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The Hermit is the Major Arcana number 9 and is traditionally represented as a very old man, with white beard and hair, with a curved back, wearing a long cloak with a hood. One of his hands is leaning on a stick, the other holds a lantern. In some decks, the lantern is replaced by an hourglass, which indicates the passage of time.
This elderly man, who trudges alone in the darkness, metaphorically represents the initiatory journey. Guided by his lantern he is willing to proceed, albeit slowly, without stopping in front of any difficulty, relying on his strength alone, precisely because the desire to know surpasses any other need. The Hermit, therefore, is an initiatory and introspective card, which indicates the need to walk part of one’s path in solitude. Those who follow an evolutionary path know very well that there comes a time when it seems that all affections turn their backs on us and do not understand the personal growth and evolution we are facing.
In one word, the Hermit’s card can indicate a period of solitude, both self-imposed by ourselves and imposed from the outside. This may seem like a crisis on the surface, but in reality it is an opportunity to reflect on ourselves, on our path and on all the details that could arise from our decision. When this arcanum comes out, it is good to stall before taking an action, in order to reflect clearly on all the pros and cons that you face. This Arcanum can frighten unaware people, both for the long resolution times and for the not always positive results it indicates.
In reality, more than worrying, this card must stimulate the inner search. The next Arcana is the Wheel, which indicates the end of a cycle, therefore, to reach that end, the last step is missing, which is precisely what the Hermit suggests: reflection and inner research. Loneliness, thanks to which we can reflect on ourselves, on who we are, on where we want to go and on the evolutionary steps already acquired, is the most important tool for those who follow an evolutionary path. In silence the voices of one’s Guides are heard more clearly, and one connects to them totally: in the dark we can find their light.
In spite of the money, the Hermit invites you not to invest money without thinking, not to throw yourself into risky business thinking you will immediately get economic benefits, but to analyze well the opportunities on solid and long-term investments, which can bring cash income, although it will take longer to manifest the benefits. professions linked to this card are all those in which you work in solitude or in which you discover something that enlightens the lives of others, such as: community educator, librarian, archaeologist, detective, friar, antiquarian, researcher and psychiatrist. In terms of the theme of work, the Hermit can indicate an overwhelming job for the person, hence the need to meditate on a change and dedicate oneself to one’s mission. If the person in question is a seeker, this arcanum is conducive to career.
Spread over love, the Hermit indicates a stagnant, monotonous, blocked and emotionally impoverished relationship. It will be up to the awareness of the consultant to choose to conclude a similar love story, which has now reached its end and which is based only on habit.
The Hermit is linked to the throat and the disorders associated with it, such as: communication problems, stuttering, hoarseness. It could also indicate rheumatic disorders, given the curvature of the figure. It can also indicate chronic or long-term illnesses that will take a long time to heal.
