The Hermit card is often seen as a negative card, representing loneliness and isolation. However, its significance is deep and profound.
At first glance, the Hermit may seem isolated, but he represents a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. The Hermit seeks knowledge and wisdom in solitude. This journey may be difficult, but it is rewarding, as it leads to a greater understanding of the self, opening us up to the world around us.
The Hermit is typically depicted holding a lantern, symbolising the light of inner wisdom that guides us. This light illuminates the darkness of ignorance and fear, allowing us to see clearly and make decisions confidently. The Hermit’s staff represents a tool for self-mastery, discipline, and strength of will.
In tarot readings, the Hermit card may indicate a period of introspection, self-examination, and withdrawal from the outside world. It can represent a need to step back and reassess one’s priorities, goals, and values. This is a time for spiritual alchemy, meditation, and contemplation, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe – fulfilling prerequisites to the Great Work.
The symbolism of the Hermit card can also be applied to everyday life situations. It reminds us to take time for ourselves and focus on personal development. It encourages us to look inward for guidance, rather than seeking validation and approval from others. By embracing the wisdom of the Hermit, we learn to trust our instincts and make decisions based on truth, not personal and cultural biases.
In terms of personal transformation, the Hermit card is a powerful ally. It teaches us to be comfortable with ourselves, to accept our flaws and imperfections, and to embrace our unique path. By walking the path of the Hermit, we discover our purpose.
Questions to Consider
- What does solitude mean to you? Do you value your time alone?
- Have you ever deeply reflected on your life and priorities? What did you learn?
- How do you feel about making decisions based on your intuition?
Exercise Ideas
- Take some time for yourself in a quiet, peaceful setting. Reflect on your life, goals, and values. Jot down thoughts and insights.
- Practise meditation or mindfulness, focusing on your breath and allowing your thoughts to come and go.
- In a safe area, take a walk alone in nature and observe the world around you. What can you gather from the beauty and simplicity of nature?
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Surrealist |
Diary |
bifrost |
Langustl |
Rider-Waite |
Variations of the Card
The Hermit is a card of isolation and self-introspection. This key card of the tarot deck is often viewed as negative because so many people who use the cards are hoping love or wealth is around the corner. When this card answers such a question, it is not typically seen as a good omen. But how many people consider the fact that relationships with others don’t (and can’t) really mean much until a person knows themselves?
The Hermit variations on Tarotsmith all centre around the same idea, the sense of separation from others, which may lead to a state of loneliness.
Langustl has the image of the Hermit’s house at night on his card. Where someone might suspect the poor guy lives in a cave, it’s nice to see that he does alright by himself after all. This card is not really so negative at all when you think about it. A lot of activities require solitude to get the job done; it’s just a fact of life. Solitude can mean loneliness, but then it can also mean privacy.
As Thoth and Rider versions both show Father Time with his guiding lamp, so does their love-child: bifrost. Diary and bifrost (and perhaps Surrealist) show the Hermit in Hades looking themselves over in the mirror. Could this card be about narcissism and vanity? As Diary shows an abyss to be crossed, so does Surrealist. Strangely, we also notice this is the first trump card of Langustl’s not to show first-person perspective, while it is the first card of Surrealist‘s shown in first-person, as the reader reaches for the sky.
