Info gathered from teh internets after a serendipitous encounter many moons ago of someone telling i was like a hermit.
Note: I do not agree with all of it, but it certainly cleared up a lot of self doubt and misunderstanding of myself.
http://www.learntarot.com/maj09.htm
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/basics/hermit.shtml
http://www.lunaea.com/tarot/tarottour/tour9.html
http://www.paranormality.com/tarot_hermit.shtml
http://www.biddytarot.com/major/hermit.htmlA
http://www.acumind.com/Joe/tarot/hermit.html
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Hermit:
Prudence, Caution, Deliberation.
The Hermit points to all things hidden, such as knowledge and inspiration,hidden enemies.
The illumination is from within, and retirement from participation in current events.
The Hermit is a card of introspection, analysis and, well, virginity. You do not desire to socialize;
the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude.
You prefer to take the time to think, organize, ruminate, take stock.
There may be feelings of frustration and discontent but these feelings eventually lead to enlightenment, illumination, clarity.
The Hermit represents a wise, inspirational person, friend, teacher, therapist.
This a person who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious and confusing.
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Earth is the Elemental ruler of The Hermit, and the Astrological ruler is Virgo.
This rulership symbolizes the aspects of fertility, creation, and the ability to manifest ideas.
The Hermit is determination; whatever needs to be done is not only accomplished,
but accomplished with the highest amount of perfection possible.
Think of the Taurean Bull, determined, decisive, and resolute.
These qualities are manifest in The Hermit, as well. However, with the influence of the Virgo Earth,
they are tempered with love, compassion, and care.
Despite the influence of the Earth signs, the Moon is the planetary ruler of The Hermit.
This alignment emphasizes The Hermit at his best -- when he is alone and solitaire.
It accents the mystery of The Hermit as the loner, the dreamer. He is the wayshower;
but to accomplish his ends, he needs to know the way himself.
This inner search is by necessity a solitary goal.
The Hebrew letter for The Hermit is Yod, the first and fundamental letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Upon it, all other letters are formed. Yod translates to Hand, and represents service to others.
This need to be of service to all those around him is also seen in the Numerological Correspondent.
The Numerological Correspondent of The Hermit is 9. This is the number of completion, fulfillment.
It is also the number of service to mankind. Thus, The Hermit, having found his answers, seeks to give these answers to all who seek. He offers a helping hand to anyone who would take it.
The Hermit can represent a temporary withdrawal from the world, usually as a retreat to find inner balance;
to analyze information and make decisions. Although committed to perfection, he is not consumed by it.
Even though he is wise and wants to show others the path, he is not cherished or even respected.
His ways are not orthodox. He is not satisfied with society's norms, nor does he make any pretense of being so.
His ways are not for the many, and because of this he represents union at the deepest level with the seeker.
If the seeker is not willing to make this commitment, The Hermit will just as willingly turn away and remain alone.
He prefers aloneness to superficial relationships. He is happy within himself. He has found his answers,
and the only relationship he really needs is the one he shares through his own inner voice.
Symbolism
Lantern:The lantern in the center of the card symbolizes his responsibility to show others the path.
In the center of the lantern is the sigil of the Ace of Wands.
It is representative of the Hebrew letter Yod, the secret fire.
Wheat:The wheat in the background is symbolic of Virgo; of fertility and abundance.
Hermit:The posture of The Hermit represents the shape of the letter Yod.
In essence, The Hermit is the secret fire, the fundamentals of which life is made created.
Orphic Egg:The Orphic egg, and the spermatozoa both represent fertility and creation.
The spermatozoa is symbolic of birth in the outer world; the Orphic egg symbolizes spiritual rebirth.
Cerberus:The three-headed dog, Cerberus, is the guardian of the gates of hell. The Hermit has tamed him.
This is symbolic of the ability to resist temptation, to do what is right.
It is also symbolic of white magic triumphing over black magic.
Interpretation
DIGNIFIED:Retreat in order to find inner wisdom. There should be careful planning and forethought
before any action is taken. Do not be afraid to seek advice, but don't act solely on the advice of others.
Can also indicate the need to join with other seekers.
Also indicative of union or marriage, depending upon surrounding cards. This union will be experienced at the deepest levels of commitment to each other; soulmates.
ILL-DIGNIFIED:Forcible separation from friends or family. Radical isolation or escapism.
Refusal to listen to or heed advice; paranoid misinterpretation of intentions by others.
Stubborn refusal to change an inadequate or harmful lifestyle.
Unsociable behavior; perfectionism; obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Linear Mode
