Hermit as Present (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 Present

If you are asking about the present, and you draw the Hermit, it means that a period of introspection, solitude, and seeking inner wisdom is currently significant in your life. This card emphasizes the value of withdrawing from the external world to connect with your inner self and to find guidance from within. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping back and focusing on your personal journey can provide the clarity and understanding needed to navigate your path more effectively.

The Hermit as the present can represent a journey towards self-discovery and the importance of taking time alone to reflect on your values and goals. This phase of reflection allows you to reassess your life’s direction, ensuring that your actions and decisions are aligned with your true self. It signifies a moment of spiritual and emotional replenishment, where solitude becomes a powerful tool for personal growth and enlightenment.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hermit in the present position means that you or your partner may need space for personal growth or to ponder the relationship’s direction. This card suggests that taking time apart to reflect can strengthen the bond in the long run, as it allows both individuals to return to the relationship with a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. It’s a call to respect the need for personal space and to use this time to cultivate your own inner peace and wisdom.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hermit in the present position means that you are in a phase of self-reflection, learning from past experiences to understand your path forward. This card indicates that solitude is a valuable ally in healing from the past relationship, offering you the opportunity to process your feelings and to gain insights that will guide your future relationships. It’s a period for gaining closure and for embracing the lessons learned, allowing you to move on with greater self-awareness and maturity.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hermit in the present position means that the relationship may benefit from a period of quiet reflection or that one of you is seeking wisdom and guidance from within. This card underscores the importance of honoring each other’s need for space and understanding that personal journeys of introspection can enrich the relationship. It encourages supporting each other’s quest for inner knowledge and acknowledging that sometimes, silence and solitude can be a form of communication and connection.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hermit in the present position means that now is a time for careful thought and planning, possibly reevaluating your career path or financial goals in solitude. This card advises taking a step back from the hustle and bustle to contemplate your aspirations and to strategize your next moves. It suggests that a period of solitary reflection can reveal new insights and directions, helping you to align your professional and financial endeavors with your deeper values and long-term vision.

Reversed Hermit as Present

If you are asking about the present, and you draw the Hermit reversed, it means that there may be a feeling of isolation, or you may be resisting the introspection needed to move forward. This card suggests that while solitude can offer valuable insights, its reversed position indicates a struggle with or avoidance of the self-reflection necessary for personal growth. It is a call to confront and embrace the solitude, to use it as a tool for self-discovery and understanding, rather than viewing it as a source of loneliness.

The Hermit reversed as the present can represent an unwillingness to look within for answers or a sense of loneliness that comes from being disconnected from your inner self. This stance hampers personal development and may lead to a feeling of being lost or adrift. Acknowledging this resistance and taking steps to reconnect with oneself can open the path to clarity, wisdom, and a more profound sense of purpose.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Hermit reversed in the present position means that isolation or a lack of communication may be creating distance between you and your partner. This card underscores the importance of reaching out and sharing your thoughts and feelings, as withdrawing into oneself can exacerbate misunderstandings and emotional gaps. Encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding can bridge the divide, strengthening the bond between you.

If you are asking about an ex, the Hermit reversed in the present position means that you might be stuck in the past, unable to learn from the relationship’s end and move on. This card indicates that dwelling on what was, rather than focusing on self-reflection and healing, hinders progress towards recovery and personal freedom. Embracing the lessons learned and looking forward to new beginnings is essential for moving forward.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Hermit reversed in the present position means that there might be barriers to genuine connection, with either party feeling misunderstood or isolated. This situation calls for efforts to reach out, to communicate openly, and to make space for shared experiences that can heal and deepen the relationship. Recognizing and addressing the root causes of disconnection can lead to a more meaningful and supportive bond.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Hermit reversed in the present position means that you might be ignoring the need for a reflective pause, potentially leading to burnout or misguided decisions. This card advises taking a step back to reassess your path and goals, suggesting that a period of quiet contemplation can provide the insights needed to navigate your career and financial decisions more wisely. Prioritizing self-care and mindful reflection can avert exhaustion and inspire strategies aligned with your true objectives.

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.