortune (↑): A lonely person who is waiting for their luck to change, rather than taking action. A missed opportunity due to a fear of leaving isolation.
The Hermit (↑) & The Wheel of Fortune (↓): A period of bad luck that forces you into a period of soul-searching. A wise plan that is hit by unforeseen delays.
The Hermit (↓) & The Wheel of Fortune (↓): A prolonged period of isolation and bad luck. A feeling of being trapped in a cycle of loneliness.
Combinations with the Suit of Swords
The Hermit & The Nine of Swords
The Hermit (↑) & The Nine of Swords (↑): A period of solitude that leads to anxiety and dark thoughts. A "dark night of the soul." A wise person who is plagued by worry.
The Hermit (↓) & The Nine of Swords (↑): A fear of being alone that is causing mental anguish. A lonely person who is trapped in a cycle of negative thinking.
The Hermit (↑) & The Nine of Swords (↓): Using a period of introspection to overcome anxiety. Finding peace of mind through solitude.
The Hermit (↓) & The Nine of Swords (↓): A stubborn refusal to seek help for mental health issues. A paranoid and isolated state of mind.
Additional Notes On The Hermit
A.E Waite’s Original ‘Hermit’ Card Meanings
Upright: "Prudence, circumspection; also and especially treason, dissimulation, roguery, corruption. Reversed: Concealment, disguise, policy, fear, unreasoned caution." Pictoral Key To The Tarot (1911).
Intrigued? Learn about the rest of Waite’s Major Arcana.
Question: Is The Hermit a negative card
No. While it can point to loneliness when reversed, the upright Hermit is a positive card of wisdom, introspection, and necessary solitude. It represents a mature and important stage of personal and spiritual development.
The Hermit Card Meditations
What would a spiritual master do in my situation? Am I seeking necessary solitude, or am I running away from my issues? Is there a mentor figure that I can reach out to for guidance?
