This card comes up for me often when reading people with commitment issues but it's also a card that signifies a time to withdraw, learn and reflect. It can also mean a time to dwell on our own spiritual path or a time for advancement in learning and education. This card sometimes can mean to be cautious however I rarely see that message with the card. The card usually is depicted by an old man at the front of a cave, about to withdraw into it to learn and focus on inner talents and issues. In the Celtic Dragon Deck its pictured by a dragon at the mouth of a cave, reading a book withdrawn to take in knowledge and learn what to do next. As I said this card comes up a lot with people who are having commitment issues, I think this is a personal interpretation as I have never seen anyone else view the card this way. But it usually is very on track when it does show up in this type of reading. If I'm reading someone who doesn't make much effort in a relationship or has commitment issues the hermit comes up for me...To me it signifies someone who withdraws rather than puts himself/herself on the line. Will not open up emotionally very easily and doesn't like to talk about how he/she feels or what they really want. It also for me signifies a person who can go quiet for days, weeks or months without contact and then pop up out of the blue for no explainable reason. I also see this card as representing someone who doesn't make the first move in a relationship unless they are 100% sure its what they want, they can be hot one minutes and then cold the next.
General Upright Meanings
- Be Cautious and careful make wise choices.
- Take the safe bet/Choice don't take risks at this time.
- Learning.
- Education.
- Withdrawing - Taking time out to learn or focus on yourself.
- Someone who doesn't jump the gun or make sudden moves. Tends to withdraw rather than open up and talk about how they feel - Someone who goes quiet for no reason and then makes contact when they feel they are ready.
General Reversed Meanings
- Refusing to learn from past mistakes
- Lack of Knowledge
- Withdrawing from a situation you need to face.
- Failure to pass a test or exam due to lack of prep/study.
- Not facing responsibility
- Not finishing what you start
- Projects started then left unfinished and this is a block to your success and advancement.
If this card appears in your.....
Finance sector
Focus on saving, learning how to save or invest. Don't waste the money you have. If you are asking if money is coming your way, the answer is yes but don't waste it as it is too hard to get.
Love/Romance Sector
You may need to retreat to work out what you want. If this card appears in relation to a man, it usually means they are withdrawn and find it hard to open up about how they really feel. This card does mean that things will work out, but for now, retreat, back off and let things develop on their own.
Health Sector
Focus on your health issues and try and work out where they are coming from. Are they self inflicted? If so work out how to banish the habits that cause them.
Career Sector
Success is within your reach! Step back, analyze and focus...you will see what needs to be done. You need to withdraw a little to work out what path to take and how to solve the problem that faces you. You will succeed.
