ORA›The 78 cards›Rider-Waite-Smith›The Hermit
The Hermit, Rider-Waite-Smith
Major arcana

The Hermit

The Hermit moves forward alone, with a light limited to what lies just in front of him. His progress rests on the attention given to each step.

Rider-Waite-Smith Earth/Virgo See in Tarot de Marseille →

What the card shows

The Hermit walks alone, his back bent, a lantern raised in one hand and a long staff in the other. The glow of the lantern reaches only the ground just in front of him.

Its light

Chosen slowness deepens judgement. What you understand in calm holds better against opposing views, and the light carried lights one more step.

Its shadow

Withdrawal cuts you off from the world. Looking for yet another piece of information delays a decision already lit well enough, and alone too long you take your habits for truths.

Keywords

searchdistancesolitudediscernmentpatience

Notes on the symbolism

RWS. Arcana IX. Prudence, voluntary retreat, accepted solitude: Waite links the Hermit to these three notions, not to passing time.

What this card invites you to do

Take time alone, with no screen or advice. Note what remains when the noise falls silent, then move ahead with the clarity you actually have.

A card does not decide for you.
It shows you where to look.

Draw three cards and get a reading that starts from your question, not from a generic text. The card of the day is free every day.

Ask my question