The Hermit Keywords
UPRIGHT: introspection | soul-searching | inner guidance
REVERSED: isolation | loneliness | withdrawal
The Hermit Description
The Hermit Tarot card features a solitary figure standing atop a snow-capped mountain, indicative of his spiritual attainment and personal growth. His journey of self-discovery has led him to a high level of consciousness. Holding a lantern containing the six-pointed Seal of Solomon in his right hand, The Hermit symbolizes the quest for wisdom; the light serves to illuminate his immediate path, emphasizing a journey taken one step at a time, with the full path remaining obscured.
The lantern's light, revealing only a short distance ahead, suggests that The Hermit must continue moving forward to gain further insight, embodying the principle that knowledge comes progressively and experientially. In his left hand, he carries a staff, signifying authority and the tool he uses for support and guidance, aligning with the subconscious aspect of his journey. This imagery reinforces The Hermit’s theme of introspection, guidance, and the thoughtful pursuit of enlightenment.
NOTE: The tarot card meaning description is based on the Rider-Waite deck and Decoding The Cards