#9: The Hermit
The Hermit is the seeker, the wise guide, and the light in the darkness. This card represents introspection, solitude, and the pursuit of deep wisdom. It speaks to the moments when we step away from the noise of the world to reconnect with ourselves. In queer spaces, The Hermit is a reminder that self-discovery often requires solitude—not isolation, but a sacred pause to understand your own truth.
UPRIGHT
Introspection, wisdom, solitude, self-discovery, spiritual insight
REVERSED
Loneliness, isolation, avoiding self-reflection, feeling disconnected, fear of introspection
The Hermit Overview
The Hermit appears when you are being called inward. This is a time for self-reflection, deep thought, and personal insight. It does not mean withdrawal from life, but rather a conscious retreat to gain clarity. This card invites you to embrace the quiet, to listen to your inner wisdom, and to trust that your answers lie within.
Symbolism and Imagery
The Lantern with a Star Inside – Represents inner wisdom and guidance from within.
The Staff – A symbol of support and knowledge gained through experience.
The Mountain – Symbolizes personal growth and the journey of self-discovery.
The Grey Cloak – Represents neutrality and detachment from distractions.
Upright Meaning
When The Hermit appears upright, it signals a time of introspection, deep contemplation, and seeking knowledge from within. This card encourages stepping away from external distractions to connect with your own wisdom. It represents a journey of self-discovery, often requiring solitude to find clarity.
The Hermit reminds you that answers cannot always be found in the outside world—sometimes, they must be uncovered through reflection, study, or spiritual practice. It is a card of personal growth, indicating that this period of solitude will ultimately bring greater understanding and enlightenment.
This card can also represent the role of a mentor or guide, someone who has walked the path before and is now offering wisdom to those still searching. It encourages patience and trust in the journey, even if the road ahead seems uncertain.
Reversed Meaning
When The Hermit appears reversed, it suggests an imbalance between solitude and connection. It can indicate excessive isolation—pulling away from others out of fear, loneliness, or emotional withdrawal. You may feel lost in your thoughts, struggling with uncertainty, or resisting the need to look inward.
Alternatively, this card can point to a reluctance to slow down and reflect. It may be urging you to take time for self-exploration instead of avoiding important truths. If life has felt overwhelming, The Hermit reversed asks you to find a balance between introspection and engagement with the world.
This reversal can also highlight difficulty in finding guidance or struggling to trust your own wisdom. It may be time to seek support, whether through mentors, spiritual teachers, or meaningful connections with others.
Final Thoughts
The Hermit reminds you that sometimes, the answers you seek can only be found in stillness. Take time to reflect, trust your own wisdom, and know that your light will guide you forward.
#9: The Hermit
Queer and Transgender Meaning
The Hermit is deep self-reflection—the quiet moments when you turn inward, seeking truth away from outside noise. It is the solitude of self-discovery, the time spent exploring your gender in private before the world ever knows. This card reminds you that transition is not just an external process—it is an internal journey, one that requires space to listen to your own voice.
UPRIGHT
Introspection, self-discovery, solitude, wisdom, seeking clarity, deep reflection
REVERSED
Isolation, avoidance, fear of being seen, disconnect from self
The Hermit and the Trans Experience
Before coming out, before transition, before action—there is a period of quiet self-exploration. The Hermit is that part of the journey.
For trans people, this card represents the time spent in deep introspection—reading, questioning, reflecting, trying things on in private. It is standing in front of a mirror at 2 AM, whispering a name that feels like home. It is the late-night internet searches, the long journal entries, the secret daydreams of a life where you feel whole.
The Hermit does not rush. They know that wisdom comes from turning inward, from listening to yourself before seeking validation from others. They remind you that this journey is yours first—and no one else can define it for you.
This card asks: Have you given yourself enough space to explore? Are you listening to your inner truth?
Symbolism and Imagery
The Hermit’s imagery is all about inner searching and quiet revelation.
A cloaked figure holding a lantern – They walk alone, not because they are lost, but because they are seeking something only they can find.
A six-pointed star inside the lantern – The light of personal truth, the guiding wisdom that comes from deep self-reflection.
A snowy mountain beneath them – Transition can feel lonely at times, but solitude is often necessary for clarity.
A staff in their hand – A symbol of wisdom and experience. The Hermit has been on a journey, and they are learning from it.
Upright Meaning: Deep Self-Discovery
When The Hermit appears upright, it is a call to turn inward, reflect, and seek clarity within yourself.
For trans people, this might mean:
Exploring your gender privately – Giving yourself the space to question and grow.
Spending time alone to find your truth – Not rushing into external validation before you feel ready.
Reflecting on your past and future – Understanding how your experiences have shaped your identity.
Finding wisdom in your own journey – No one else can tell you who you are. That is something only you can discover.
This card reminds you that self-discovery is sacred, and taking time for yourself is not avoidance—it is wisdom.
Reversed Meaning: Isolation and Avoidance
When The Hermit appears reversed, you may be feeling disconnected from others or struggling with isolation.
For trans people, this can look like:
Avoiding self-exploration out of fear – Not wanting to look too closely at your gender because you are afraid of what you will find.
Withdrawing from support – Feeling like no one understands you, or pushing people away when you need them most.
Feeling lost in transition – Wanting clarity but struggling to find it.
Being stuck in self-reflection without action – There is a time for introspection, but there is also a time to move forward.
The Hermit reversed is a reminder that you do not have to do this alone. Seeking clarity is important, but connection is just as vital.
Final Thoughts
The Hermit is the part of transition that happens in the quiet spaces—the self-discovery before anyone else knows. It is a reminder that clarity comes from within, and you are allowed to take your time.
This card says: Trust your process. The answers you seek are already inside you.