The Hermit has evolved from a reminder of mortality to a symbol of profound spiritual wisdom. In the 15th-century Visconti-Sforza decks, the card was often referred to as *Il Vecchio* (The Old Man) or *Il Tempo* (Time). The figure was typically depicted as a hunchback or a cripple, leaning heavily on a stick and holding an hourglass. In this context, the card was an allegory of Time (Chronos/Saturn), warning the player that youth is fleeting and death is inevitable. It was less about wisdom and more about the ravages of age.
The Tarot de Marseille shifted the symbolism significantly. While the figure remained old and bearded, he traded the hourglass for a lantern. Now titled *L'Ermite*, he became the seeker. He holds the lantern up (or sometimes shields it with his cloak), suggesting he is searching for honest men (like Diogenes) or illuminating a path for others. The staff became a symbol of support on a spiritual pilgrimage rather than just a crutch for the infirm.
Arthur Edward Waite crystallized the modern image of the Hermit in 1909. He placed the figure atop a snowy mountain peak, symbolizing the heights of spiritual attainment and isolation from the mundane world. The lantern no longer holds a simple candle but the glowing six-pointed Star of David (the Seal of Solomon), representing the light of wisdom and the blending of opposites. Waite emphasized that the Hermit is not just a recluse but a guide—he stands still, holding the light for those climbing up the mountain behind him. He is the 'Ancient of Days,' the solitary mystic who has found the truth within.
Crowley’s Thoth Hermit is highly esoteric. He associates the card with the Hebrew letter *Yod* (meaning 'Hand') and the sign of Virgo. Since Virgo is ruled by Mercury, and Yod is the seed-letter of the Tetragrammaton, Crowley interprets the Hermit as the source of life. His figure is bent into the shape of a Yod and holds a lantern radiating diamond-white light. In the foreground is the Orphic Egg wrapped in a serpent and the three-headed dog Cerberus, which the Hermit has tamed. Crowley sees the Hermit as the 'fertilizing essence,' the solitary sperm that transmits the light of the Logos into the darkness of matter.
The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning
The Hermit suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention inwards and looking for answers within.
Core Meanings
Upright
The Hermit suggests that you are in a phase of introspection where you are drawing your attention inwards and looking for answers within.
Reversed
Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, rejection.
Soul-searchingIntrospectionBeing aloneInner guidance
Card Details
Element
Earth
Astrology
Virgo
Number
9
Yes/No
Maybe
Description
An old man stands alone on a mountain peak, holding a lantern containing a six-pointed star (wisdom) to guide his way.
Reading Positions
Past
You went through a period of isolation, introspection, or soul-searching. You withdrew from the world to find your own truth. This time alone gave you the wisdom and inner light you possess now.
Present
It is time to withdraw. The answers are not outside; they are inside. Take a break from socialising and seek solitude. A mentor or guide may appear, or you are being called to become one for yourself.
Future
You will find the light you seek. A period of enlightenment and understanding is coming, but it will happen in quiet moments of reflection. You will become a beacon of wisdom for others.
In Context
Celtic Cross
In the "Environment" position, it suggests a lonely or quiet place. As an "Outcome," it means finding your own way alone.
Three Card Spread
Represents the withdrawal phase. Past: Social interaction. Present: Hermit. Future: Return with wisdom.
Yes / No
In Yes/No, it is a "Maybe"—look within for the answer.
Love & Relationships
Taking time apart, analyzing feelings, being single by choice.
As Feelings
Not specified
Career & Finance
Mentorship, analyzing your path, specialized knowledge.
Spiritual & Manifestation
Twin Flame
Not specified
Manifestation
Shadow Work
Are you isolating yourself out of fear or superiority? The shadow Hermit is the recluse or the misanthrope. Loneliness vs. Solitude. Are you hiding your light under a bushel because you fear judgment?
Meditation
Visualize yourself walking up a snowy mountain path at night. It is cold and dark, but you hold a lantern that lights your next step. You are alone, but not lonely. You reach the peak and look out at the stars. You are the light in the darkness.
Archetypal Journey
The Hero's Path
After the external conquests, the hero realizes something is missing and turns inward. The Hermit is the withdrawal from the world to seek one's own truth. It is the journey into the dark night of the soul to find the inner light that will guide the way.
Numerology
9 (Nine). The number of completion, wisdom, and the end of a cycle. It represents the accumulation of experience and the solitude required to process it. Nine is the number of the sage who has seen it all.
Jungian Psychology: The Hermit
Archetype
The Wise Old Man / The Sage
Shadow Aspect
The Hermit's shadow is the Misanthrope or the Exiled One. While the upright Hermit seeks solitude for wisdom, the shadow seeks isolation out of fear, judgment, or a sense of superiority. This is the archetype of the bitter recluse who rejects the world because they feel misunderstood or 'too good' for it. It can also manifest as 'navel-gazing'—excessive introspection that leads to narcissism or paranoia. The individual becomes trapped in their own mind, losing perspective. The lantern illuminates only their own feet, and they lose the ability to connect with others. This results in loneliness, depression, and a peculiar kind of rigidity where one becomes eccentric and unadaptable.
Integration Advice
Integrating the Hermit requires realizing that the purpose of withdrawing is to return with a gift. Enlightenment is not for the self alone; it is to be shared. Solitude should be a battery charger, not a permanent residence. Actionable advice: If you are isolating, force yourself to make one social connection, even a small one. Share a piece of wisdom or a realization you've had with someone who might benefit. If you are afraid of being alone, start with small doses of silence (10 minutes a day) without phone or distraction. Balance your inner work with outer service.
Expert Insights & Specific Scenarios
hermit as feelings of loneliness
The Hermit as feelings can indeed indicate loneliness, but it's often a 'chosen' solitude. This person feels a need to pull away from the relationship to find themselves. They aren't necessarily rejecting you; they are just overwhelmed by the noise of connection. They feel introspective, serious, and perhaps a bit melancholic. They are soul-searching. While it can feel lonely for you, know that this withdrawal is necessary for their spiritual growth. They are trying to find their own inner light before they can share it with you.
hermit ex coming back meaning
Does The Hermit mean an ex is coming back? Usually, no—at least not right away. The Hermit is walking *away* from society to the mountain top. It suggests your ex is in a period of deep reflection and is not ready for a relationship. They are processing the past and learning the lessons. However, if they do come back after a Hermit phase, they will return wiser and more mature. But don't wait up; this is a long, slow journey of self-discovery.
hermit advice for single life
The Hermit is the patron of the happily single. His advice is to embrace this time of solitude as a gift. Don't rush to fill the void with another person. Use this time to understand who you really are, what you want, and to heal old wounds. Date yourself. Become whole on your own so that when you do meet someone, you are meeting them as an equal, not seeking completion. Your inner light must shine bright enough to guide your own way first.
Historical Evolution & Symbolism
Evolution Timeline
- 115th Century (Visconti-Sforza): Depicted as 'Il Gobbo' (The Hunchback) or 'Time', an old man holding an hourglass (sometimes on crutches), representing the passage of time and old age.
- 21650s (Tarot de Marseille): 'L'Ermite' holds a lantern (partially shielded by his cloak) and a staff, transforming the figure into a seeker of truth or a wise guide.
- 31909 (RWS): Waite places the Hermit on a snowy mountain peak, holding a lantern containing the six-pointed Star of David, emphasizing isolation, guidance, and the 'Light of the World'.
- 41944 (Thoth): Crowley depicts the Hermit as an active light-bearer in the shape of the Hebrew letter Yod, accompanied by the three-headed dog Cerberus and the Orphic Egg, representing the seed of life and the light of the Logos.
Academic Citations
- Waite, A. E. (1911). *The Pictorial Key to the Tarot*. 'The beacon of the ancient Magi... the light of the hidden wisdom.'
- O'Neill, R. V. (1986). *Tarot Symbolism*. 'The Hermit is the archetype of the Wise Old Man, the psychopomp who guides the soul.'
Notable Card Combinations
The High PriestessDeep spiritual wisdom. The ultimate combo for introspection and psychic development.
The MoonNavigating the darkness of the soul. Danger of getting lost in the psyche or depression.
Four of SwordsRest and retreat. Taking a necessary break from the world to heal.
Nine of PentaclesSolitary enjoyment of life. Happy to be alone and self-sufficient.
The SunEmerging from the darkness into the light. Enlightenment after a long search.