Tuesday, March 4, 2014

IX Hermit

IX Hermit



Keywords: Accepting/offering wise counsel, Balance, Being helped/helping, Being introspective, Cautious approach, Centering, Concentrating less on the senses, Desiring a new direction, Desiring stillness, Destiny change, Discretion, Experiencing seclusion, Focusing inward,  Guidance given & received, Focus on your inner self, Foresight, Giving up distractions, Going to/being a mentor, Guidance, Introspection, Inward focus, Learning from/being a guru, Looking for answers within, , Looking for something, Mentors & Mentoring, Needing more, Needing solitude, Needing to be alone, Needing to understand, Period of reflection, Personal quest, Prudence, Quieting yourself, Receiving/giving guidance, Retreating into a private world, Searching, "Seek and ye shall find", Seeking greater understanding, Seeking solitude,Solitary quest, Solitude, Soul searching, Stability, Teacher & Teaching, Thinking things over, Truth seeking,Turning to/being a trusted teacher, Wanting the truth at all costs, Wisdom, Withdrawal, Withdrawing from the world

The traditional hermit is a crusty, bearded character who has withdrawn from the company of men to live a life of seclusion and hardship. Card 9 supports this understanding. The Hermit represents the desire to turn away from the getting and spending of society to focus on the inner world. He seeks answers within and knows that they will come only with quiet and solitude.

There comes a point in life when we begin to question the obvious. We sense that there is a deeper reality and begin to search for it. This is mainly a solitary quest because answers do not lie in the external world, but in ourselves. The hermit on Card 9 reminds us of Diogenes, the Greek ascetic who is said to have gone out with a lantern in hand to search for an honest man. Diogenes is a symbol of the search for truth that the Hermit hopes to uncover by stripping away all diversions.

In readings, the Hermit often suggests a need for time alone - a period of reflection when distractions are limited. In times of action and high energy, he stands for the still center that must be created for balance. He can also indicate that withdrawal or retreat is advised for the moment. In addition, the Hermit can represent seeking of all kinds, especially for deeper understanding or the truth of a situation. "Seek, and ye shall find," we have been told, and so the Hermit stands for guidance as well. We can receive help from wise teachers, and, in turn, help others as we progress.

You are your own teacher. Actions influenced by environment.

Analysis of hopes & wishes.

New knowledge needs to be assimilated, so take the necessary time to do so. Withdraw and reconsider your options through solitary introspection, finding inner peace and truth. Silence in the face of argument.

Use foresight to know your next move. Discretion in all things. Select associates wisely.

You have the power to change your own destiny. Strength acquired through experimentation. Stability leads to accomplishment. Foresight in humanitarian endeavors.

Knowledge from experience. A cautious psychological approach. Know-how supports your endeavors.

Blinded by outward appearances.

Reinforcing Dignities:
High Priestess – looking inward, withdrawing
Four or Cups – withdrawing, being introverted
Eight of Cups – searching for deeper meaning
Four of Swords – contemplating, being quiet
Seven of Swords – being alone, staying away from others

Opposing Dignities:
Lovers – being in a relationship, sexuality
World – involvement with the world
Two of Cups – making connections, partnerships
Three of Cups –being in a group, being with others
Nine of Cups – sensual pleasure

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