9 | The Hermit
Model, Amy Wild
“I’m out with lanterns, looking for myself.”
-Emily Dickinson
The Hermit is card number 9 in the Tarot’s Major Arcana. In numerology, the number 9 is associated with the completion of a cycle and the integration of the wisdom gained. The frequency of 9 can be thought of as compassion, tolerance, patience, humanitarianism, altruism, having a higher spiritual energy (like a guide), bringing about transformation, and empowering energy for the next cycle to begin.
The Hermit signifies the need for inner reflection to see what’s happening under the surface - a process most often explored during solitude. The call for deep introspection away from the hustle and bustle of the world comes with spiritual rewards and perspective shifts that would otherwise go unnoticed. The Hermit represents spiritual mastery and growth that comes from a path of self-discovery through the inner work, evaluating, identifying the necessary and discarding the unnecessary elements along the journey. By taking time to connect with your inner self and removing distractions intended to keep you preoccupied, you will be able to glean the wisdom gained from previous lessons and experiences to move forward to the next phase of life in stride.
General Meaning - Meditation, introspection, shadow work, soul searching, inner guidance, & reflection.
When out of Alignment- Avoidant, distracted, disconnected with the self, fear of being alone, & ungrounded.
Navigating The Hermit’s archetypal energy-
The Hermit comes up to shine light on the need to reflect and digest, especially during pivotal moments in life when a new direction is being contemplated. By giving time to go inwards and be introspective, we are able to be the mindful spiritual practitioners we strive to be. The Hermit shows the importance of having a form of meditation in our practice, helping us connect with our inner, authentic self, who is full of wisdom. Being able to shine a light on inner emotional states that feel scary, overwhelming, or intense, and see them from a new perspective to integrate them into our journey. To do this, make time to go into nature and set an intention of listening to what needs to be shared, allowing yourself to be receptive, and perhaps journaling what comes up for you. Alternatively, a guided meditation, yoga class, soak in a tub, or other relaxing inward-focused activity that best works for you can do the trick. Connecting with others to share your inner light is another way to align with The Hermit’s energy, recognizing our knowledge is empty and meaningless until we share it with others.
In this card, we see our Hermit depicted as a wise witch of the wood. Finding her in a lush part of the forest in a meditative trance as she sits on a rock to help her ground and balance her energy. On her lap, a lantern with a blue flame, showing her spiritual power and psychic ability obtained through solitary dedication and inner work. We can also see crescent moons on the inside of her black robe, symbolizing the connection to her intuition and her work with nature’s cycles. Unafraid of the darkness that may await when she goes deep, she cherishes helping others who cross paths, seeking their own inner light.
Next up, diving into the theme of luck and the change with The Wheel of Fortune. Stay tuned for the next card release in The Green Mountain Major Arcana’s journey next Friday, 6/27!
With love,
Megan Gonzalez
