Hermit
Meaning, Symbolism & The Journey Within
The Hermit Tarot: Meaning, Symbolism & The Journey Within
Moses & The Call to Inner Truth
The Simonean Gnostics, a monastic sect that flourished around the 2nd century CE, did not view the Book of Exodus as a literal historical account. Instead, they interpreted it as an allegory:
• Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt was symbolic of the soul being guided toward spiritual truth.
• The desert represented ignorance and illusion, while the Promised Land was enlightenment.
• The Logos (wisdom, word, vibration) was the true guide to liberation.
And so it is with The Hermit. Like Moses, he calls us to follow him—not into the external world, but deep within. The truth cannot be found outside—it must be discovered within the self.
The Hermit’s Path on the Tree of Life
On the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, The Hermit’s path connects Tipheret (Beauty, Light) with Chesed (Mercy). This is the first path that takes us from our Higher Selves into Supreme Knowledge and Universal Truth.
In simpler terms:
• The Hermit marks the moment we first realize that there is more to existence than the material world.
• He guides us from the illusions of the ego into the vastness of spiritual reality.
• The light he carries is not for himself—it is for us.
Watch: The Hermit Tarot Card Meaning
For a deeper understanding of the Hermit tarot, watch the video below.
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Discover the CoursesThe Hermit & The Evolution of the Soul
In another Kabbalistic view, The Hermit represents the transition from the highest point of Ruach (the part of the soul that governs morality and distinguishes right from wrong) to Yechidah (the divine spark within the soul, corresponding to Keter, the Supreme Being).
This means:
• The Hermit is the first glimpse of something beyond ordinary existence.
• To grasp this truth, we must journey deep into our subconscious.
• It is an inner pilgrimage—a search for the higher self.
Jung & The Hermit as The Wise Old Man
According to Carl Jung, The Hermit shares an archetype with The Hierophant—that of the Wise Old Man.
However, there is a crucial difference:
• The Hierophant represents structured, traditional, exoteric knowledge.
• The Hermit represents personal revelation, esoteric wisdom, and inner truth.
Where The Hierophant follows established teachings, The Hermit tells us that we must find our own truth.
Virgo & The Hermit: The Pure Guide
The Hermit tarot is ruled by Virgo, the sign of purity, service, and self-improvement. Virgo’s energy makes The Hermit:
• An untarnished seeker of truth.
• A guide who illuminates the path for others.
• A teacher who serves not for power, but for the good of all.
Symbolism of The Hermit’s Cloak & Lantern
• His outer robe is red, representing Binah (Understanding).
• His inner robe is orange, symbolizing Chokmah (Wisdom, Knowing).
• His staff is also a symbol of Chokmah (Wisdom)—a reminder that wisdom supports the journey.
• His lantern contains a six-pointed star, which guides others, not himself.
His message is clear:
“Where I am, so you will be.”
The Hermit’s Mountain Path
The Hermit stands above the desert of Da’at (Knowledge), looking toward a narrow, winding mountain path leading to the Tiger’s Nest—a symbol of Kethr, the highest spiritual attainment.
• The path is difficult, winding, and treacherous.
• Yet The Hermit reassures us that if we follow his light, we will make it.
The mountain represents enlightenment, but the path must be walked alone.
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The Hermit Tarot Card in Readings
In a tarot reading, The Hermit represents a time of deep self-reflection, spiritual seeking, and inner transformation.
The Hermit in the Thoth Tarot
In Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, The Hermit is deeply tied to alchemy and sacred mysteries. Unlike traditional depictions, Crowley’s Hermit is a guide through the hidden esoteric realms.
To explore The Hermit in the Thoth Tarot, visit Crowley-Thoth.com.
Final Thoughts
The Hermit tarot is not about loneliness—it is about seeking true knowledge. He teaches that:
• Wisdom is not found in books, but within the self.
• Truth is not given—it must be sought.
• The journey inward is the hardest, but also the most rewarding.
If The Hermit appears in your reading, ask yourself:
• What inner wisdom am I being called to discover?
• Am I avoiding solitude, or do I need it?
• Is my path illuminated, or am I still searching for the light?
The light is always there—are you ready to follow it?
Looking for a full list of cards? Explore all 78 tarot card meanings here.
