Symbolic Representation

The card depicts a robed monk or a hermit or a man dressed in a light colored robe, carrying a lantern in one hand, and a staff in the other. He can be seen standing on barren surface under the blue sky.

Tarot Story

After coming a long way of life, going through all the phases of ups and downs, and constructing, devoting, struggling, cooperating, losing and winning, the Fool finally feels a need to withdraw and move to solitude. After leaving all the worldly belongings and moving into a small habitat deep in the woods, he hides from the outer world, concealing himself in the daily chores of reading, cleaning, managing or just resting with deep thoughts.

However, during the hours of darkness at every nightfall, he walks out of the house, wandering across the barren landscape, carrying only a staff and a lamp.

Exploring whatever came his way during these restive walks from twilight till the crack of dawn, he now knows what he has neglected around him and inside him too. As if he was slowly discovering a new side of himself, a side he never knew existed within him. From being the Fool who didn't know what he tied and carried on his staff, unseen and closely packed, now he was becoming the Hermit, whose staff leans out before him, while he carries a lantern, enlightened from within.

Tarot Connotation

Ruled by the Virgo sun sign, the Hermit is a card of self introspection and analysis. The card indicates a time for tranquility and solitude and not an apt time for getting out and meeting people. This is not the time to act, discuss and decide, but a time to reflect, sort out and think things over. There may be thoughts of dissatisfaction, disappointment and restlessness while going through this stage of recluse, but it is during such times only, that we are blessed by enlightenment and clarity of mind.

If we consider this card in context to people around the Seeker, the Hermit symbolizes a sensible, inspiring person, companion or someone the Seeker frequently meets alone, while his close ones may not know about him/her. This person or persons will help the Seeker find what he/she is seeking.

One of the important things about this card is that this robed monk is always out wandering and searching, and never locked up in a solitary chamber. With the restless mind, like a true Virgo, the Seeker is always skeptical, examining and making correlations.

The Seeker who gets this card desires to be alone, feeling impatient with people around him/her, who are disturbing their peace. It is a special time for the Seeker as this solitude will allow all the bits and pieces to fall into place. So let them hide in their rooms or go on retreat for a month, as when they'll be back, they'll see everything through a clear mind, in a brand new light.