TAROT CARDS: THE HERMIT
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.’’
Aristotle
DESCRIPTION
An old man is standing on a snowy peak, looking down the path. He holds a lantern on one hand and a staff on the other. He seems alone and peaceful. His journey is an inner one.
The Hermit represents a journey that starts with turning the spotlight on yourself to discover who you really are. Everything you seek, whether it is happiness, fulfilment or clarity; is already within you. Which brings us to the most important part of this journey: You create your own universe. Your reality mirrors your inner world. Once you realize that, you are free to live your highest vision.
The lesson of the Hermit may seem like a simple mind-shift, but it is life changing. When you pick this card, tune in to yourself, detach from other people's perceptions of you and focus your attention on what you want to let go and where you need to grow more.
Spending time alone is valuable for your development as a person. Regardless of how demanding life can get, you always need to step away for a while, stop and breathe.
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Number 9 represents empathy, inner wisdom and compassion.
The Hermit Keywords
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- Inner wisdom
- Contemplation
- Peace
- Solitude
UPRIGHT
REVERSED
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- Withdrawing from the world
- Rumination
- Feeling disconnected
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The Hermit Upright
Guidance: When you pick the Hermit, your mind wanders life’s big questions. If you need clarity and guidance, listen to your inner voice. Be your own mentor. Taking some quiet time of self-reflection will refresh your energy to get back into the outside world.
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Love: The Hermit is not a romantic card, but it holds valuable advice. Whether you are single or in a relationship, it favours contemplation more so than action. This means that you need to think things through slowly and patiently, with a better understanding of your wants and needs. Your relationships with others are going to be more harmonious once you find the harmony within.
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Work/Finances: The Hermit can represent being self-employed, working alone or contemplating long-term future. The changes happening to you are within. If you wish to see a change for the better regards to your work, this is a good time to strategize. The Hermit is a very slow card, so you need to remain patient. Financial advice is to think before you act, perhaps be more conservative.
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Health: This card favours taking things slow, rest and recuperation. If you are taking care of others, don’t neglect yourself. You can improve your mind and body’s capability to heal by simple mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga.
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Spirituality: As one of the most spiritual cards of the deck, the Hermit signals a time of soul searching for you. If you are looking for a deeper meaning in life, best place to start is within you. Declutter your life from things that don’t serve a purpose, to allow more room to create and grow. It can also talk about being in service to others, doing charity work, etc.
Guidance: Isolating yourself from the world is not the answer. The Hermit reversed suggests you reach out to your loved ones and redirect your attention to social activities you enjoy. Stop overanalyzing every thought and action. You can overcome your shyness by living more spontaneous and expressing yourself regularly.
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Love: The Hermit reversed is often associated with loneliness. If you feel disconnected with your partner, the first thing you can do is talk to them about how you can work together on getting back to normal. Stop dwelling on the past and enjoy the present. If you are single, don’t be afraid to be bold, raw and confident. You are unique and wonderful, why not show it to the world?
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Work/Finances: If you are bored with the status quo, it is time to get more proactive. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there professionally. You may want to detach yourself from the responsibilities, people and stressful situations. Instead of choosing avoidance, the Hermit reversed encourages you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and interact with the world more. You don’t need to be in an anxious state about money all the time. Ask for advice.
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Health: If you feel stuck, anxious and drained all the time, it is time to break the cycle of negative thinking. Whatever it is you are dealing with, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. The Hermit reversed invites you try physical activities that boosts your mood and energy.
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Spirituality: Spending time alone can do wonders in unlocking your potential. However, if you are in a prolonged state of isolation, it is time to disconnect from your mind and reconnect with your reality. When you catch yourself lost in your thoughts, take a deep breath and bring your attention to the present moment. Be willing to try new things and meet new people.
