The Hermit
Astrology: Virgo | Element: Earth | Hebrew: י (Yod) | Kabbalah: 20. Yod 【Compassion - Beauty】
Following the kite on the wind, Xiao Ye arrives at a towering mountain peak. A pool of water appears before him—the clearest he has ever seen, like a mirror left behind by the heavens. A figure breaks the stillness of the surface: an ascetic hermit passing through the human world, fishing for his own reflection amid the clamor. The water seems to persuade him: “You need not live as the trees along the shore. Be a fish that swims between the real and the unreal.” What the wind wrinkles is not only a reflection, but also his obsession with rushing to results. “Is the reflection at this moment fragments of the world, or the whole face of the heart?”
Symbolism:
Stars: Provide direction—the truth being sought, and guidance.
Puddle: Hardship and twists on the road of seeking truth; stepping away from the secular and returning to simplicity.
Long Robe: Loneliness, neutrality, a hidden power and identity.
Green Leaf in Hand: Wisdom and spiritual growth, a concrete form of the belief that has supported him along the way.
Water Ripples: Change and accumulation—the bits gathered along the road become the Hermit of today.
Lily: Survival instinct, and the most primal outlet of strength.
Melting Snow: Transformation of experience—hardship turning into nourishment for life.
White Soul Figure: Consciousness—outer weathering does not bring the soul’s aging.
Bricks and Stone: Bricks and the water surface represent two settings—city and wilderness—symbolizing diverse experiences. This is growth through different paths: whether hidden in the city or hidden in the wild.
Astrological Symbols: Represent Virgo.
Kabbalistic Path 20: The hand—starting point and inner guidance.
Upright:
Seeking truth, wisdom, spiritual growth, solitude, aloofness, caution, introspection, meditation, contemplation, insight, attention to detail, emotional stability, calmness, self-exploration.
Personality: Enjoys being alone, cautious, has one’s own views, strongly independent, a wise person, investigative spirit, inclination toward singleness. Representative figures: Cronus, Tao Yuanming, model students, etc.
Relationships: A wise partner; possible secret love or unrequited feelings, with a greater pursuit of the spiritual level. A steady other half. In relationships, leave personal space for the other person—do not rely completely. A bottleneck in love; one may still feel lonely.
Career/Studies: Strong ability to work independently. Suitable for leading newcomers and passing on experience. When problems arise, do not worry—refer to predecessors’ experience; you can complete things on your own. Suitable for making long-term study plans; rigor and focus can help you gain more.
Finances: Stable finances, indifferent to fame and gain, capable of creating wealth independently. Not obsessed with getting rich fast—prefers steady, long-term flow. Increase income and reduce expenses. Suitable for long-term financial planning or saving accumulation.
Advice: Temporarily reduce useless socializing. Settle yourself, seek inward, meditate, contemplate, sit in stillness, and listen to the inner voice. Carefully review your current situation and resources. You may also seek help from others—in past reflections, there are in fact hints left by the heavens.
Reversed:
Inner loneliness, lack of wisdom, lurking, concealment, fear, self-centeredness, dullness, retreat, worry, anxiety, an aging mindset.
Personality: Overly cautious or careless, timid, hides oneself, excessively lonely, lives apart from others, stubborn, unable to accept others’ advice, goes one’s own way.
Relationships: Conservative, suspicious, cold relationships, unclear attitude, drifting apart, loss of attraction, singlehood, detached from reality, overly closed off, unable to communicate.
Career/Studies: Withdrawing from the team, isolated and unsupported, facing problems and difficulties alone, not adapting to work. Overly sensitive and perfectionistic, causing slow progress. Needs stronger cooperation and self-reflection.
Finances: Passive financial state, focusing only on one’s own interests. Pay close attention to finances—there is a risk of bankruptcy. Do not make extra investments; losses could be severe. Suitable for small-but-refined shopping choices; establish correct financial concepts.
Advice: The appearance of aloof isolation will not solve your problems. Concrete action and self-reflection are what you should do now. Cutting losses in time is also a choice. Rely on your own strength to walk out of the mud and confinement—soaked robes will also help you grow.