The Hermit (IX)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Saturn in Aquarius as the striving for wisdom and independence.

THE HERMIT The Hermit is the card of withdrawal from the world, the path to oneself. This is a period of introversion, when we "close ourselves off" from outer influences in order to find peace away from bustle and people, and most importantly, to find our very self. Thus, the Hermit symbolizes important events that show us who we are, what we strive for, and how to attain it. He unites two poles within himself: the deepest experience and the highest knowledge. Many people are somewhat afraid of this card, but quite needlessly. Only where these qualities of the Hermit are misunderstood does the fear of loneliness and abandonment arise. However, one who is ready to follow the Hermit's call does not lose himself, but rather finds himself, gaining clarity, strength, and the ability to be at peace with himself.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

9 - THE HERMIT Virgo The ninth card of the MAJOR ARCANA is called THE HERMIT, and it depicts an old man leaning on a staff and clad in a monastic cloak with a hood. It is believed that this card depicts Diogenes in search of an honest man. In the HERMIT's right hand is a lamp, partly concealed by the sleeve of his cloak. THE HERMIT conceals ancient wisdom from the profane. The staff in his hand is a symbol of knowledge, which is the sole support for man. Sometimes the mystical staff is divided by knots into seven parts — a subtle analogy with the seven sacred centers of the human spine. The HERMIT card reminds us of the connection between the celestial and the terrestrial, symbolizing the joining of the higher and lower worlds, their similarity and unification. And since the higher and lower, the inner and outer worlds are similar, in order to attune oneself to that radiance which is in the heavens, a person is sometimes compelled to withdraw into the depths of his inner world. On the TAROT card, THE HERMIT is depicted with his hood drawn down over his face and holding a lantern in his hand. The sun shines in the sky, but THE HERMIT has turned away from it: he prefers the lantern of his inner light, which helps him to awaken his personal striving for perfection. The spiritual perfection of THE HERMIT leads to the comprehension of the primordial wisdom of the world's order. This card corresponds to the modest and self-sacrificing sign of Virgo and relates to concrete cognition. With THE HERMIT are also associated the comprehension of the order of life's manifestations and the intelligence of will — that intelligence which prepares each individual being for conviction in the all-encompassing universality and which prompts one to learn how to govern one's consciousness and to discern the sequence and order of the world's manifestations. THE HERMIT seeks God within himself; with lamp in hand by day, he searches for that invisible foundation of his existence in which the sources of life and the future are hidden. Knowledge leads to action, and for the time being THE HERMIT's face is concealed: he keeps silent until his aura has been purified and begins to shine with a new light. THE HERMIT must first illuminate his own soul with the beauty of order, before it can become a beacon for others. THE HERMIT is characterized by the desire to flee from life, to withdraw into himself, but the reason for this is not fear, but the thirst for knowledge and self-discovery. This is not the Charioteer, who seeks himself in the outer world by performing deeds, but rather a solitary exploration of the well of his own soul. THE HERMIT is characterized by inner depth, seriousness of thought, and... secret vices, not to mention such manifestations as rigidity, harshness, and estrangement from people. The ninth ARCANUM corresponds to the sign of Virgo — the sign of putting in order the inner resources of the present with the aim of creating fertile ground for the future, with its thirst for service and self-sacrifice and — incredibly filthy depravity. Sometimes these qualities are combined in a single personality.

Upright position, the card symbolizes the search for spiritual values and immersion in one's inner world, as well as balance, caution, and circumspection. Sometimes it indicates wariness and detachment from life. But circumstances may also turn out in such a way that temporary solitude can lead to a better life.

Reversed position, the card says that perhaps a light has descended upon you. You have found a teacher and there is no need for you to wander with a lamp by day in search of a Man. It signals the independent attainment of a goal and an emotional connection with a spiritualized and very wise person. But (depending on the neighboring cards) it can also mean the refusal of help, stubbornness, suspicion, the continuation of an unproductive lifestyle, as well as unnecessary secrecy and caution.

"Prudence is the armament of the sage. Circumspection gives him the means to avoid hidden pitfalls and to foresee betrayal. Always be circumspect. Remember that speech is silver, but silence is golden." Papus