Tarot Card of the Day - The Hermit

Today’s card is The Hermit, drawn from the Cat Tarot by Megan Lynn Kott.

The Hermit suggests retreat. Take some time out for yourself today. Sometimes the world can feel a bit overwhelming. It’s Ok to just crawl into your paper bag or favorite cozy place and just observe. Watching things from a place of solitude can be a great way to gain a fresh perspective and regain your sense of calm and safety.

“Much wisdom can be gained simply by watching from the window. or even hiding in a shopping bag while the rest of the world goes about its business The eye of Horus suggests protection and healing: Here is a safe space to turn your gaze inward. Soul searching may lead you to new realizations or past selves.”

— Julia Smille - The Cat Tarot

The Hermit calls for a period of intentional solitude to seek the truth within. He points to a period of introspection, meditation, or spiritual study. So take a step back, pause social interactions, and consult your inner counsel. Patience and careful, deliberate progress are favored over bold action.

The Hermit in the Rider Waite Tarot

Keywords: solitude, inner guidance, introspection, wisdom, patience, retreat

A solitary, cloaked figure stands atop a snowy mountain. In his left hand he holds a long staff for support, and in his right he raises a lantern containing a six‑pointed star. His head is bowed, his posture steady. His light is small but focused, just enough to illuminate a the path ahead, but not to flood the landscape.

His cloak represents protection and withdrawal from the outer world for inner work.

His staff provides support and shows wisdom earned through experience.

The lantern holds a six‑pointed star, that symbolizes inner wisdom, spiritual illumination, and guidance that comes from within the soul rather than from outer sources.

The Hermit is shown on a mountain top, a place reached through effort and solitude. This is the height of spiritual attainment. The bleak landscape offers clarity, austerity, and the quiet of concentrated study.

• The Hermit drawn in a reading for relationships, suggests taking some time away time to reflect, and avoid rushing into things. Seek clarity on your own terms, rather than reassurance from others.

• In career/work related readings, this card recommends a phase of focused study, research, or quiet mastery. A period of solitary work will pay off.

• In spiritual readings, the Hermit suggests meditation, journaling, or solitude can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth.

The Hermit reversed warns against excessive isolation, withdrawal that becomes avoidance, or refusing help. You may be lonely or hiding from responsibility. It can also indicate a refusal to listen to inner guidance, ignoring your own intuition or a wise mentor.

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Advice & Action Steps

• Schedule intentional alone time for reflection (walks, journaling, silent retreats).

• Ask yourself: What inner voice am I not hearing? What lesson am I avoiding?

• Seek a mentor or be one; teach what you’ve learned.

• Move slowly and deliberately; prioritize depth over breadth.

Shadow & Growth

The Hermit’s shadow is the hermit who never leaves, or the know‑it‑all who hoards wisdom. Growth comes from balancing solitude with service: cultivate your inner light, then share it when appropriate.

Affirmation "My inner light guides me; I step back to see more clearly."

Notable Pairings

• The Hermit + The Hierophant: combining personal wisdom with tradition/teaching.

• The Hermit + The High Priestess: deep inner knowing, psychic receptivity.

• The Hermit + Five of Pentacles: be mindful that retreat isn’t avoidance of practical support.

The Hermit in Readings:

• Pulling The Hermit repeatedly in readings suggests a need for inward focus. Try to minimize social plans, take time out to read, reflect, plan.

• Drawing the Hermit as an outcome card means that wisdom earned through solitude will lead to a clearer path forward.

The Hermit is your wise, inner guide. Quiet, patient, and always carrying a lantern for when you forget where you’re going.

Tarot Card of the Day: Five of Pentacles

Deck used: Radiant Wise Spirit

Today, the Five of Pentacles emerges, offering us insight into the hardships and challenges we may encounter.

The Five of Pentacles depicts two individuals walking through a cold and snowy landscape. These individuals appear downtrodden and impoverished, with tattered clothing and a sense of despair. They seem left out of the warmth and comfort of a nearby illuminated church window, symbolizing a sense of isolation and exclusion.

The message that stands out for me from the 5 of Pentacles is “the end of suffering”. Imagine a scenario, where the figures on the card turn, and walk up the steps into the church, where they can rest, warm up and receive help.

It asks the question “are you suffering in some way, and if so, why?” Can something be done to bring relief? Is there a belief you need to release or to embrace in order to move towards a solution and end the state of suffering you feel.

Pentacles reflect the physical realm, and so suggest the solution may be a physical one. Would it help to move yourself physically to a new place? Reaching out to others for assistance is also suggested. There are often resources available to us, but we may be unaware of them. We may overlook opportunities due to various reasons such as pride, cynicism, or depression. Sometimes the solution is right around the corner, but we need to seek it out, and be willing to see it for what it is.

Don’t leave yourself out in the cold. Take action now towards improving your situation.

Card Meaning: This card signifies a period of difficulty, both material and emotional. It suggests a sense of loss, whether it be financial struggles, illness, or emotional separation. It serves as a reminder that life is not always smooth sailing, and there are times when we feel left out in the cold, both physically and metaphorically. It also reminds us that help is usually available, but only if we are willing to find it, and remain open to receiving it.

The Five of Pentacles advises us to acknowledge and confront our struggles instead of turning a blind eye. It is crucial to remain aware of our own limitations and seek assistance if necessary. Although the road may seem treacherous, there is solace in knowing that help is available, even if it comes from unexpected sources.

This card also reminds us of the importance of compassion and reaching out to those in need. It serves as a call to recognize the struggles of others who may feel abandoned or without support. Sometimes, we may be the guiding light that can offer solace and comfort to those experiencing hardship.

In its reversed position, the Five of Pentacles suggests that a difficult period is coming to an end. This reversal indicates that the bleakness we have been experiencing will pass, and better times are on the horizon. It encourages us to shift our perspective, to focus on gratitude and the opportunities that arise from our challenges.

Overall, the Five of Pentacles serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope. It urges us to find strength within ourselves, seek support when needed, and embrace the kindness of others. By doing so, we can navigate through difficult times and emerge stronger on the other side.