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brainstorming, Capricorn, character development, Christopher Vogler, Corrine Kenner, Earth, elements, Joanna Powell Colbert, Major Arcana, Meet the Cards, plotting, Raelyn Barclay, recommended reads, tarot, Tarot for Writers, Taurus, The Fool, The Hermit, The Writer's Journey, Virgo, writers, writing
The Hermit, sacred solitude, is the ninth card in the Major Arcana. In a way, we’ve already met the Hermit as the Fool, s/he is simply older and wiser now.
- Symbolism: Wisdom
- Element: Earth (see Tarot Elements)
What I See:
It’s an earth card yet I see all the elements in harmony here. The setting feels peaceful to me. I love that he’s alone but not. The owl speaks of wisdom. The wolf speaks of a deep bond to family/friends. He appears reflective, or meditative, as though he’s taking stock of his life. The wispiness of some of the features in this card make me think of dreams, ideas, memories. And he’s writing in a book — Hello! Can we writers relate, or what?
Light (upright) Reading:
The spirit is crying out for sacred solitude, a time to focus on life and spirituality, refill the well.
- Keywords: Self-Discovery, Self-Sufficient, Prudence, and Atonement.
Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:
Beware too much isolation can lead to loneliness.
- Keywords: Exile, Loneliness, Fear of Intimacy, and Skepticism.
Plots:
How about a magical world? Or a dreamworld? Maybe a cloak of invisibility or some other ceremonial clothing that imbues the wearer with power. Perhaps your story focuses on a worn down caregiver in need of a break mentally, physically, spiritually. Or a retelling of Diogenes, who lived by example, the philosophy of cynicism. And there’s the obvious Merlin the Magician connection just waiting for your muse to strike.
What about the number nine? Pregnancy? According to Kenner, nine symbolizes selflessness, compassion, universality, humanitarianism, and spirituality…all good things to explore.
- Themes: Solitude, Retreat/Withdrawal, Silence, Introspection, Replenishment, Wisdom/Experience of Age, Guiding Light, or Communion with Natural World.
Characters:
The Hermit retreats from others to replenish his soul in solitude.
- Archetype: Wise Old Man, Mentor, Guide, Hermit, or Crone.
An archetype found frequently in dreams, myths, and stories is the Mentor [Wise-Man], usually a positive figure who aids or trains the hero. ~The Writers Journey
by Christopher Vogler
- Mythical Figures: Saturn, Chronos, Father Time, Hestia, and Hecate.
The personality enneagram, a nine-pointed array of personality types, might also be a useful reference for character building.
The Hermit is E9: Mediator, Peacemaker, and/or Preservatioinist
- Self Image — I am content
- Passion — Indolence, Laziness, or Accidia
- Virtue — Diligence
- Narcissistic Trap — Self-abasement
- Avoids — Conflict
- Speaking Style — Monotonous or Rambling
E9 people are instinctive, spontaneous, and intuitive. Their “gut” feeling is the center of their awareness. They are often direct or territorial. They are concerned with power, ruled by aggression, and may be troubled by self-doubt or self-blame.
Additionally, look up one of the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) for personality traits.
In many ways, the Hermit has a lot in common with writers. In fact, writers usually are hermits. ~Tarot for Writers
by Corrine Kenner
Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide
I was immediately intrigued by the night scene. He’s out beneath the stars, accompanied by the owl, known for its wisdom as the sage of the forest. Really got me to thinking about some things for book 2 of the WiP I’m working on. Got the juices flowing.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Awesome Angela! So glad it has inspired you. That’s one of my hopes with this series 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
Such incredible and interesting post that really makes me think and wonder. Love this stuff…keep it coming! 🙂
I’m working my way through the entire deck (78 cards). Glad you’re enjoying the series.
Thanks for stopping by Natalie.
Boy, I can relate to this card right now. I’ve never been more isolated.
{hugs} Maria.
“Perhaps your story focuses on a worn down caregiver in need of a break mentally, physically, spiritually.”
I’m an email away if you need me. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Funny, I don’t think of him being out under the stars like that. I picture more of a shrouded scene.
There are some decks where that’s exactly the case Ciara. I love the “refilling of the well” aspect of this card.
Thanks for stopping by.
I love your tarot days. I have so many writer friends who are the hermit. Crazy how certain traits just seem to be embodied by one vision.
It’s that introspection Julie 🙂 So glad you’re enjoying the series.
Thanks for stopping by.
“Crying out for sacred solitude”–oddly reminded me of this recurring dream I have of trying to get away from everyone and have some peace. The funny part is I know it’s a dream, and I’m trying to get everyone out of it so I can have some fun.
I’ve had dreams like that 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Angela.
I love reading impressions of this tarot card (I mostly use the Thoth deck, but also others). I love the artwork here. The Hermit has always drawn me. That and the Moon (and of course, trying to not spend too much time with the Eight of Cups). Now I need to go back and look at your other tarot posts. 😉
May the Sun shine for you today.
LOL, Eden, have to watch out for that Eight of Cups 😉 I love it when other tarot readers weigh in on the cards, so many different ways to interpret them.
Thanks for stopping by!
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