Upright keywords
In search of personal enlightenment, winter, forging a new path, evaluation, contemplation
Reversed keywords
Shallow knowledge, led astray, yearning for change, loneliness
As the old saying goes
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.
Planet
Mercury, Earth
Flowers
Morning Glory, Chrysanthemum
The Hermit description
The Hermit is a wise man with a long white hair and beard. He is dressed in whiteish-gray robes and carries a lantern with a glowing star inside. The six pointed star is the spirit and earthly principles are protecting spirit in the lantern’s cage. The Hermit recharges his light so that he may find the guidance he needs from within. He uses a cane to navigate the path with what limited glow the lantern casts. His steps seem small and shuffled and his eyes are closed as he looks within himself. The gray, lacking landscape and robes suggest a neutral stance. The snow capped mountains suggest he is in a cold, wintry place, far retreated from the modern world and physical comforts like warmth and light.
Upright meaning
The Hermit appears when you are on a solo search for wisdom, seeking peace and quiet so you can hear yourself think. You know the answer you seek is within yourself, and you need some time to unplug from daily life and reflect on things for awhile. Upright the Hermit is a sign that you are retreating consciously, recharging your batteries, unplugging from distractions. Your lantern only lights a few steps ahead on the path at a time, so you are trying to focus on the present and not dwell in the past of future. This is a time spiritual self discovery. Pay attention to information coming to you in signs, dreams, coincidences, etc. Use alone time to relax and hit the pause button. The Hermit can also represent a spiritual leader, mentor, or spirit guide helping you on an introspective journey to new revelations.
Reversed meaning
Reversed Hermis is resistance to alone time. This can be a sign that you are avoiding time alone with your thoughts, or you find yourself feeling lonely due to circumstances outside of your control at this point in time. You are navigating your path, just taking it one day at a time. You may find it difficult to stay present, distracting yourself or dwelling on past or future events. The Hermit can be be associated with feelings of being old, or out of touch with people today. In relationships, it is a sign that someone is withdrawing or disassociating. Use alone time to re-evaluate your life so that you have a plan when you return back to day to day activities. Ask yourself what kind of advice would you give to a friend who was in your same exact position?
The Hermit quote
“The mind can weave itself warmly in the cocoon of its own thoughts,
and dwell a hermit anywhere.”
~ James Russell Lowell
Want to check in with your higher self?
Tarot helps you step back and consider the bigger picture. This is just a snapshot in time. All things shall pass! Let’s take a look at past, present, and future themes in your life and consider a new direction.