IX. The Hermit

Element: Earth (🜃)

Zodiac Sign: Virgo (♍)

Hebrew Letter: Yod (י)

Kabbalistic Path: 20

Upright

Keywords: Solitude; self-exploration; detachment; contemplation; introspection; wisdom; spiritual seeking

Events: Withdrawing from social circles temporarily; focusing on inner growth; seeking wisdom; entering a phase of solitude; starting a personal business; academic research; making secret plans; new job opportunities; studying esoteric knowledge; gaining mysterious wisdom

Personality: Enjoys solitude; introspective; wise; enjoys intellectual discussions; deeply curious; prefers independent research; often single

Mental State: Feels detached; introspective; sometimes lonely

Advice: Trust your intuition and higher self for guidance; this is a good time for meditation and seeking alignment between mind, body, and spirit

Card Imagery: An elderly figure in a long robe stands atop a snow-covered mountain, holding a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other, as if searching for something.

Symbolism:

  • Lantern – The "Lantern of Truth," guiding the way forward
  • Star – The six-pointed star within the lantern symbolizes wisdom and guidance, possibly derived from Solomon’s Seal. In Western esoteric traditions, it also represents supernatural power
  • Staff – Represents creativity and leadership
  • Mountain Peak – Symbolizes having reached a significant achievement or milestone; highlights the Hermit's solitude
  • Snow – Represents a harsh environment, suggesting difficulty and perseverance
  • Aurora – A rare celestial event, symbolizing spiritual insight or enlightenment
  • Lizard – Symbol of courage, transformation, rebirth, spirituality, and hidden knowledge
  • Character Representation – The Hermit represents traditional mystics, sages, shamans, or oracles

Reversed

Keywords: Isolation; depression; confusion; avoidance; conservatism

Events: Losing social skills; distancing oneself from others; avoiding problems; giving up on challenges; job loss; stubbornly rejecting advice from others; excessive caution leading to missed opportunities

Personality: Conservative; withdrawn; timid; excessively reclusive; stubborn

Mental State: Fearful; lonely; avoidant; anxious; depressed

Advice: Avoid excessive isolation, as it can lead to missed opportunities; be mindful of spending too much time in self-reflection, as it may become self-destructive

Card Imagery: The lantern has gone out, and the elderly figure sits sorrowfully at the edge of a mountain, lost in thought. A snake creeps up silently behind him.

Symbolism:

  • Snake – Represents hidden dangers creeping closer; consequences of avoiding challenges

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