Meaning: soul searching, solitude, inner journey, self-care, self-reflection, meditation, psychology, psychoanalysis, logotherapy, initiation, introspection, inner guidance, seeker, isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, lack of self-knowledge, fear of being alone, anti-social

The Hermit (IX) is a card of solitude — it is all about our inner world and the journey we take to get to know ourselves and gain self-understanding. While having a supportive and loving community is important, there are some things that only truly being in solitude can teach us. Depending on the question, if The Hermit card comes up, the answer will surely have something to do with the inner world.

“The best thinking has been done in solitude.” – Thomas Edison

“Solitude helps you find peace. Peace helps you find happiness.” – Maxime Lagacé 

“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” – Pablo Picasso

“Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” – Marcus Aurelius 

A “hermit” is defined as a person living in solitude/isolation as a religious discipline. The Hermit card, on the other hand, is not necessarily about someone who lives in such a way. Rather, it is about the encompassing ideas behind the intention to: to discover hidden treasures inside of us and gain mastery over ourselves. Someone who is interested in meditation or spirituality, for instance, would fall under The Hermit card. If you ask “what kind of person will I meet next” for example, and The Hermit comes up, then the answer to your question would be someone who is spiritual, comfortable in solitude or a person of depth. If you ask “what do I need to do,” then the answer could be for you to study up on spiritual practices, set the intention to meditate more consistently on the issue at hand, or simply enjoy your own company. This might also be advice to do some inner reflection through journaling.

Not sure how to read this card in reverse? Check out my post on Light vs. Shadow aspects in a reading here.