This Tarot Card Points to Time Alone

In this series, Jamie Richardson of Ember + Aura Tarot explains how to embrace the message of each major arcana card. 

Occasionally, life requires that we put our social lives on hold and retreat into the silence of our own inner world. This is when The Hermit comes to call. When we are faced with this somewhat foreboding figure, we may at first feel a sense of disappointment or loneliness. After all, The Hermit is exactly what it sounds like: A solitary figure who lives on the fringes of society and beckons you to do the same. This may be a literal or metaphorical shift.

We lead busy lives, no matter who we are. Responsibilities that come with parenting and our careers keep us in a constant state of outward focus. The distractions of social media, politics, and current events are a continual force that pulls us away from our own inner quiet. We flutter from one activity to the next; we check off our to-do lists; we look forward to the next challenge, engagement, or event. This kind of mentality keeps us in a state of productivity that can become addictive—don’t know what to do, well, if we are not doing anything. We may even fear slowing down because we know that in doing so, we’ll have to face the silence within.

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When The Hermit shows up in a reading, we are most certainly being called—or forced—into a necessary period of solitude. At first glance, this may seem like an unwelcome punishment. However, so much growing and developing takes place in the dark: The seed needs its soil, the film needs its dark room, and the baby needs its womb. Entering this cave of our hearts allows an opportunity for our highest wisdom to come forth, make itself known, and shine a light on our path.

Whether you realize it or not, when you draw The Hermit you are actually at a crossroads. Perhaps you’ve been feeling blocked or trapped in a particular situation. With the light of The Hermit, you will find that you have options that you can only see in a focused state of introspection. Suddenly, opportunities are revealed—but not necessarily easy or convenient ones. Nevertheless, the Hermit always puts you in touch with ancient insight which will pull you towards your highest good.

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In order to bring The Hermit into your life, open yourself up to the lessons your soul most needs to learn. Consciously seek out time to be completely alone. Contemplation is where The Hermit draws its power. You might consider practicing meditation, stream of consciousness journaling, or simply sitting in the quiet of nature. Envision yourself releasing your own agenda and holding up open hands to the universe, making ready for the next phase of your life.

Introverts and extroverts alike need to take a pause from their busy schedules and regular routines in order to engage in deep soul searching from time to time. It’s true that loneliness can set in during these dark periods, but we are guaranteed to emerge stronger and more spiritually mature. The Fool’s journey in Tarot is made up of joy and pain, confusion and clarity, disappointment and victory. Eventually, however, we come full circle and can look back on our path with a higher perspective and understanding. The Hermit plays its role as an essential teacher within the major arcana and ultimately leads us towards union with our own divinity.

Find Jamie Richardson online and on Instagram @emberandauratarot