Tag Archives: Higher Education

The Hierophant

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Ah, the Hierophant. Unless he’s up-side-down, he can make me feel a little trapped. And that’s because he represents those who (or situations that) revolve around organized religion and the need to be accepted in religious circles with similar belief-minded people. It can sometimes indicate that someone is not thinking for themselves. He can show a very traditional mindset that is closed to interpretation. If paired with the Devil, the Hierophant can indicate mind control through doctrine.

In the same breath, he can represent a very traditional marriage, especially if paired with the 4 of Wands. The Hierophant can also show a corporate view of a situation or workplace because he follows the rules and law of business. Likewise, if the Hierophant is reversed, a laid back atmosphere can be inferred.

The Hierophant is a card of trust. It’s a card of genuine want to do right for the greater good. It’s just that in this day and age, some may require more freedom than he offers. If this card represents someone in the seeker’s life, he is a trustworthy person, who may have traditional views. If this card represents the seeker, it may be time to listen to different perspectives and think outside of the box/consider something that traditionally wasn’t the “way we do.” It may be time to change things up and get a different look at something that hasn’t worked for ages or needs to work better.

Straight up, the Hierophant can symbolize higher education, a graduation, or right of passage.

Reversed:
Flipped 180, the Hierophant relaxes into business casual. He’s open-minded and neutral about things he once was very concerned with. He lets things naturally play out instead of trying to control or judge them. The Hierophant reversed can also indicate non-traditional or alternative religions.

The Hermit

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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.