THE HERMIT

The Hermit stands isolated on a snowy mountain peak, holding up a lantern to guide those below.
This is the lighted Lamp of Truth, containing within it the six-pointed star, the Seal of Solomon.

The Hermit carries a patriarch’s staff to use on the narrow path of initiation. His cloak is the mantle of discretion, and in some decks he partly covers the lantern with it as if to protect Truth from profane eyes.

He is ready to go to the help of every man who cries for Light. He remains on the heights throughout the long nights of spiritual darkness. Only those who dare, do, and keep silent can see the light of the Hermit’s lamp. “Be humble, if thou wouldst attain Wisdom; be humbler still when Wisdom thou hast mastered!” (From The Voice of Silence.)

The number 9 (IX) is the number of pure intellect; also the number of initiation, because it is the trinity of trinities.
In it all numbers are gathered up, to emerge once more in a new cycle of ten. The sixpointed star, the Seal of Solomon, is also figured as a 9 by counting the outer and inner points in a special way.

Every Soul is upon some step of the path; we ourselves may have passed them on the way. When we refuse to recognize the Divine Center in others we are bearing false witness, for we are not seeing our fellowmen as they are.

Gautama Buddha has said, “The light of truth’s high noon is not for tender leaves,” and from the Scriptures come the words of those who have faith, “Thy Word shall be a light unto my path.”

Divinatory Meaning:
Silent counsel, prudence, discretion. Receiving wisdom from above; instruction from an expert in your field. A meeting with one who will guide the seeker on the path to material or spiritual ends.
Attainment of goals. A journey may be necessary in order to gain knowledge.

Reversed:
Refusal to listen to wisdom. Immaturity, foolish vices. Rejection of maturity; the tendency to be a perpetual Peter Pan.

Dascent Deck