advanced tarot interpretation

The Meaning of "The Hermit" Tarot Card

The Symbolism of the Tarot Card:

A hooded, robed figure gazes at the ground with almost-closed eyes. He holds before him a lantern with a Star acting as its light. He appears to be standing on the summit of a hilltop, and he is looking down in the world in contemplation. He steadies himself with a staff with his other hand.

The Meaning of the Tarot Card:

The Hermit has attained his knowledge through careful contemplation, isolation, and literally a long struggle to the top of the mountain. He has also sacrificed all of the material joys of life to get where he is.

The card represents the isolation that one must put oneself into in order to better understand the spiritual realm, but also a guide, or teacher, who will help to get us to that perfect state in order to reach attainment.

In Early Christian times, some sects of monks would meditate on top of pillars in the desert in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The Hermit follows this ascetic, with the top of the mountain symbolizing a spiritual height that the rest of us simply aspire too.

Hermits were often depicted in medieval legend as guides and teachers to travelers along the road. Their withdrawal made them holy men, men who could be trusted with anything because they were free of any usual societal taint such as the need for riches or power.

The lantern is being held out by the Hermit as a light for anyone to follow him to the peak of spiritual awareness that he has attained. He is willing to share his solitude with an individual who has the same goals as he. The light contained in the lantern is the divine spark of spiritual rebirth, and anyone may unlock it if they listen to the lessons of the Hermit.

This card symbolizes the necessity to withdraw from everyday concerns in order to reevaluate ones life and direction. Activities that seemed previously important must be discarded in order to learn a spiritual lesson. Withdrawal from other people, whether just emotional or physical as well, will be necessary to fulfill this goal. A sabbatical. A mature sense and realization of what is truly important in one's life.