Tarot Card Meanings – The Hermit and the Lovers

The Hermit and the Lovers are usually seen as two opposite Tarot cards, representing two sides of a story. On the one hand, the Hermit’s need for introspection and solitude, while on the other you can see a united couple, happy in each other’s company. The Hermit represents the answers within yourself, while the Lovers point to others as a complement to your own being.

The hermit

The ninth card of the Tarot offers little in the way of comfort. A lone figure carrying a lamp and staff and dressed in humble gray clothing gazes up the road ahead, ignoring us. The Hermit does not want to be disturbed, he is busy looking for answers within himself, in solitude. He offers Wisdom and guidance, and he tells you that sometimes the only truth we need can be found within ourselves. Unlike the Lovers, the Hermit is a solitary card, complete on its own.

When the Hermit appears in a reading, it usually means that a time of introspection and solitude has arrived. You’re probably plagued with doubts, trying to figure out the meaning of things, the reason we’re all here. By removing all distractions and focusing on your search, the Truth is revealed within you. The Hermit often represents the need to withdraw and think, away from distractions, but it can also signify the sage advice of someone older and more experienced. It may be suggesting that it is time to find a mentor or spiritual guide to help you on your journey, or perhaps even become that person to help someone else.

Lovers

Many people smile when the Lovers card appears in a reading. The sixth card of the Tarot is happy, a united and smiling couple, an angel blessing their bond. While lovers often refer to sex and romantic relationships, they can also symbolize the bonds of friendship or a successful fusion of two ideas or groups. However, the Lovers is also a card that represents duality and choices, and in some decks it is even illustrated with a love triangle that reinforces that interpretation.

The Lovers in a reading can represent the joy of a new love and the happiness of a relationship that seems blessed, but it also warns against losing our personal beliefs about that union. You may need to inspect your personal beliefs and take a stand to be true to yourself. If the Empress is also present, it can be a clear sign of sex and even pregnancy, while the Hierophant can indicate a serious and socially approved marriage or relationship.