Tarot Cards - The Hermit, Card 9 of the Major Arcana

Overview of The Hermit Tarot card

The Hermit shows up in your life as a clear message that it is time to withdraw and recharge for a time.  There are a few tarot cards that typically scare the hell out of people when they show up, and the Hermit is one of them. In our society, we are so hard wired to be busy and social all the time that it feels scary and off to take the time to be quiet and listen to the wisdom that your own inner compass can provide. But the insight of The Hermit – and really any card that makes you uncomfortable – is that you need to “lean into” the uncomfortable and go with the message, in this case, solitude, even if it is just a few hours.  Alternative names for The Hermit are:  The Old Man, Time, The Poor Man, The Alien, The Spy

But I’ll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you’ll come to understand that you’re connected with everything.

Alan Watts

Common Meanings

It is a time for quiet reflection to learn about yourself and your place in the world around you.  There is an important distinction here that must be understood to understand The Hermit:  This is not loneliness. It is about that “journey within” and the power that is gained by taking that journey.  Being alone is not a punishment, despite what society tells us.  Sometimes even just learning how uncomfortable it makes you to be alone is an invaluable lesson. To some people, the scariest thing they can ever face is that quiet still place within.    The Hermit can also herald the quiet time needed to create some masterpiece of your own, even if it is just for you, even if that masterpiece is just a deepened knowing of yourself.  If your focus for the reading is about career, it could indicate working independently, or it could indicate a need for quiet so you can focus on what you are working on.  In love, if in a relationship, it could indicate the need for some space and alone time to recharge your batteries.  If you are seeking a relationship and the hermit shows up, it can be a clear indication that maybe now is not the ideal time to be entering into such a partnership. The Hermit himself is a wise spiritual guide or mentor, one who teaches from a place of having been there, the voice of experience.  If this is you, make sure you are taking the time you need in meditation and study to keep your spiritual batteries fully charged.  If it is not you, it may indicate a time in which someone can be a mentor to you as you begin your own journey of spiritual discovery.

The Many Faces of The Hermit

The shadow – or reversed – side of the Hermit card can indicate withdrawing, isolation, misfit, black sheep, always seeking but not finding.  When in this position it can be a warning that you are being TOO isolated and becoming an actual hermit; reminder of the importance of connecting with others.

The Journey of The Hermit of the tarot

The Hermit arrives after the lessons of the chariot and strength cards, as part of the second septenary of the Major Arcana.  This is another step in the arc of the second septenary, which, as you will recall, is about the separation of the ego and transformation of the Self toward spiritual equilibrium. This is that time in everyone’s life in which a bit of soul searching is in order so that we may better understand how, when we are more in tune with our inner voice, the noise of the material world begins to fade into the background.  Whether or not you are religious, or even spiritual, there is a holiness in learning to trust and listen to the wisdom found in silence. 

Description

A man with a long snowy beard stands in a desolate snowy landscape, holding aloft a lantern in which the light is the shape of a star- perhaps a light in the darkness- in his right hand and a staff in the left.  His robes are gray, and the background of the card is muted blue, indicating night.

Themes of The Hermit

  • Introspection
  • Taking a break from the busyness of everyday life
  • Finding a Mentor/teacher/counselor
  • Alone but not lonely

The Number 9

Faith, inner-strength, accountability, insight, learning how and when to say “No.”

Elements of the Hermit Card and Associated Symbolism

  • Old man with snowy beard –wisdom, refuge, judgment
  • Staff – self-support; healing
  • Lantern – light in the darkness illuminating our path; inner compass
  • Six-pointed star – faith, guidance
  • Snow – clarity of and understanding of feelings and emotions

Herbs for The Hermit

  • Angelica -Associated with personal courage, it strengthens one’s connection with the physical world by bringing balance to the spirit.
  • Damiana – enables us to be more open, and connected within ourselves and with others
  • Mugwort – introspection and intuition, gateway to inner-realms—unveiling who you are and what you need to understand. Promotes lucid dreaming.
  • Sage – wisdom; esteem; resolving spiritual issues
  • Yarrow – Helps to bolster courage in that inner journey and assure us that this is just a season.

Questions that The Hermit asks us

  • Are you spinning your wheels and staying busy to avoid seeing something that is going on internally?
  • How can you “be the hermit” and get enough solitude to learn more about yourself and your place in the world around you?

The is the Hermit.  Wishing you a week in which you take the time to breathe and learn what you need to do to live fully and happily.  Please leave comments or ask questions. Join me next week for The Wheel of Fortune!