Hermit Tarot: meaning of the 9th arcana and interpretation in combination with other cards

Description of the Hermit Tarot Card

The main name of the arcana is the Hermit, but he is also called the Elder or the Seeker.
His main task is the search for truth and self-knowledge. The card is the ninth among the major arcana. In its literal meaning, the lasso symbolizes wisdom, spiritual growth, the path to self-knowledge and the discovery of truth.

The meaning of a card in an inverted position is usually negative: expulsion, isolation, breakup, suspicion.

But you need to remember that the meaning of Tarot cards can change depending on the topic of the question and other cards in the layout.

General description and plot of the ninth arcana

The Hermit card allows a person to understand what his path through life is, as well as what needs to be done in order to know himself and find the truth. This card depicts a wise old man in a long cloak with a hood.
The hermit holds a staff that serves as a strong support and a lantern that emits a pure glow in the darkness. At the bottom of the front side of the card there is the Latin inscription “Hermit”, and at the top there is the Roman numeral IX, symbolizing the serial number of the lasso. In the traditional Waite deck of cards, the staff in the hands of the Hermit represents protection and help during the journey. It is associated with God and God's instructions. The lantern is a magical symbol of the light of the occult sciences, which only selected and enlightened people can comprehend. It also personifies knowledge, which is opposed to ignorance and lack of awareness. After all, it is knowledge that should illuminate your path.

The hermit is not at all afraid of a long, lonely stay in the desert. He strives to hear the voice of the Creator, for which he is ready to do almost anything. The main goal of the character is to know the truth. Therefore, he, leaning his hand firmly on the staff, follows the radiance. This is the main meaning of this lasso in the Rider White deck.

In the Thoth Tarot deck, the Hermit differs from the classic one in the presence of numerous esoteric symbols. His figure resembles the letter “Yod” of the Hebrew alphabet, which literally means “hand”. It is the elder’s hand that is located in the middle of the lasso.

Pay special attention to other symbols found on the map. At the bottom of the map, or rather in its right corner, is the mythical dog Cerberus with three heads. There is a sperm in the left corner. Almost next to the face of the main character of the card - the Hermit - there is an Orphic egg entwined with a snake. It was on this element that the wise old man fixed his gaze. In this version of the card, the Hermit walks through a field of wheat.

The meaning of the Hermit card in the Thoth deck is similar to the traditional one - it is self-knowledge and the path towards truth, as well as spiritual quests and philosophical views on familiar things.

There is another interesting interpretation of the Hermit card in the 78 Doors Tarot deck. In this version, an old man in a cloak sits on a stone in the desert. In one hand he holds a traditional staff. Above his head is a female image with a basket filled with a variety of fruits. With a characteristic movement of his hands, the Hermit distances himself from all earthly goods. This card symbolizes complete detachment from the world on the path to oneself. It is associated with introversion, closedness from external influence, as well as the search for oneself away from the hustle and bustle.

general description

Upright

As a rule, this lasso falls to closed people with an introverted nature who are not influenced by external factors. The card symbolizes the unification of the search for earthly and heavenly goals in life. The upright position promises success in this search; the fortuneteller will probably be able to find a good mentor.

A person who has the Hermit has strong life values and beliefs and always keeps his promises. He is distinguished by caution, prudence and the habit of weighing all his decisions.

Sometimes the lasso speaks of the need to isolate oneself from the outside world. A person needs solitude to understand himself and decide on future plans.

In reverse position

If the card is reversed, the person is trying to escape from the current situation. Instead of accepting problems and finding solutions, he hides from the outside world. This indicates a person who could not find his place and did not succeed as a person. He cannot make serious decisions without outside help.

Perhaps he is characterized by excessive stubbornness, which does not allow him to adapt to changes in life. The result is misunderstanding, conflicts and lack of prospects. Such people are secretive and often deceive loved ones for the sake of their goals and ideals.

The Hermit reversed does not always have a negative meaning. In some cases, this may indicate the appearance of another, stronger and more extraordinary personality in a person’s environment. Such influence will only benefit insecure people. If a person has a goal, an inverted card indicates that it will soon be achieved.

Combinations with the minor arcana

When considering combinations with cards from the minor arcana category, it is necessary to take into account the suit to which they belong.

Suit of Staves

The Hermit card has the following interpretation options when combined with the minor arcana of the Staves suit:

Two - difficulties in making the right independent decision;
Three - the desire to find oneself and the path to truth;
Four - a tendency to solitude for the sake of self-development;
Five - the emergence of internal contradictions;
Six - responsibility for actions;
Seven - problems with the implementation of plans, self-deception;
Eight - insight and sober mind;
Nine - valuable life experience;
Ten is a difficult and responsible choice;
The page is a young and ageless soul;
Knight - the rapid disappearance of anger and aggression in character;
Queen - the beginning of the spiritual process of rebirth;
The king is an authoritarian and domineering character;
Ace - finding answers to troubling questions within yourself.

Suit of Cups

Combinations with arcana of the suit of Cups are as follows:

Two - expectation of minor troubles;
Three - the need to resort to lies for the sake of good and an important cause;
Four - blind faith in dubious ideals;
Five is a successful search for like-minded people. They will become true friends and reliable colleagues.
Six - rebirth and the beginning of something new;
Seven - lack of initiative, passive observation;
Eight - chastity;
Nine - the desire to lead the life of a pilgrim;
Ten - frequent changes in religious views and attitudes towards ideals;
Page - long periods of hard work, which leads to emotional exhaustion;
Knight - peacekeeping qualities;
Queen - the ability to foresee the future;
King - gaining valuable experience in life;
Ace is a mature and adequate perception of the world.

Suit of Swords

Cards of the Swords suit in combination with the Hermit Tarot are deciphered as follows:

Two - superficial perception of the world around us, rejection of reality;
Troika - search for reliable support;
Four - wanderings;
Five - deliverance from sinfulness, spiritual cleansing;
Six - desire to go on pilgrimage;
Seven - conflict situations, the appearance of a large number of enemies, envious people and enemies;
Eight - a verdict is likely;
Nine - obsessions that follow a person everywhere;
Ten - receiving unexpected news;
Page is an insolvent person;
Knight - carrying out fraud and participating in criminal cases in the distant past;
Queen - a conscious desire to retire;
King - intense dedication to the cause, bordering on fanaticism.

Suit of Pentacles

If the Hermit card matches the minor arcana of the suit of Pentacles, you can get the following meanings:

Two - irresistible passion;
Three - lack of professionalism;
Four - loneliness and isolation;
Five - conflicts based on religious views;
Six - lack of self-realization;
Seven - an irresistible desire to get rich;
Eight is a manifestation of platonic love feelings;
Nine - escaping from reality;
Page - thirst for new knowledge;
Knight - limitation of capabilities by one’s own will or due to circumstances;
The Queen is a manifestation of freedom in action;
King - unsuccessful attempts to correct the situation;
Ace - success and Fortune will be on the side of the fortuneteller.

The Hermit Tarot card reflects a person’s need to retire for a while and leave everyday worries behind. You need to analyze your life with all the joys and difficulties in order to determine which path to move on. The greatest success will be achieved by those people who can be patient.

Love spread

Direct meaning

In this case, the lasso speaks of the reliability and seriousness of the relationship. Harmony reigns between lovers, without contrived dramas and temper. It is these couples who stay together for decades, having the chance to celebrate not only a silver, but also a golden wedding.

At the beginning of a relationship, the Hermit promises the absence of conflicts, a new acquaintance that will relieve past disappointments. The new partner is the other half of the fortuneteller, his ideal companion. In such relationships there is no place for selfishness and self-affirmation at the expense of the partner.

There are also less cheerful forecasts. The card may indicate the need for partners to seclude themselves from the outside world. Sometimes the fortuneteller does not need company at all; he closes himself off from his lover in order to be alone with himself. Which can have a negative impact on relationships. The second partner does not understand what is happening to his other half and how to help in this situation.

Reverse meaning

An inverted card speaks of an unstable relationship in which mutual love is completely absent. One of the partners is selfish and seeks only benefits in the relationship. The inverted Hermit is a sign of frequent, specially provoked conflicts, which are a kind of test of strength.

The card can be seen as a call for separation. Temporary, to check the sincerity of the partner’s feelings, or permanent. After all, if love is one-sided, the relationship will not bring happiness and satisfaction.

Map upright

The Hermit has gained a reputation as a loner card in tarot readings. And being alone, as everyone is accustomed to thinking, is nothing good. Therefore, in the layouts he is an unwelcome guest. However, this loneliness does not at all have depressive colors; on the contrary, this loneliness has light and brings a person closer to spiritual development. This card means that a person is moving through life too impulsively and should take a break. His life has become like a mouse race and it is worth healing his soul by resorting to this kind of healing. The hermit allows a person to find a home within himself and become a little closer to himself.

The hermit advises to close yourself off from society for a while and engage in self-research. Meditation can be a great help with this. Various breathing practices and yoga. Every person needs a period of “hermitage.” To know yourself and bring your mind to a state of peace. The 9th lasso does not allow you to listen to the opinions of others when exploring yourself. Only your opinion and inner feelings will open your eyes to your real self.

The meaning of the lasso in a specific issue

Straight position

Often the Hermit points to a person who has the ability to mentor. He may not be a teacher, in the usual sense, but he is an example for others.

When fortune telling for a future career, the card speaks of the need to retire. In the financial sphere, the Hermit promises stability, although you should not count on significant monetary rewards. A person is not in danger of poverty, but he will not be rich either. There is no need to be afraid of health problems; the lasso indicates the excellent physical and psychological state of the fortuneteller.

But if the question concerned any agreement or joint activity, the card is a bad omen. Most likely the deal will not take place. To achieve success in the professional field, you will need to fulfill all the commitments made previously.

Upside down

The inverted Hermit says that only stubbornness prevents a person from achieving his goal. In addition, the card can indicate deception, false information and meanness, both on the part of others and the fortuneteller himself. If the question concerns work, the person will face failure due to the inability to work in a team. In some cases, this is a sign that pushes a person to look for a new job.

An inverted card in a health reading indicates the need to take care; injuries or infectious diseases are possible.

Astrological attribution

Many people associate the tarot arcana with astrological categories, planets, zodiac signs, and so on. The “hermit” is most often associated with Mercury and the constellation Virgo.

For love and relationships

It is obvious that the Hermit is not inclined to build a love union with anyone. It is traditionally an unfavorable card for existing relationships, and for a single person it simply means that he is more focused on himself and his own development.

The hermit describes reclusion, withdrawal from the world, a closed, solitary life, incomprehensible to others.

Relationships are always built on compromise and adaptation to each other. The hermit is physically unable to step over his principles and adapt. He follows only his own path and belongs entirely to it. Accordingly, the Hermit Tarot, meaning in relationships, speaks of a possible separation, breakdown of relationships, and the search for independence from a partner. This can go as far as breaking off engagements, canceling weddings, etc. When the time comes to make a decision, the Hermit is unable to abandon himself and his principles, so a refusal occurs.

Be that as it may, the Hermit is serious in his perception of himself, his partner and relationships in general; he will not put up with anything and rely on the fact that “it will somehow resolve itself.” Therefore, his decisions can be trusted and not considered manipulation and deception. However, it is unlikely that he will engage in solving problems and overcoming difficulties together; most likely, he will distance himself and go his own way, from where he most likely will not return.

If, in interaction with you, the Hermit finds meaning for himself that is important for his path, it will be difficult to find a better partner, but if the meaning is lost or loses relevance over time, he will dissolve into oblivion. A hermit is a difficult partner; it is very difficult to understand the needs of such a person; not everyone can think in terms of meaning, after all.

However, if the key to the meaning of the Hermit is found, he will agree to almost any external conditions of partnership - being constantly in existential categories, he has adapted to live through various everyday inconveniences and difficulties.

The hermit is characterized by silence and modesty in expressing feelings. He takes any relationship - read, encroachment on his life - very seriously, he goes into it for a long time, assessing all the risks, carefully weighing all the pros and cons.

It often happens that a lonely person is in no hurry to go home, where no one is waiting for him, but if we are talking about the Hermit, he greatly values such a state and enters his lonely den with a sigh of relief, becoming himself. The crazy thought of getting married to someone causes the Hermit more fear than excitement.

Loneliness is not an event for him. Simply - being. This lasso is about conscious loneliness because of its comfort. It is very important for a hermit to reach agreement with himself and be as honest as possible with himself. Until these needs are fulfilled, it is pointless to put pressure on him, since you can just as easily put pressure on a stone.

If something does not correspond to the nature and uniqueness of the Hermit, sooner or later he will destroy it and throw it away altogether, without looking at the fact that it was valuable to someone.

If this card falls to a lover, it can be taken as advice to stop and think about whether it’s worth getting involved in a relationship, take your time and listen carefully to yourself. The hermit always remains in his own center and is careful about choosing a partner, if he is faced with this choice at all. He will definitely wait for clarity before he understands whether he needs to be in a relationship; he will not rush headlong into the pool.

The hermit does not show much interest in sexual life, however, this is not always the case. As with everything else, he can be content with his own company. “Solo love” can be mastered by him to a greater or lesser extent, be primitive or sophisticated, in general, organically integrated into the holistic meaning of this card.

As for sexual relations in a couple, the Hermit does not show much activity; he is a partner restrained in emotional manifestations. He is not inclined to take initiative, which can only benefit his partner.

The Hermit Tarot reversed indicates coldness, the ability to do without sex, and lack of intimate life. In a positive aspect, a directly drawn card can indicate an emotional (but hardly sexual) connection with a spiritual and very wise person. This is a union at a deep level.

Interpretation when fortune telling on a person

If we are talking about a person, the Hermit symbolizes a person who has refused to participate in social life. With her behavior she can slow down the social project. But putting pressure on the Hermit, forcing him to return to society, is useless. He will still do as he sees fit.

If the Justice lasso is also nearby, a person will unmistakably determine what is useful for him and what he should stay away from.

In scenarios for everyday situations

In cases where the question to the deck is mundane, the Hermit symbolizes the answer “No.” For example, the question “Will I get a job?” will be negative. At the same time, the card gives advice: use your free time wisely, for the purpose of personal growth. But when it comes to deeper issues, the Hermit is a positive and powerful card. It means reaching peaks in spiritual development. The hermit gives the querent internal strength to move forward.

If in a reading for a domestic situation there are minor arcana of the suit of Swords next to the card, this is a direct indication that the questioner needs to be careful. If the neighboring cards depict people, the querent needs to show secrecy.

In fortune telling for everyday situations, the card means that the questioner will face life in conditions of poverty. This applies to any area: there is a limited amount of money, the inability to get a job, lack of communication. A hermit may speak of poor health and psychological exhaustion.

The questioner comes to the need for careful planning of his life, a complete review of his daily routine. He strives to solve existing difficulties independently even in the face of increasing restrictions.

For career and work

He treats laurels and honors evenly, he knows the goal and goes towards it, without being distracted by external influences. The Hermit's profession can be various types of freelancing, when a person is not subordinate to any team and can work completely alone

The hermit personifies the professions of everyone who is engaged in searches and research, starting with scientists or archivists and ending with investigators, teachers, and consultants. It promotes writing scientific papers, memoirs or blogging, after all.

He is characterized by consistency, the ability to bring things to an end, however, if the Hermit does not see the meaning for himself in activity, he will not work.

The hermit patronizes students, since his lantern symbolizes the light of knowledge, as well as those who, due to the nature of their work, spend a lot of time on the road. It helps improve professional skills, independently or under the guidance of a mentor. This is the card of wise leaders.

For a businessman, the appearance of the Hermit is considered an unfavorable sign. It can indicate the pointlessness of the work that the person is currently busy with, so it can be perceived as advice to finish the current task and implement something that fully corresponds to the person’s internal values.

In addition, the Hermit can appear to a person wondering about the meaning of his own activities, and this card also indicates the completion of professional activity, the transfer of his experience to others, and retirement.

Meaning at work

You need to give yourself time and space to think about your calling. Does your current job give you the experience and skills you need to move in the direction you want to go? If not, what can you do?

The Hermit's Lantern is presented in the form of a six-pointed star, which combines two triangles: one of them is directed downwards. It has the meaning of fire and masculine energy. The second one looks up, it represents water and feminine energy.

The old man combined his inner fire and water. This is real alchemy that works wonders if you act with passion. But this passion must come from a place of gentleness and true care for yourself and the world.

Does your current job make you feel this way?

Do you feel like you are making a difference in the world?

Does it make sense to you?

Are you stuck in this profession because you don't see any other alternatives?

These are all important questions to consider. Ask them to yourself.

Hermit Professions

Author.
Writer
Editor.
Astrologer.
Psychologist.
Analyst.
Metaphysical student or sage.

Finance

The Hermit card is unfavorable for money matters. Her character is content with little, living in isolation from pleasures and worldly goods. The Hermit calls the questioner to the same actions. This lasso symbolizes financial restrictions, a reduction in salary or pension, and an ascetic life.

The way out of a difficult situation will be indicated by those arcana that lie next to the Hermit. They will point in the direction in which to look for a solution.

For health status

This is not a good card for health. The Hermit's body is weak, there is decreased tone, lack of appetite and sufficient physical activity.

In the traditional sense, the Hermit’s energy corresponds to the processes of aging and the decline of vital functions. But it can also symbolize exhaustion after overwork and lack of rest.

Depression. Insomnia. Hormonal deficiency. Menopause. Rheumatism. All chronic health problems typical of old age. Digestive problems.

The Hermit Tarot Card Board

Having seen the Hermit lasso in the layout, a person should think carefully about his decisions and rely on his own opinion, and not the advice of others. There is no need to think about what people will say; it is better to trust your own knowledge and feelings. A person is constantly marking time and cannot achieve his goal due to lack of mental balance.

To achieve a goal, you need to develop a clear plan, thinking through every action and possible result. Sometimes a person needs a break in order to make the right decision. Arcan the Hermit advises engaging in self-development, improving skills and not forgetting about the spiritual aspect of life.

Matches

No. in Deck : IX Planetary Correspondences : Saturn in Aquarius World of the Divine : Absolute Wisdom Historical Correspondences : Prophet, Pilgrim, Widower's Son Astrological Correspondences : Virgo World of the Intellectual : Prudence governing the will Kabbalistic Correspondences : Tet Occult Meaning : Physical World : Prudence governing the will actions Other names : Elder, Magician of the Voice of Power, Prophet of Eternity, Magus of the Voice of Light, Prophet of the Gods, Seeker, Inner Light, Bequeathed Lamp

Upside down card

In an inverted state, this card means complete non-acceptance of oneself and refusal of self-knowledge. Life turns into a series of events and the pursuit of new trophies. Relationships with people are built without sincere feelings. A person takes on more and more responsibilities and tasks so as not to be alone with his inner loneliness. Running away from yourself never leads to anything good. Fate gives a push and sends a person circumstances that will unsettle him to give him time to realize. The Universe sends a person help that he must grab onto.