The Hermit
Major arcana, number 9 (IX). solitude, reflection, guidance, searching.
A period of stepping back to think. The Hermit carries a small light, enough to see the next step, and looks inward for answers.
Upright
- solitude
- reflection
- guidance
- searching
A period of stepping back to think. The Hermit carries a small light, enough to see the next step, and looks inward for answers.
Reversed
- isolation
- loneliness
- withdrawal
- refusing advice
Retreat that has gone on too long, or a refusal to listen to anyone else. Reversed, the card can point to loneliness that deserves to be ended.
Not every reader uses reversals. Many treat a reversed card as the same theme, blocked, delayed or turned inward.
In the picture
An old man in a grey cloak stands on a snowy peak, holding a lantern with a six-pointed star inside and a staff in the other hand.
Astrology and numerology
The Hermit is linked with Virgo, a mutable earth sign, and so with the element earth.
Its number reduces to 9, which numerology associates with completion, compassion, idealism. See every card that reduces to 9.
Yes or no
In yes or no tarot, The Hermit counts as a maybe. This follows a common convention and not a rule from the deck's makers.
Tarot is a tradition of symbolism. This page says what readers traditionally associate with the card. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.