The Hermit – The Light of Inner Truth
Keywords (Upright): solitude, wisdom, introspection, inner guidance, spiritual search Keywords (Reversed): isolation, avoidance, lost path, refusal to look within, withdrawal
Description The Hermit stands alone atop a snowy peak, cloaked and hooded, holding a lantern that contains the six-pointed star—illumination earned through solitude. His staff grounds him as he walks the narrow path of self-knowledge. This is the seeker, withdrawn not from life, but from its noise.
In the Thoth deck, he is cloaked in darkness, carrying the lamp of secret wisdom and the sperm of creation—symbol of inner potency. Ruled by Virgo and linked to the Hebrew letter Yod (hand), he is the hand of God turning inward, bearing the spark of life into silence.
Upright Meaning The Hermit invites retreat—not escape, but sacred solitude. Now is the time to turn inward and listen. Answers will not come from others or the external world, but from your own quiet knowing. He is the guide within, asking you to follow the path of truth, no matter how narrow or dimly lit. The lantern glows only for the next step—walk it.
Reversed Meaning Reversed, the Hermit warns of either excessive withdrawal or avoidance of the inner work. You may be isolating out of fear, rejecting help, or refusing to pause long enough to hear your truth. It may also point to spiritual bypassing—claiming solitude, but avoiding self-honesty. Return to your own light, even if it flickers.
Summary The Hermit is the archetype of the seeker—solitary, silent, and sovereign. Upright, he offers deep clarity born of contemplation. Reversed, he reflects distortion of solitude or disconnection from purpose. This card asks: will you follow the lantern inward—or fear the path too much to begin?