This Is A Telltale Sign It's Time To Step Away & Turn Inward

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With a name like "the Hermit," you might already have an idea of what this card is all about: solitude. What you do with that solitude, however, is up to you.

As tarot expert and author of The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot, Skye Alexander, tells mindbodygreen, the Hermit typically depicts an elderly man holding a lantern to light the way. "He’s the wise sage, sometimes dressed in a monk’s robe, who serves as a guide and teacher on life’s journey," she explains.

Generally speaking, this Major Arcana card represents a truth-seeker, and when he turns up in a reading, "it may mean you are engaged in your own quest for truth and knowledge—or should be," Alexander notes.

And that quest, she adds, may very well require you to withdraw from the busyness of the outer world and turn inward for a while. In some cases, the Hermit may also represents a real person in your life.

In this case, according to Alexander, he signifies a teacher, counselor, or advisor. The Hermit may also suggest getting in touch with a spirit guide to lead you on your path, she explains.

Astrologically speaking, the Hermit could be linked with the planet Saturn, Alexander says, with Saturn teaching us by presenting challenges, hardship, work, and self-reliance. Some people also associate the Hermit with the sign of Virgo.

If you pull the Hermit upright in a reading about love or a romantic relationship, Alexander tells mindbodygreen it can mean you need some time alone—or that you could benefit from becoming more independent instead of relying on a partner.

"Perhaps you have some soul-searching to do in order to discover things about yourself," she explains.

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If you asked your deck about your job or financial situation, the upright Hermit suggests you’re "so caught up in your work and its demands that you’ve lost touch with your inner needs," according to Alexander.

As she explains, you might benefit from taking some time off to regain balance and peace of mind when this card appears. It can also symbolize leaving a job to pursue an independent path, she notes.

And in the case of money, Alexander explains that the Hermit upright may be encouraging you to balance spiritual and material goals, or even finding an advisor to help you handle your finances.

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In reverse, the Hermit in a career or money reading can indicate your focus on career success and/or financial security are interfering with your spiritual development, Alexander tells mindbodygreen.

"Maybe you’re using work as an excuse for avoiding self-reflection [and] in some cases, this card may indicate leaving a job that’s limiting your growth," she adds.

Sometines we ask the cards about a problem we're facing—or one we'll need to watch out for in the future. In this case, pulling the upright Hermit suggests you should look within for guidance, Alexander says. "Your inner self knows the right path to take, but you can’t hear its 'voice' if you’re in turmoil," she notes.

By putting some space between you and the problem, you’ll gain more clarity, Alexander suggests. "Sometimes, however," she adds, "this card advises you to seek the counsel of someone more adept than you, perhaps a wise elder."

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If you inquired about a current challenge or a future one, the reversed Hermit here suggests you’re rejecting advice or guidance that would help you deal with the situation, believing you know best, according to Alexander.

"The card may also describe a period of loneliness and isolation, when you feel no one is there to support you and you must rely on yourself," she tells mindbodygreen.