The meaning of The Hermit Tarot card is ‘loneliness.’ If you have received this card, it usually means that you will go through a period where you need to spend time alone. Whether you’re reading Tarot about your love life, family, or friendships, The Hermit is obviously not a good outcome.
The Hermit Tarot Card
During times of The Hermit, you will find yourself spending a lot of time alone. There are many reasons why this might be the case. Perhaps you will separate from a partner? Maybe you will be out of town? Whatever the reason, The Hermits predicts a time when you will be left alone with only your thoughts for company.
There are circumstances where loneliness is a good thing. When The Hermit manifests as a positive, alone time is needed so that you can get work done. This card meaning is especially true if you’re the type of person who becomes distracted easily.
Sometimes, The Hermit is associated with old age and experience. The solution to a problem can be found with older, wiser people. In this case, you will have an opportunity to talk out your concerns with those who have been through similar experiences.
When The Hermit appears as a course of action you should take, this means you should walk alone. Blaze your own trail and don’t be afraid to do things differently. When you’re performing relationship readings, this can mean that you and your partner need some time apart. That’s not to say that you have to separate forever, but you do need a break from each other.
The historical (pre-Rider-Waite) meaning of The Hermit follows on from the warnings of The Chariot. While in the previous card you become a tyrant, The Hermit is the aftermath. The Hermit represents treason against you and corruption. You may have an associate who is not trustworthy. You are surrounded by individuals who wish to watch your downfall.
The above interpretations warn you to be cautious of other people. Keep your thoughts, motives, and plans to yourself. Don’t let anyone uncover your next moves.
The Hermit Love Tarot Meaning
Love & Relationships
The Hermit is not a positive Tarot card for love readings. There’s no getting around the fact that this is the Tarot card of loneliness. If you’re in a relationship, this doesn’t look good for its prospects. Your romance will start to go downhill.
If you’re looking for love, the Hermit is also not desirable. The Hermit means that you will be alone for the foreseeable future. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be by yourself indefinitely; it just means that for now, love is not on the cards.
The Hermit often appears in readings that ask whether or not your ex is going to return. In this case, the answer is no; there will be no reconciliation. The Hermit symbolizes you in the future spending time by yourself, grieving the loss of your relationship.
(If you would like more love and relationship Tarot meanings for The Hermit, be sure to check out my Love Tarot Meanings E-Book)
The Hermit Feeling Tarot Meaning
Are you wondering how your partner is feeling? The Hermit predicts they want to be left alone. Your lover or potential lover may have a lot on their plate regarding their career, family, or even their mental health. Give them their space – if you do not, you will push them away.
The Hermit Future Tarot Meaning
Loneliness is a common meaning for The Hermit when it appears in your love Tarot reading.
The only place I would not want The Hermit to land is in a future or outcome position. From experience, I have found that this is never a good sign, as it can predict loneliness, heartache, and failed attempts. If The Hermit appears in the outcome position of your spread, you might want to reassess your goals.
In love and relationship readings, I often see The Hermit in the outcome position of Tarot readings to indicate that you will leave your lover. In the future, you will give up on this relationship.
The Hermit Business & Career Tarot Meaning
When The Hermit appears in business and career readings, I read it more like a course of action you should take as opposed to a prediction.
The Hermit in career readings is a warning that your career is going to isolate you from your friends, family, and loved ones. While you’re achieving your life’s calling, be sure to make time for those you really care about before it is too late.
For business readings, I frequently see The Hermit when business people spend too much time maintaining their image and not enough effort or energy growing their companies. For example, you’re not creating that course you want to launch, but you’re updating Instagram three times a day. The Hermit is telling you that you need to take some time away and build things that are going to bring in money, not just social approval.
Yes or No with The Hermit Tarot Meaning
General – Usually, the Hermit is a no, or not just now.
Do they like me? – Because they’re too wrapped up in their own problems, this person has not decided if they like you or not.
Am I pregnant? – I would not interpret The Hermit as a card that indicates pregnancy.
Is this relationship going to last? – No, I don’t think this relationship is going to last.
Does the future of this look promising? – The future of this matter does not look promising. It isn’t that it’s overly negative; it’s just that The Hermit predicts that pursuing this matter can make you lonely.
Am I going to reconcile with my ex? – No, The Hermit is not a good card to predict an ex-lover coming back. Reconciliation does not seem possible.
The Hermit as a Negative, Weakness or Obstacle
When The Hermit appears in a Tarot spread as a weakness, obstacle, or negative, this means that you will spend time alone and will feel lonely. In these cases, your remoteness will cause you to act needy.
You are doing things that you know push people away, but you cannot help yourself. So, The Hermit appears as a negative because it’s a warning of things to come.
The Hermit as a Positive, Strength or Advantage
The Hermit will appear as a positive, strength, or advantage in a Tarot spread when you don’t need other people to be happy. You’ve been alone for an extended period before, so you know you can survive if you do it again.
Closing Thoughts on The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning
I feel that The Hermit is a good card to receive if you plan on taking some time for yourself to reset and recharge your energy. The Hermit is also positive for spiritual students. However, The Hermit is not great if you have a fear of being alone.
Which camp do you fall into? Do you love or hate The Hermit?
Related Articles for The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning
You can find more Tarot card meanings on this website.
I interpret The Hermit’s Tarot card meaning in my post about the Celtic Cross spread.
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The Hermit Tarot card meaning. An illustration from the Major Arcana with the Rider Waite Tarot deck. Post by divination and fortune-telling with Tarot for love, romance and relationships. Ideal for readers who are just learning the interpretations.
