The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning

the hermit tarot card (a lit lantern)

The hermit tarot card is telling you that this part of the journey must be solo. You must go forth on your own. But you will not get lost on this journey through the darkness.

*This post may include affiliate links. When you purchase items from these links, we will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help support this website. Thank you for your support! Read more ->

Definition of The Hermit Tarot Card

the hermit tarot card with definition

Simple Upright Meaning

Time to be alone, solo journey, look inwards

moon of gemini pendulum chart ad

A Full Explanation

The hermit tarot card is a card of going alone. When you see this card in a tarot spread, it’s giving you the idea that the next portion of your journey will be without the assistance of others.

Traditionally, like in the Rider Waite Tarot deck, there is an image of a cloaked person going into a dark area, the only light illuminating from their lantern.

The light from this lantern is what guides them and protects them from the darkness. Think of this as yourself. You have this light within to guide you on the correct path.

Take this card as an idea to look inside of you, and try to go through the darkest parts illuminating and giving love and light to those forgotten or painful parts of yourself. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to be alone with yourself and not need other people to lift you up.

This path alone may seem dark and scary at first, but as you get used to the light of the lantern, you will be able to make it through and to the other side.

Also, if you’ve been really busy and overwhelmed lately and this card appears in a reading, it’s a reminder to take a break and listen to yourself. Don’t worry about others at this point, and think about how you feel and what you need.

My Design

the hermit tarot card (a lantern)

I went with the simple image for the hermit tarot card of a solo, lit lantern on this tarot card. This lantern is what is guiding the person on the journey, and is the light in the darkness to follow. This is a very simple tarot card image, but reminds immediately of the hermit because that is such a main figure on the card.

Other Thoughts

This card is probably one I relate to the most of the major arcana series, mostly because I like to be alone and it’s calming for me to be alone. A lot of working on myself has also been going on an internal journey by myself, for myself to begin the healing process.


Are you new to tarot and looking at practicing? Try your hand by picking one card a day, or try one of these tarot spreads! If you’re still having a really difficult time connecting with this card, leave it by your bedside or under your pillow to further connect.