Hermit is the card of self-reflection, solitude, introspection, and wisdom. An old man stands alone at the top of a peak, holding a lantern in one hand and his staff in the other. The Hermit shows that being alone is a necessary part of the cycle of life and relationships, because it connects us with our deeper wisdom and true self.
The Hermit is not a traditional “love” card. It’s easy to feel scared when the Hermit comes up in a love reading. Does it mean that someone doesn’t want to be with you? Remember that there are positives and negatives to be found in every card. In love readings, the Hermit asks us to get in touch with and serve our Wise Self. In order to love others, we must first love ourselves.
Upright Meaning:
If you are asking a yes or no question, and you draw the Hermit, it indicates a yes. The values that weigh heavy for the Hermit are introspection, solitude, and wisdom. You hunger for knowledge and are constantly setting out on a journey to better yourself and learn new things. You don’t want to be the same person as you were yesterday. You are on a quest to discover your true self, and you’ll only get there by moving ahead and going through with the things you are unsure of.
For love questions where you want a yes or no answer, the Hermit indicates a no. This card symbolizes the importance of being comfortable in your own company. In life, it is unavoidable to find ourselves alone at times. Do you find yourself running from this? When it comes to love, this card can be interpreted in negative and positive ways. It doesn’t mean that you are unattractive, causing people to avoid you. It simply means that before pursuing others we must first pursue our true selves. Serve yourself and the rest will follow.
For career questions where you are looking for a yes or no, the Hermit indicates a yes! You’ve come so far and learned a lot, but you understand that there is still more that needs to be done. Your hunger for knowledge is what will propel your career forward. Great things await the people who understand that the top can be lonely but still chase after it anyway.
For new and potential relationships, the Hermit is a no. This card shows that we must first love ourselves in order to truly love someone else. While you are still on your journey, it’s best to continue on alone to avoid unnecessary heartbreak. People come and go, but you will always have yourself. Don’t shy away from being alone, and instead embrace yourself as you are your best companion.
For existing relationships, the Hermit is an unclear yes. There is something missing in your relationship. Your partner loves you and you love them, there is no doubt about it, but in order to love them further you need to find yourself. Some soul-searching is needed so you may gain a better understanding of yourself and your relationship. It’s possible that they may want to set out on the soul-searching journey with you, so be sure to ask them. Don’t leave them behind, but also understand that there are some things that come to light when alone.
If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Hermit is a no. Your relationship was enlightening for both parties, however, they’ve found that soul-searching must be conducted alone. In order to truly grow as a person, they must look within themselves and stop attempting to find who they are in other people. They appreciate you and your relationship and reconciliation is not completely ruled out, but now is just not the right time. Allow them the space and time to go on their journey.
Reversed Meaning:
If you are asking a yes or no question, and you draw the Hermit reversed, it indicates a no. You are being too hard on yourself in the name of self-reflection. The Hermit also encourages seeking wisdom while alone, however when reversed, it indicates a feeling of loneliness and distance. You are distancing yourself from others and this causes a disconnect between you in the world. Instead of setting yourself free to seek wisdom, you are locking yourself in while convincing yourself it is for the greater good.
For love questions where you want a yes or no answer, the Hermit reversed indicates a no. This card symbolizes a fear of intimacy. You are afraid to approach others and would prefer to live life in solitude. And while there is nothing wrong with wanting to be alone, issues can arise when you do this out of fear instead of the desire for self-improvement. You are stuck in a world that is cold and barren, terrified of making connections with others as you hate being vulnerable.
For career questions where you are looking for a yes or no, the Hermit reversed indicates a no. You are feeling stagnant, preferring to hide away under the guise of needing time alone. For your professional career, this may be detrimental as you will be unable to establish meaningful connections to help guide you to success. The idea of having to voice your opinions and speak your mind is daunting and you’d rather keep your head down than begin your journey to the top.
For new and potential relationships, the Hermit reversed is a no. Locked away in your own world, you are unable to feel connections to other people. You are afraid of being vulnerable and in order to keep yourself safe, you stay away from intimate connections — holding everyone at an arm’s length away. Try to look within yourself and find the strength to open up and trust others instead of trying to force a nonexistent connection.
For existing relationships, the Hermit reversed is a no. You believe that your self-imposed distance is actually the cause of your partner, making for the poor foundation of your relationship. It’s also possible that your partner feels the same way, but is unable to bring up any issues with you as you are always emotionally unavailable to them. Disconnecting from your partner is normal, but not so much that you feel as though you are dating a stranger. Address this disconnection if you want to rekindle your relationship and set it back on the right path.
If you are asking about reconciliation with an ex, the Hermit reversed is a yes. Your ex has taken the time to search for themselves, but as they were on their journey, they found themselves feeling lonely. They are used to your presence beside them, and find it difficult to continue on alone. They are ready to come out of their cage of isolation and cannot think of anyone better to come home to than you.