Why did you start learning about tarot? For me, pursuing the tarot was pursuing introspection. When I was young, I stumbled upon website after website detailing how to use these cards to gain further insight into your own life. At a young age, all I wanted was to understand things better, especially myself.

I started using tarot as a tool to help me seek the knowledge I so desired. This is perhaps why so many tarot readers can understand the Hermit so well. 'Know thyself' - we all want to know what's going on within our minds. It often isn't as easy as it sounds. This is what the Hermit card stands for.

The card is very simple looking – its aim is not to make you stare endlessly at the card, trying to define meaning, but to look within yourself for that meaning. The bearded man on the card, dressed all in gray robes, has his head bowed and his eyes closed. He stands on a small bit of rock, what looks to be the peak of a mountain. In one hand he carries a very tall staff, and in the other, he carries a lit lantern. He shines a light but isn't looking around at the outside world. Instead, he is looking with.

Introspection is at the base of the Hermit card. When you see this card, you know that you either require this time of inward focus or currently reside in that state of mind. There are certain questions that only you know the answer to – the only way to find those answers is to search within. This card may be telling you to seek out those answers through introspection.

The Hermit is a seeker – he wants to know, to feel, to understand everything within himself. This card could signal that you are searching for this greater understanding. You want to head down this new path, and while you are uncertain of what may lie down it, you know that you will be better off for having the experience.

The Difference Between Lonliness and Solitude is Acceptance

Lastly, the Hermit is well known to seek complete seclusion from both people and society as a whole. If you see the Hermit card in your readings, it could be a sign that you desire some real, true alone time. We all need this from time to time, and it's a good practice to check in with yourself to see when you will need to dwell in solitude.

A few questions that you should ask yourself when you see the Hermit in your readings: Would introspection benefit you right now? What is it that you are seeking? What questions need answering? Can you answer these questions by looking inward? Would you do well with some alone time? How can you pursue this introspection in a happy, healthy way?

The Seven of Swords can be seen as a similar card to the Hermit – the man in the Seven card is running away from everyone else, while the Hermit is likewise seeking solitude. The High Priestess card deals with inner thought and drawing away from all that is known to experience the unknown... but while the High Priestess deals with mysteries outside of herself, the Hermit seeks to know the mysteries inside of himself.

What The Hermit Means for You Today

When the Hermit card shows up in your reading it can indicate that some kind of deep wisdom may soon be revealed to you. Taking some time to sit quietly at some point today may open you up to profound realizations about yourself, the universe, and how there is no difference between the two. The noise of the modern world often drowns out the deep inner wisdom that we all have access to. The hermit understands that most of the society's promises are empty and serve only to disconnect us from ourselves. Take some time to retreat from the buzzing of social media and tv shows. Even just spending fifteen minutes with your eyes closed in a quiet space can open your mind to greater possibilities.