THE HERMIT

The Hermit is the ninth key to the Major Arcana in Tarot.  The Element of the Hermit is Earth and the zodiac affiliation is Virgo.

Qualities of the Hermit are Quiet, Solitude, and Wisdom.  Alternate names for the Hermit are The Seeker, Father Time, The Hunchback, The Aged Man, and The Sage.  Symbols are Lanterns, Mountaintops, Robes, and a Staff. 

In German the Hermit is called Der Einsiedler, Der Eremit, and Der Weise.  In French, L'Ermite, Le Vieillard, Capucin, Le Moine.  And in Italian, L'Ermita, Il Gobbo, Il Vecchio, L'Eremita.

SYMBOLOGY

An old man stands alone on a mountaintop, holding a long staff and flowing lantern.  Clad in robes of a monk, his hood is pulled low, his beard, a ragged grey.  Inside his lamp, a six-pointed star shines, representing the Seal of Solomon.  Often in a pentagram or hexagram shape, the Seal, attributed to King Solomon in Western occultism, is sometimes referred to as the Star of David in Jewish traditions.  when integrated into the Hermit card, these six points represent a revelatory inner vision.  The Hermit's staff connotes authority and quiet power.  He uses this wand to both guide and support him on his journey.  The snow-covered cliffs beneath his feet indicate he has made it far up the mountain.  The Hermit, having ascended the heights of enlightenment, now waits alone, in silent contemplation, holding up his lantern to light the path for those below.  

ATTRIBUTES

The Hermit is both seeker and guide.  He searches for solitude, taking the lonely path.  He asks for intentional isolation for solitary meditation.  He wanders without fear of the dark and treacherous trail through the mountains of inner discovery.  He holds his lantern up to the blackness of his subconscious, revealing what was once hidden.  He demands reflection, space for growth, the clearing of cluttered mind.  He requires all action to be authentic and aligned to one's own truth.  His lamp casts only a small circle of light, indicating that both moving forward and sitting still are demanded in the search for higher self.  He asks for seclusion and contemplation.  He encourages pilgrimage, retreat, a journey to sacred lands.  He is guided by his own North Star -- the voice within.  He stops.  He listens.  He knows what his destination always is ultimately himself.