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IX.
THE HERMIT Primary
principle-Inner
reflection Sign
correspondence-Virgo Description--A
man is
holding a lantern that lights his way. The light in the lantern is in the shape
of a six-pointed star, revealing the fusion of the triple nature of the lower
self (physical, emotional, and mental) with the three primary energies of the
Soul (higher mind, intuition, expressing as love). This card does not
necessarily indicate that The Hermit is in isolation. It does show that a
certain amount of inner contemplation is required in order to bring about that
stage in our personal development characterized by the starlight. The Hermit
speaks to us of the awareness we can obtain from our Inner Guidance. It tells us
that certain sacrifices are necessary to transform the excesses of our daily
lives in order to receive a deeper, spiritual gift of Light. The Hermit
stands atop the peak of a snowy mountain. He has traveled far with only the aid
of a walking stick in his physical ascent. The Light is the real tool he uses
(and offers) to guide our footsteps. In
the reading-The
Hermit tells us that the querent is either going through, or needs to go
through, a period of self-examination in order to search for a new definition of
"Truth." The person may have to spend a period of time in solitude
trying to develop his inner tools for a life more in keeping with his inner
truth. A "vision quest" may be required so that the querent can
express his real nature both to the people and circumstances surrounding him.
This may require a voyage of discovery, either through actual travel (usually
alone) or an attempt at deep study and meditation. Breaking away from routine
may be what is needed in order to achieve these goals. Reversed-The
Hermit in this position represents someone who is using escapism in order to
avoid facing reality. The querent may also be deceiving himself through
attachment to old beliefs and outworn ideals. These attachments are creating
patterns of expression that do not serve the person's material or spiritual
growth; they only lead to self-defeat. Exoteric
meaning-Inner
searching and exploration. The process of systematically analyzing personal
viewpoints and the current state of one's development. The promise of
discovering new ideas to stimulate growth, but only after deep searching. Esoteric
meaning-Completeness.
The understanding, development, and mastery of all facets of personal
consciousness. The search for the next spiritual goal in life.
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