Card IX of the Major Arcana of the Tarot

The Hermit is a symbol of withdrawl, but in a positive sense. It is a self-imposed exile for the purpose of clarification. The Rider-Waite Deck depicts him holding a latern up and standing on a Mountain, shedding light upon The World below. Those who identify with The Hermit tend to be calm, reflective and solitary, realizing that the true path to wisdom often lies in objectivity.