The Hermit
The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and inner illumination, urging withdrawal for self-awareness rather than social achievement. He appears as a wise counselor or guardian who shines a light on truths we may resist, guiding through dark passages. The card can also indicate intentional isolation or marching to one’s own beat without necessarily feeling lonely. Ultimately it encourages honest self-examination, integrity, and finding peace in solitary reflection.
Keywords
Card Title
IX – The Hermit
Correspondences
Virgo
Keywords
The principle of introspection and personal integrity, the wise man and counselor, retreat from life, inner illumination, solitude, the depth of winter, silence, isolation, self-awareness, being at peace with oneself, withdrawal without outward achievement.
Meaning
Traditionally the Hermit is on a lonely path, holding a staff and a lantern and walking through a lonely landscape of rugged mountains in the night. The Hermit may signify a guardian and mentor on the long dark passages in life, someone who shines a light for us, even on the things we don't want to see about ourselves or on the secret fears we have. The Hermit may also mean that we close ourselves off from others, that we march to the beat of our own drum and that we stand alone, which does not necessarily mean that we feel lonely.
Exploring the Card
Snape fulfils both meanings of the card — he is essentially in a league of his own, blending in neither with the Order members, nor counting himself among the Death Eaters. He keeps his own counsel and does not reveal much about himself. For Harry he is also a mentor and guardian, not one who teaches with kindness, like Dumbledore or Sirius, but someone who has harsh lessons in humility, who shows Harry things about himself (and his father) that he does not want to know and to recognize. But when it comes to the crunch, he will always try to keep him safe.
Visual Description
A solemn, cloaked man stands in front of stone shelves filled with labeled jars and bottles; he holds a slender wand that emits a bright glow centered at his chest. He wears long robes and a heavy cloak, one hand clasping the wand while the other rests near his waist, and decorative curling motifs frame the composition. The Roman numeral "IX" is visible at the top and the title "The Hermit" appears at the bottom of the image.
Harry Potter tarot
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