Getting to know The Hermit

I see The Hermit in many ways however I don’t really associate him with the “dark night of the soul” that I’ve heard others suggest. At his core, for me he represents going within to uncover and discover the inner wisdom we all possess. Wisdom that develops when we integrate knowledge with experience, hindsight, and our core values. It’s The Hermit that encourages us to spend time alone in order to connect with ourselves and reflect upon our thoughts, actions and beliefs. For me, he defines the philosophy of the Into the Lonely Woods oracle. Sometimes, I would suggest more often than we allow ourselves, we need to spend some time on our own. The Hermit reminds us of this.

The Star Tarot initially presents a fairly standard rendition of The Hermit. The mountains, the cloak, the staff and the lantern are all there. Mountains represent many things: stillness, seclusion, challenge and spiritual enlightenment. However, the snow capped mountains here can just as readily suggest “finding yourself isolated and out in the cold.” That for me is the power of the cards. Signs and symbols are open to interpretation. One man’s mountain is a spiritual quest, an adventure, an anticipated challenge, something to be conquered. For others it may be arduous, threatening and/or daunting.

The grey cloak can symbolise the merging of dark and light, wisdom, warmth, hidden aspects or any number of things. The lantern and the star for me suggest that we all carry the light we need to guide our way and we can shine it in whichever direction we need to. Much can be found about the history of the six pointed star and the meanings ascribed to it. I’ll keep it brief though. The Star suggests the union of opposites. For others it is the symbolic representation of ‘as above, so below’. It’s also associated with many religions, (Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam), which, for me, links it to spiritual beliefs in general.

However additional elements have been added to encourage users to consider the many layers of the card. For example the lightning in the lower left corner was included to “represent the restlessness and life’s unsettling situations that stimulate one to seek a deeper meaning in life.” After all, rarely do we go on a spiritual pilgrimage unless something has happened that forces us to re-evaluate our lives. In that sense, I can see the connection with the dark night of the soul.

The presence of the owl links the card to wisdom and our ability to see through the darkness. Further, the inclusion of the Virgo symbol encourages consideration of what that may mean for those drawn to the astrological associations. Nevertheless, the inclusion that stands out to me the most is the portal. When we go within we grant ourselves the opportunity to be transported to wherever it is we need to go in order to see, feel, hear whatever it is we need to.

The Everyday Enchantment Tarot reminds us that The Hermit doesn’t require us to go on some huge spiritual pilgrimage. It can be as simple as shutting out external distractions and creating a serene space within our home that is “conducive for contemplation”. He’s not just absorbing the book knowledge. His eyes are closed as he considers what he is discovering and how it relates to him.

Poppy Palin writes about the story The Hermit wants to share,

Here I’m becoming my own masterpiece; I’m perfecting my life’s work and creating the finest, wisest version of myself. … I’ll study all the great philosophies and sacred teachings so that I may synthesise their profound words and express them eloquently through my own being. I’ll happily work with you and guide you through your own process when I’ve completed my own.

Poppy Palin

The withdrawal has a purpose. We are not meant to stay in Hermit mode. I like that this quote reminds us to step back into life and share what we’ve discovered.

The Forest of Enchantment Hermit is one of my favourite versions of this card. This is most likely because he is reminiscent of my favourite character in Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows. Badger symbolism asks us to have faith in ourselves as we walk our own path, at our own pace, knowing that we have the tools we need to face any challenges we may meet. In keeping with their behaviour, badger encourages us to dig deep.

Like The Hermit from The Everyday Enchantment Tarot here too he has arranged his space to ensure it is conducive to his efforts. However, there is an invitation to join him present in this card suggesting he is willing to share his knowledge. I don’t imagine he has written all the notes you can see on his side table if he wasn’t prepared to share some of what he has learnt. Therefore, to me, this card highlights the idea of the mentor/teacher aspect. Whether you are to be the mentor or the student in any given situation only you can decide. I actually believe it is possible to be both.

Lunaea Weatherstone writes:

The Hermit has chosen to live in solitude to avoid daily distractions. He is a monotasker, giving his full attention to each of his many pursuits in turn. His advice to you is to do the same.

Lunaea Weatherstone

The Forest of Enchantment Tarot reminds us focus is key.

The Universal Celtic Tarot adds another dimension to The Hermit. Here it is said that an elf is collecting fireflies for his lantern. Whether that feels ethical depends on how you see it. We can use other’s light to help us guide our way; however, another’s light is not actually our own. But that aside, this version adds the idea that there is much to be gained by paying attention to the little things in life. So often these are glossed over or ignored as we search for the “big picture,” “the big idea,” “the big experience.” But life is a series of small events that when considered together have a powerful impact on our thoughts and actions and general way of being in the world. Therefore the “little things” are worthy of our attention. This version of The Hermit captures this beautifully.

I also like another idea that comes to the fore in this card. Sometimes it may feel self-indulgent to take time out from the busyness of life to “get to know ourselves” but this card suggests the greater benefit in doing so. Just like the fireflies, people are drawn to the light. A person who is comfortable within themselves because they are living their truth and acting in accordance with their core beliefs is authentic. And, in an age of photoshopped reality, who doesn’t want to be around someone who feels real and is who they present themselves to be?

I’ll wrap up with the words of Marie White, creator of the Mary-El Tarot:

Like the Sun, the enlightened soul shines outward, banishing the darkness as wisdom banishes ignorance. … Is there anything more beautiful and luminous than a person living 100% of who they are.

Marie White

I would say it’s definitely up there. I joke and call myself a hermit because I tend to bunker down in my own space a lot, but that is a stereotypical concept rather than what The Hermit is trying to share. My hope is that you add your own layers to this multifaceted card and you take the time to get to know The Hermit when he/she presents him- or herself to you in your deck and in life. The Hermit can only offer wise counsel if we choose to listen.

The Basics

Astrological Association
Virgo
General Keywords / Meanings
Solitude Introspection Withdrawal Meditation Contemplation Wisdom Guidance Study Follow your inner guidance and be true to yourself