The Hermit

The Hermit: Solitude, Introspection, perspective, wisdom, guidance
Key Words: Wisdom, Humility, Solitude, Searching, Detachment, Deliberate, Observation

The Hermit indicates a need or desire to retreat or withdraw from the world. The “hermit” within us, indicates wisdom learned about ourselves as well as the world through our own contemplation, introspection and perhaps our own form of meditation.

By purposefully choosing to remove ourselves from society, this can indicate that we need a break. May it is from work, our family or loved ones or even such things that feed us information each day…. the news, social media, friends.   By taking space and creating some solitude, we get the chance to just “hear” ourselves or be with ourselves for awhile. This is a great way to replenish our soul and engage our spirit. By taking this time, we are able to come back stronger than ever and engage with other, when they most need in the future.

When the Hermit shows up in a reading it often refers to a need to be still, contemplate, meditate, observe what is going on before any further action is taken. Remember, the answers you seek are found within you. Not in any book, website or adviser.

Key Symbols:

Ice: The Hermit stands upon the precipice of an icy mountain. This symbolizes the heights of his journey, and further intensifies the feeling of his isolation and the ideal of waiting.  It is a symbol of growth beneath the surface, unseen yet profound change that is happening within.

Mountain: and hills represent challenges that will lead to growth. Once they are overcome, these challenges reveal the proof of your resolve. The steepness of a mountain or hill indicates the degree of the challenge or the risk that is involved.

Staff: is an emblem of power and authority. The staff is in the Hermit’s left hand, representing the hand of higher awareness (subconscious mind). The staff represents stability, support, and clear, singular intention or focus.

 Star: The star of David shines brightly within this lantern. This lantern or lamp represents wisdom, enlightenment, truth and clarity The Star of David within the lantern means “beloved of God” and so the light from the star symbolizes the light of God. Further inspection of the star reveals that it is comprised of two triangles, one inverted, the other erect. This is a common symbol for male & female, or opposing/balancing energies. For the Hermit, this symbol represents balance, and using the energies together for the purpose of spiritual advancement.

Key Questions
When the Hermit card comes up:

Have you taken the time to simply “be?”
Are you able to be still? If not, why?
What is your level of awareness at this moment?
Are you receiving the guidance you need on your path? If not, why?
Are you able to be quite and listen to the still small voice within?
Is the current path you are on still as meaningful as when you first set out?
When was the last time you stopped to take a break from the hustle-bustle of your life?

The Hermit:
Major Arcana
Chakra: Third Eye Chakra
I Ching: Gen
Runes: Ansuz, Hagalaz, Isa
Number 9
Element: Mercury
Planet: Sun
Rules: Virgo
Colors: Grey, Blue, White
Crystal: Smoky Quartz, Peridot, Bloodstone, Sapphire

Characteristics: Intellectual, logical, organized, fussy, finds comfort in routine, often misses the big picture.  Prudence, inner strength, warning, wisdom, loner, patience, withdrawal. The Hermit is the symbol of wisdom earned through the dedication of his journey in order to reach a higher sense of enlightenment. His journey alone is the result of the Lovers card, now making his choice to follow a more enlighten path of reflection and spirituality. He is facing left, looking back towards the cards preceding him, lighting the way with his lantern for the other characters that precede him.