Hermit as Hopes and Fears (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

Hermit is the card of self-reflection, solitude, introspection, and wisdom. An old man stands alone at the top of a peak, holding a lantern in one hand and his staff in the other. The Hermit shows that being alone is a necessary part of the cycle of life and relationships, because it connects us with our deeper wisdom and true self. 

The Hermit is not a traditional “love” card. It’s easy to feel scared when the Hermit comes up in a love reading. Does it mean that someone doesn’t want to be with you? Remember that there are positives and negatives to be found in every card. In love readings, the Hermit asks us to get in touch with and serve our Wise Self. In order to love others, we must first love ourselves. 

Upright Hermit as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Hermit, it means that you’re seeking introspection, wisdom, and guidance from within, indicating a desire for a period of solitude to find your own answers. This card suggests a journey of self-discovery, where quiet reflection and meditation can illuminate the path forward. It encourages you to embrace the value of spending time alone, trusting that the answers you seek are already within you, waiting to be uncovered.

The Hermit as fears can represent fears of isolation, loneliness, or being disconnected from others as you pursue your inner journey. This highlights concerns about becoming too detached from the world around you, worrying that in seeking your own truth, you may inadvertently alienate those you care about. It serves as a reminder to balance your need for solitude with the importance of maintaining connections with others, ensuring that your quest for self-understanding does not lead to unwanted solitude.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hermit in the hopes and fears position means you value deep, introspective connections but fear that too much solitude or independence could create distance in the relationship. This card speaks to the desire for a partnership that respects individual journeys of growth and self-discovery, while also acknowledging the challenge of maintaining closeness and intimacy. It suggests the need for clear communication about your needs and boundaries, ensuring that both partners feel supported and connected even as they honor their personal paths of introspection.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hermit in the hopes and fears position means there’s a reflection on the need for personal growth post-breakup, yet a fear that this introspection might lead to further isolation. This indicates an awareness of the importance of self-reflection in healing from past relationships, but with a concern that such a focus on the self could exacerbate feelings of loneliness. It encourages finding a balance between solitary reflection for healing and reaching out to others for support and connection.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hermit in the hopes and fears position means you’re hoping for understanding and respect for your need for solitude, yet fear it could be misinterpreted as withdrawal or disinterest. This card suggests a desire for those close to you to recognize and honor your need for periods of reflection and alone time, without taking it personally or seeing it as a rejection. It highlights the importance of communicating your needs clearly to avoid misunderstandings and to foster deeper connections through mutual respect for individual space.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hermit in the hopes and fears position means you’re looking for a career path that aligns with your deepest values, fearing that failure to do so might lead to dissatisfaction and regret. This card underscores the significance of finding work that resonates with your inner truth and personal journey, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from aligning your professional life with your core principles. It reminds you that while the quest for meaningful work is deeply personal, seeking advice and insights from trusted mentors can aid in navigating your path to satisfaction and success.

Reversed Hermit as Hopes and Fears

If you are asking about hopes, and you draw the Hermit reversed, it means that you’re concerned about being stuck in isolation, unable to connect with others or fearing that your period of introspection has gone on too long. This card in its reversed position signals a need to break free from excessive solitude and to reconnect with the world around you. It encourages you to seek balance between inner reflection and external engagement, highlighting the importance of community and interaction for personal growth and happiness.

The Hermit reversed as fears can represent the dread of being cut off from the world, losing touch with social connections, or neglecting opportunities for growth by remaining too inward-focused. This reflects a worry about the consequences of isolation, such as missed experiences and a sense of detachment from others. It serves as a caution to not let the pursuit of self-knowledge become a barrier to living a full and connected life, reminding you of the value in sharing your journey with others.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hermit reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a worry that isolation or excessive introspection could hinder the development of the relationship or lead to misunderstanding. This card suggests that while self-discovery is valuable, there’s a need to ensure it doesn’t prevent you from being present and available in your relationship. It calls for a conscious effort to open up and share your inner world with your partner, fostering a deeper connection based on mutual support and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hermit reversed in the hopes and fears position means there might be a fear that not moving on or learning from the past relationship is preventing you from forming new connections. This indicates a concern that dwelling too much on what has ended could be blocking the path to new beginnings. It encourages you to find closure and to embrace the lessons learned, allowing yourself the freedom to explore new relationships with an open heart and mind.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hermit reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s a concern that your need for solitude might have created a gap, fearing the loss of closeness or shared experiences. This card underscores the importance of communicating your needs while also making an effort to remain connected, ensuring that your desire for alone time doesn’t lead to feelings of alienation or neglect. It suggests finding ways to maintain the bond, even as you honor your need for personal space.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hermit reversed in the hopes and fears position means there’s an apprehension about being too withdrawn or introspective to seize opportunities for advancement or financial growth. This highlights a concern that a focus on internal matters might result in missed professional opportunities or hinder your financial progress. It advises you to engage more actively with your career environment and to seek out opportunities for growth, reminding you that external actions are just as important as internal reflection in achieving success and fulfillment.

Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, Hermit reveals our inner wisdom and the strength of our bond with our Self. In order to love others, we must first love ourselves. It shows that codependency is not love. If we are not careful, closeness can become toxic suffocation. The space for individual growth is necessary for a healthy relationship. If you lean into the wisdom of the Hermit, your relationships will become stronger, more confident, and more fulfilled.

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.