Welcome to the introspective Hermit card. The Hermit indicates travelling into the inner world of our psyche. I see him as a guardian of treasure – similar to the old man who guards the grail in Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade! The treasure he illuminates with his lantern is the inner truth of the spiritual explorer. Often he is depicted high up in the mountains, indicating that we have already come a long way already in attaining clear perspective. We are already aware that the answers we seek are found internally.

 

The Hermit is naturally reclusive and it will come as no surprise that we often seek solitude under his influence. Even if we choose to rebel against his message, a sense of seclusion is nonetheless the experience of this card. I would always recommend that this feeling be embraced, and that we choose to factor in privacy when this card is present. It is far harder to be in conflict with the idea of alone than in acceptance of it.

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If we are unused to being alone, or require reassurance from the outside world, we risk a sensation of deep isolation: of feeling ‘apart’ from the activities around us. This can translate into feeling left out, or a lack of confidence when dealing in social situations. Under his influence, we can feel awkward in company, or unsure of how to express ourselves clearly. Don’t be surprised if your desire to be included in communal activities is actually intensified during this time. The Hermit can bring up significant fear of being alone. This is because we are internally aware that this experience is truly profound. Why? Because The Hermit can reveal the secret power of our shadow self.

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One of the most significant messages of this card is to embrace the darkness that allows your lantern to shine so brightly. As with most depictions of darkness in tarot, we are informed that we are in an unknown region. If we have avoided these shadow spaces within us, now is the time to confront them and ‘bring them into the light’ of our awareness. The Hermit encourages us into the dimly lit corners of our emotional space and to chase out our self-created demons with his magical torch.  Just by recognising and naming our uncertainties, we diminish their power enormously. He asks for willingness to look deeper at what beliefs hold us from our true potential. Thus, we can identify and reclaim the territory they once inhabited. In so doing, we free up space for new confidence in our spiritual process. More of who we are is becomming illuminated.

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A frequent result of embracing the Hermit is the discovery of hidden treasures. We can recognise and embrace our talents, receive solutions to long term conundrums, and access a profound sense of inner peace. We emerge wiser, more relaxed and far more able to communicate this to the outside world than we were before. Any previous conflict with being too visible or too invisible in the world can be released. Once we know what the Hermit can offer us, he is a welcome sight in any reading - a rewarding break from the demands of our external existence.

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Whether we try and reject him, or indeed embrace him, he is often misunderstood by those around us. Like The Magician, he is capable of receiving inspiration from a deeply connective space. However, unlike the Magician, he is not here to broadcast his message outwardly. He is an intensely personal card. Like the High Priestess, his is a dreamlike kingdom. We must let go of any fear associated with how we are perceived at this time, and ignore any criticism of a desire to be alone.

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So, if you feel the need to disappear off the grid and turn your technology off, do so! Don’t worry. It won’t be forever. When you return (and this card can signal return as well), you will be able to contribute in a genuinely meaningful way to those around you.

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I often think of Sherlock Holmes in relation to this card. Sherlock’s brilliance and ability to explain the inexplicable is conjured only by his ability to go into his own inner space – to play his violin, embrace his personal demons and seek solitude in which to contemplate.

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Another parallel is with that of the wounded healer, Chiron, the Ferryman of ancient Greek mythology who ushered souls to the underworld. In his own way, the Hermit is the ultimate guide for our soul to cross the fear-inducing Styx, and reach our own metaphorical Elysium. He requires you to acquire enough wisdom to recognise his worth and to accept the spiritual pathway is a solo journey.

 

Trust in his ability to deliver you to a destination of personal illumination.