A Path Illuminated by Wisdom

According to Jodorowsky: “the Hermit actively terminates his relationship with the ancient world and becomes receptive to a future that neither dominates nor knows.” [1] Thus we introduce the protagonist of our history. A lonely old man whose figure walks in the dark into an unknown future. Your lamp, the light of wisdom, will illuminate your path into the depths of your interior.

• Visually the card illustrates a fully covered old man. His right hand holds a lit lamp, while his left hand is holding a cane. Seeing this image we can imagine an arduous road, slow but sure, our protagonist will reach destination after a long time.
• The lamp is a source of energy that represents all the wisdom of the hermitage and therefore can never be extinguished.
• Their garments suggest a cold climate and remind us of winter, stillness and solitude. We will see that they cover their whole body and do not let us visualize their feet. This means that we are not on an earthly plane but the old man is on a spiritual plane.
• In some decks we can see that his cane contains seven knots. This alludes to the staff of Moses. This biblical reference tells us that this element contains unique powers and that in turn holds the charge of the number seven.

In front of our consultant

In a consultation, this card can help us achieve a state of reflection or introspection. Often it is necessary to stop and adopt a prudent or observant attitude as moments of solitude also help us to develop an internal evolution. You can also tell us about a teacher, a person who advises us wisely and needs to listen. On the other hand, you can refer to a paternal figure, absent or waiting to be forgiven. Inverted tells us that we are in a prolonged period of isolation that is becoming negative. We are repressing some impulse or desire that needs to be externalized. If the question is about another person then it indicates to us that there is a lack of connection or communication that the other moves away from our company.

Numerology

In the case of numerology, nine is linked to the closeness of a cycle end. Where a situation is about to end to give rise to something new. The fact that it is three times three tells us that this number has active and receptive characteristics.

To Conclude

In conclusion, this card gives us the opportunity to move away from the rest to take some time. It is important that in this type of occasions we know to take the opportunity to ask ourselves, am I being faithful to my nature? Does the person next to me really know me? Am I getting away from someone without realizing it? Am I heading somewhere that makes sense to me? All these questions must be kept in mind so that our spirit can give us the true answer.

[1] Alejandro Jodorowsky, Book: The Way of the Tarot, pag. 201/202