Introspection, self care, inner peace, stubbornness, loneliness, intuition

Hermit Tarot Meaning

The Hermit may appear to be lonely and sad at first glance. But in reality, they are purposefully withdrawing from the world for the sake of personal introspection. Yes they are alone, but they are not lonely.

This is voluntary self isolation. Taking a step back from the noisy world in order to find inner peace and mental clarity.

In most decks, The Hermit, which is number nine in the major arcana, is seated in quiet meditation someplace remote. This represents their deliberate choice to turn away from outside influences in order to better hear their inner voice.

The Hermit tarot card represents boundaries and the importance of being comfortable with who you are on a soul level. This is about soul searching, and being alone prompts plenty of that.

Disconnecting from the collective gives us an opportunity to strengthen our own intuition. We do not need to seek validation outside of ourselves. We already have all we need within us–love, appreciation, support, comfort, and so much more.

Human beings are social creatures and need connection with others in order to thrive. Other people provide lots of inspiration, insight, and intimacy. But there’s always a chance of losing ourselves in others.

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The Hermit Card

In a reading, The Hermit tarot card appears when it’s time to prioritize your own spiritual self care. Perhaps you’ve been too focused on the opinions of others. Or maybe you’re not really sure who “you” are.

The Fool is at a point on their spiritual journey where it’s time to go within and discover themselves. This will inevitably lead to profound realizations about themselves, the Universe, and their purpose within it.

Introspection can involve meditation, as seen on this tarot card. It can also involve journaling, travel, spending time in nature, decluttering, cleansing energy, having a good cry, exercise, or anything else that makes you feel the most like yourself.

Taking care of yourself is the furthest thing from selfishness. In fact, you cannot take care of anyone or anything else if you are not taking care of yourself first.

The Hermit teaches us this lesson. The world is still turning around them, and yet they are taking their time in their soul journey. And when they’re ready to return, the world will still be there, and they’ll be more confident in who they are.

Featured Tarot Deck – The Tarot of Dreams

The Hermit Reversed

There are positives and negatives about self isolation. The positives mostly involve prioritizing your own mental, physical, and spiritual health.

The negatives of self isolation make themselves known after too much time alone. Feelings of loneliness, fear, and inadequacy are often present when a reversed Hermit card appears.

Disconnecting from the collective isn’t always voluntary. Perhaps you’ve been distant for too long, lacking the ever-important human connection. Or maybe you’ve been too stubborn and pushed others away because of your lack of adaptability.

Another interpretation of a reversed Hermit tarot card could be impossibly high expectations. Especially as it pertains to your spiritual journey. Remember that soul growth is a process with no true destination. It is not a race or something that can ever be finished.

There’s a balance needed between valuing the insights of others and following your own intuition. We want to speak with our pure, authentic voice. At the same time, we want to learn from others and build a community of like-minds.

The Hermit Meaning

Disconnecting from society can feel so liberating (specifically disconnecting from social media). But we aren’t meant to completely abandon society. That’s the opposite of liberating.

Even the biggest introverts need relationships. And even the biggest extroverts need to sit with just themselves. The Hermit tarot card values introspection above outside relationships because there is no “we” without “me.”

This is not selfish, it is merely a fact. We’re here in this life to evolve our own souls. Others can help us do that, but it is ultimately up to us to take responsibility for ourselves.

The Hermit wants us to ask ourselves–how have the opinions of others influenced me and my choices?