Up:
Today I’m inspired by The Hermit.
He’s the part of self, to me, that is the observer. He goes within and sees the drama often removing himself from it. Sometimes this is beneficial and at other times this is detrimental (e.g. when it’s time to come out and deal with physical life, step up to the plate and take action about what you’ve been contemplating.)
When I see this card in a spread I immediately know there’s a lot going on under the surface. Whatever the story, it’s tied to dynamics long ago formed. Often the surrounding cards will show the clear view of the dynamics and possibly their origin.
The Hermit is taking his lantern and looking back through all of those cobwebs for the truth. Dynamics don’t always represent or support the true self, that’s for sure. He sees, he incubates, he nurtures the understanding of the higher self and then continues to light the way for the true path. His divine right path.
The symbol of wisdom for self and for others, The Hermit can be a figure in the seeker’s life that is available to give great gifts of wisdom, it can represent a time in life where great knowledge is available, it can be a sign that further school endeavors are in the cards ;)
Reversed:
When this card is reversed it can indicate the dangers of being too internal. I don’t like to admit it, but being too analytical can be extremely isolating. This is the sign of the reversed Hermit. He can read too much into a situation or person, better explained, he may be seeing the truth, but taking it personally.
He may be extremely sensitive to what is going on around him, but taking it on as his own. That is a dangerous place to be. It can lead to not only isolation, but mistrust in the Universe. Loss of trust in the Universe and its infinite abundance for everyone, not just a select few. In other words, it can really tear a person up.
The importance to reintegrate back into the world, feel and live life is extremely important. Slowly finding what makes you content and happy and pleased is the start of this. Pulling out your gifts, even if you don’t see them as gifts is what this process will form.
Ah, The Hermit. He can be great guidance or great isolation.
I must also mention that when The Hermit is reversed, it has come to my attention in my readings that it can reflect the Cassandra complex. In the myth of Cassandra she is punished by always having knowledge of the future, but no one will believe her when she tries to warn them. Seriously, that’s the worst punishment ever! When this shows up for a client in a spread, it can mean that they may know best for someone else, but that someone may not be ready to hear it and needs to make their own mistakes in order to figure it out. A lesson to both.
