Hermit as Past (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 Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Hermit, it means that a period of introspection and self-reflection was prominent, where seeking deeper understanding and solitary contemplation were necessary. This phase allowed you to delve deep into your inner world, shedding light on areas that required understanding and healing. It was a spiritual sojourn, where you could engage with your higher self, seeking wisdom from within and paving the way for a more enriched understanding of yourself and your journey.

The Hermit as the past can represent a time of inner exploration, personal growth, and possibly distancing oneself from external noise to focus on one’s true path. During this time, the distractions of the outer world took a back seat, allowing you to forge a path grounded in personal truth and understanding. This period laid the foundation for the rich inner landscape that you carry today, a testimony to the personal growth and understanding nurtured during that time of solitude.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hermit in the past position means there was a time of solitude or inward focus that was important for personal growth, even if it meant spending time apart to nurture individual spaces. This phase in your relationship was centered around self-love and self-growth, fostering a space where both partners could grow individually, enriching not only themselves but the relationship as a whole. It was a time that taught the importance of personal space and the depth it can add to a relationship, grounding it in mutual respect and understanding.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hermit in the past position means that one or both parties needed time alone to think, contemplate, and possibly mature on their own terms, valuing personal space and inner wisdom. The relationship bore witness to moments where solitude took precedence, facilitating growth and deeper understanding of self. It was a time of self-discovery, where the space created allowed for reflection on personal needs and desires, bringing clarity and wisdom to the fore.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hermit in the past position means the relationship might have gone through a phase of reduced communication, where individual growth was prioritized. This was a time when silence spoke louder than words, a period where the individual journeys were respected and understood to be necessary for personal growth. It was a respectful pause, an acknowledgment that personal space can foster growth and that relationships can emerge stronger from these phases of introspective silence.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hermit in the past position means there was a period of careful contemplation and planning, possibly including solitary efforts and a focus on personal development. During this time, you were immersed in your inner world, mapping out your path with careful consideration and attention to detail. It was a period characterized by a wise approach to career moves, guided by deep reflection and a strong connection with your inner guidance, laying a stable foundation for your future endeavors.

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Reversed Hermit as Past

If you are asking about the past, and you draw the Hermit reversed, it means that there might have been a resistance to introspection, potentially leading to feelings of isolation or loneliness. This period might have felt quite heavy, with a looming sense of being disconnected not just from others but from your own inner wisdom. Despite the difficult emotions that were present, it’s important to recognize that periods like these also offer lessons and opportunities for growth, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the self in the future.

The Hermit reversed as the past can represent missed opportunities due to avoidance of self-reflection and a tendency to ignore deeper truths. This means that there was a time when you perhaps chose to stay on the surface rather than diving deep into your own consciousness to unearth truths that could have guided you to better paths. While it was a challenging time, it served as a learning curve, a call towards understanding the importance of self-reflection and listening to your inner voice.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hermit reversed in the past position means there could have been a reluctance to give each other necessary space, or a period of undesired isolation occurred. This situation might have fostered misunderstandings and feelings of detachment, with personal boundaries perhaps being unclear or not respected. Despite the challenges, it also opened up a pathway for learning, creating a deeper understanding of the necessity of space and personal growth in a relationship.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hermit reversed in the past position means that there was likely a lack of understanding or unwillingness to spend time working through individual issues separately. This might have brought about a scenario where the relationship suffered due to a lack of personal development and understanding. Remember, realizing the importance of working on oneself is a significant step towards building a relationship grounded in mutual growth and understanding, and it’s never too late to start that journey.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hermit reversed in the past position means there was probably a time of estrangement or a lack of deep communication, perhaps missing opportunities for connection. This phase might have brought feelings of distance, where the bond might have felt weaker. Despite this, it’s important to remember that relationships have their ebb and flow, and periods of distance can sometimes pave the way for a deeper, more understanding connection in the future.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hermit reversed in the past position means periods of isolation might not have been utilized constructively, leading to stagnation rather than growth. You may have felt stuck, unable to make significant progress despite having the time to focus inward and strategize. It’s important to not be too hard on yourself for this; everyone has periods of stagnation, and they often serve as a prelude to periods of significant growth and progress.

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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.