Imagery: A solitary figure stands on a mountain holding a lantern, illuminating the path ahead.
General Themes: Introspection, solitude, wisdom, inner guidance, spiritual search.
The Hermit Upright
In many ways, the Hermit is a lot like Strength as it emphasizes inner fortitude over external appearances. This figure wants you to find answers from within rather than looking to the outer world for solutions. Notice how the robed figure holds a lantern to illuminate the road in front of him. This symbolizes our intuition and how it can literally light the way.
Seek nourishment in solitude and enjoy a time of introspection. Now, this card doesn’t ask you to completely self-isolate or become a literal hermit, something I was a touch guilty of doing whenever I got this card in my early tarot studies. I often felt this card was an invitation to go full introvert, as I often pulled it when I was feeling world-weary. And while it can be useful to take some time away from things, the Hermit is more aptly asking us to reconnect with our inner wisdom. We can be out in the world and part of things, even as we stay connected to our deeper self. Once I discovered that, I found that I could be out in the world and enjoy meaningful connection without losing myself.
The Hermit Reversed
Like the Four of Swords, the Hermit is much the same upright and reversed. Only the message of the reversal is like a caution sign, shouting at you to slow down and pull inward. If you’ve been giving a lot out, you might get this card as a sign to pull back and stop giving out so much.
It’s time for some soul-searching and reflection. Reconnect with your inner world so that you don’t lose track of who you are. Sometimes this reversal is asking you to redirect your energy to things that nourish your inherent sense of self and well-being. Union with self leads to healthy relationality in the outer world.
Conversely, you might also pull this card if you’ve been a little too introspective. Don’t get lost in your head. You’re a living, breathing being and deserve to enjoy all that life has to offer. Go out and enjoy yourself!
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