The Hermit tarot card is characterized by a lone gray robed figure carrying a lantern and walking with a staff. The backdrop for the card is a barren landscape. When reading tarot cards, it is sometimes interpreted that the Hermit is walking in the wrong direction, away from the future.
When reading tarot cards, the Hermit card represents a time for introspection, peace, and solitude. If this card appears, it could mean taking time to step back and step away, only for a little while. Gather your thoughts and yourself, take a deep breath, think about what’s going on in your life.
The Hermit is full of knowledge, wisdom, and experience when reading tarot cards. Often, he is more concerned with helping others than helping himself. On the image of the card the Hermit is looking downward, almost hanging his head. This is interpreted reading as recognizing the sacrifice for his chosen calling. Thus, the time needed to get away and take time for you is a very real possibility. You have to re-energize before you can continue to give.
A feeling of frustration may lead you to withdrawal when reading tarot cards and this card is drawn for you. This is a time to turn inward, analyze, think, and re-organize the compartments of your mind. During the restless and searching walks the Hermit takes through an uncluttered landscape, the more he sees and has revelations about matters that have been nagging him, you will find when using the deck . The Hermit finds new direction by giving up distractions for a while and turning within himself.
The Hermit tarot card, laid in an upright position when reading tarot cards, can mean counsel has been sought and advice taken. It can represent a sense of inner calm and peace. It can symbolize a wise mentor needed to help with reflection on circumstances .
When the Hermit tarot card is reversed, or laid upside down, that could mean refusal of help from a wise friend. It could also illuminate the possibility of an immature attitude, a feeling of paranoia, or bad decision-making when reading tarot cards. It could indicate a foolish stubbornness and a willful insistence on following a poor choice for a course of action.
reading tarot cards, in opposition to the Hermit include Lovers (togetherness, not solitude), World (mass involvement), the Two of Cups (togetherness, not alone time), the Three of Cups (involved in a group), and the Nine of Cups (pleasure from togetherness).
Tarot cards in support of the Hermit, when reading tarot cards, are the High Priestess (looking inward), the Four of Cups (withdrawal), the Eight of Cups (a search for deeper meaning), the Four of Swords (thinking, quiet time), and the Seven or Swords (solitude).