The Hermit is one of the most talked-about cards in the deck — and no wonder.
The Hermit upright
Introspection, solitude, inner guidance, wisdom, searching.
The Hermit reversed
Isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, lost direction, avoidance.
Keywords: introspection, solitude, inner guidance, wisdom, searching
The classic reading (Waite, 1911)
- Upright: Prudence, circumspection; also and especially treason, dissimulation, roguery, corruption.
- Reversed: Concealment, disguise, policy, fear, unreasoned caution.
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is the oldest layer of the card — modern readers soften and expand these meanings.
Golden Dawn correspondences
- title The Magus of the Voice of Power; the Prophet of the Eternal
- Zodiac Virgo
- zodiac Virgo
Fortune telling with The Hermit
- A period of loneliness begins
- One partner in a relationship departs
- A search for love or money proves fruitless
The light and the shadow
In its light, The Hermit: Becoming or seeking out a guru Going on a retreat Recharging spiritual or creative batteries Lighting the way for those with less experience Stepping back to gain perspective
The reversed trap of The Hermit: Being a loner Fearing contact with others Becoming a know-it-all Inflating claims of expertise Hiding your skills and talents out of fear of unworthiness
- Archetype: The Holy Man
Questions to ask The Hermit
- What would happen if I simply withdrew and took no action?
- How can I get some perspective on the situation?
- Who has walked this path before me? How can I enlist his or her help?
The extended portrait, upright
The Hermit card in the upright position represents a need for solitude and introspection. It suggests a search for wisdom and guidance, and a focus on the inner voice and truth. This card represents taking time to reflect and understand oneself and the world around us.
The extended portrait, reversed
When the Hermit card appears in the reversed position, it can indicate a sense of isolation and loneliness. It may also suggest a tendency towards withdrawal or a fear of connection with others. This card can also represent ignorance or a lack of understanding in a particular situation.
Card details
- Arcana: Major Arcana
- Yes or no: maybe — timing matters
- Published: August 22, 2026
Read The Hermit in context
- The Hermit — love meaning
- The Hermit — career meaning
- The Hermit — money meaning
- The Hermit — yes-or-no verdict
- The Hermit reversed, in full
The Hermit in combinations
- The Hermit and The World
- The Hermit and The Emperor
- The Hermit and Seven of Wands
- The Hermit and The High Priestess
How the symbol systems meet
| System | Correspondence |
|---|---|
| Zodiac | Virgo — card of the Virgo decan |