The Hermit
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The Hermit ☽ ☾
The Hermit
Key Meanings
Upright: reclusive, reflective, inner wisdom, solitude, asceticism, introspection, reassessment
Reversed: isolation, depression, loneliness, anti-social, withdrawal, ignorance, rigidity
The Hermit:
Archetypes
The Sage, The Mystic, The Monk, The Guru, The Recluse
Examples: Buddha, Henry David Thoreau, Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh)
The Hermit:
Description
Before humanity discovered planets beyond Saturn, they associated this celestial body with hermits. Since Saturn sat at the edge of endless space, or rather, eternity, they viewed it as a divine gatekeeper that ruled over discipline and isolation in the pursuit of personal growth. Thus, Saturn comes to be associated with The Hermit, someone who sits strictly on the outside of society, contemplating the inner workings of life.
The Hermit card depicts an older gentleman atop a dark, snowy mountain, symbolizing wisdom and quiet solitude. His garb is plain gray, making his physical person unremarkable, but he lights the way with the light of Divine knowledge represented by a star within the lantern he carries across the frozen, desolate mountain top. He walks slowly and steadily with a staff, guiding the way to those who might seek a similar path above and beyond the civilization below.
The Hermit:
Upright Meaning
The Hermit encourages you to step away from the world and reflect on your journey thus far. This period of solitude will grant insight into life’s bigger questions. Take time to meditate, rest, and reflect before making your next move. Move slowly and with intention to grant your nervous system the reset it craves in an unnaturally fast-paced world. This pause is necessary to avoid running full speed ahead in a potentially misaligned direction.
The Hermit, like winter, may appear still on the surface, but there is a world below the surface preparing to burst forth come spring. This internal winter is vital for what will emerge down the line. Perhaps it is as simple as recharging your social battery after a long weekend, or as major as going on a month long retreat. The Hermit lets you know that it is ok to renew your energy before engaging with the world.
The Hermit:
Reversed Meaning
The Hermit reversed warns that you are entering a potential danger zone regarding a period of isolation. While your solitude may have been necessary for healing and contemplation, withdrawing from the outside world for extended periods of time can result in depression, loneliness, or agoraphobia. While the world can be overwhelming with its demands and unsavory characters, you will hinder your growth if you do not engage. Your reemergence into society does not have to feel drastic. Even a short walk outside can make all the difference in improving your mood.
If this period of withdrawal and isolation is forced by external circumstances or the actions of others, know that, just like the seasons, this time will pass. There are lessons that may be gleaned even from the darkest and coldest winters. If this is a friend, try to encourage them to leave the house for a bit or give them a call.