(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Hermit as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Hermit as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your hermit and my hermit may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
The Hermit is #9, which represents love, faith, and spiritual enlightenment. It’s a symbol of wisdom and initiation. #9 is mathematically unique in that its multiples can be reduced to 9 when their digits are added up (e.g., 1+8; 2+7), and anything added to 9 returns to itself when the sum’s digits are added up (e.g., 5+9=14; 1+4=5). It’s freaky. Some say the number implies empathy and compassion, some say arrogance and coldness. Some say numbers don’t imply anything at all.
Name
There’s a definite sense of “nutty old man” to the Hermit. A Hermit has been alone for a long time, and people go mad alone. (Although Christopher Knight, who spent 20 years in the woods alone, seemed completely sane. Still, we all know people we characterize as having spent too much time alone.) The Hermit’s destination is alone – so you have to ask, do you really want to follow him? What can you really learn from a Hermit? They are traditionally held to be wise – but reality might contradict that. They might just be people for whom human contact is too painful to make it worthwhile. (Not in tarot, though. Hermits are wise in tarot.) At any rate, the Hermit seeks inner knowledge, not worldly success. And that’s what’s key here.
Placement
The Hermit comes near the middle of the major arcana; he is like the Fool reborn in a wiser guise. You’ve had your youth, your fun explorations, but you should have learned a thing or two and it’s time to live more consciously and wisely.
Traditional interpretations
The card is not a good omen; it’s a warning. It says that your journey requires courage.
You must leave behind conventional values. To make this easier, and to choose the best way, it would be wise to receive help and advice from a counsellor – either someone else or your inner self. The card tells you that the advice being offered is likely good; be open to advice from wise and experienced people.
Or you may be the wise mentor yourself, in which case: take your own advice. The card is not telling you to advise others; advise yourself. Follow your intuition.
The card can indicate the gift of prophecy. But it may warn of treason or corruption.
Above all, the card’s advice is caution.
Reverse interpretations
Reversed, the card tells of fear and suspicion. You are refusing to learn. You rely on your own inadequate resources when you need help. You’re foolish and immature: you don’t know best; get help before you really mess it up. Your refusal to heed sound advice or accept help results in problems.
The card reversed can also warn of paranoia and close-mindedness; don’t be so afraid of change and of others. Reach out; offer and accept help. Stop being self-indulgent.
Thematic readings
- In love, this is not a good time to seek relationships. (Seriously, it’s a hermit — not a good love card.) You must know yourself before you can know your partner. Don’t overanalyze or be too critical. Be down to earth, honest, and pure of heart.
- In work, seek a mentor’s counsel. Get help; don’t proceed unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing. Don’t be cocky.
- In general life, go slowly. Test the path. Turn inward to seek enlightenment. Look inside and heed your intuition. Be prudent and discreet. You may have all the answers you need within yourself, but you need introspection to access them.
Specific positions
- Current situation: A crisis of will must be overcome to go beyond the common pale. The card shows a need to retreat and meditate and plan; it warns against continuing recklessly. This is a time to think, withdraw, and find the inner wisdom you need to carry on well.
- Past influence: Detachment or overattachment. You may have rushed into things. You’ve spent too much time alone or not enough time alone. If your path has been unorthodox, make sure you’re where you want to be. There is time to walk another path. You may be holding yourself back by refusing advice and thinking you know what’s best when you don’t.
- Outcome: Take time out. Reduce social exposure. Step back and figure out what you really want. Find your life’s purpose before making decisions. You may have to wait before proceeding.
- Blocked: Hesitation or refusing advice will hold you back. Look inward, decide wisely with open ears and heart, and proceed.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- Do you see this as a particular person? Yourself?
- Are you in a place where you feel alone? Do you need to be alone?
- Is this person on the card helping to light your way or just his own way? Is he asking you to keep going or to stop?
- Do you think he lives in this place or is he passing through?
- Do you feel you are at a mature stage in your journey?
- What do you think might be ahead in the darkness of your path?
- Do you accept help when you need it? Do you offer help to others?
- Do you have strong intuition? Are you able to follow it?
- Are you plagued by indecision? Is there something you really need to proceed with? Have you allowed yourself enough time to plan?
Keywords to aid Memory
- Introspection; Wisdom
- Caution; Retreat; Plan
- Counsel; Advice
- Courage
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland; Radiant Rider-Waite deck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington (also shown in the box).
Catherine Austen 