IX The Hermit - go back to go forward
An old man with a long white beard stands on snow and ice covered rock. He wears a long grey robe and cloak. His head is covered with a grey hood. He is facing left, his face is exposed and he looks down toward the ground. He holds a tall straight golden staff in his left hand, and in his right hand he holds a black lantern that emanates with a star-shaped light. The sky, like his robes, is blue-grey.
IX The Hermit from the Rider Waite Smith tarot
Lately I’ve found I’m drawn to TV shows, movies, books and podcasts that depict monastic living. This secluded prayer-focussed life evokes lovely fuzzy feels. I’m attracted to the cloistered quality, usually in beautiful gothic settings atop mountains or within deep forest; ancient stone buildings, and a simple life of contemplation, ritual, daily chores. It’s very obviously romanticised escapism, possibly spiritual bypass.
While it’s easy to criticise or dismiss fantasy, it can be more helpful to look at the underlying impulse or desire.
As an archetype the Hermit suggests withdrawal, retreat and self-isolation. Edge-dwelling. Continuing with the monastic theme, I recognise that in the last 3 years, I’ve often joked about my ‘hermit’ nature and desire to ‘live in a cave’. Something from within is clearly trying to express itself. A deep desire to deepen my spiritual practice? a connection to my ‘essential nature’?, to simplify? …. ?
On the other hand, completely shutting off could be a reaction to a world that feels dangerous - a defence strategy.
When it comes to self-isolation, intention is important.
What are your ‘escape’ fantasies? What is it that you’re wanting to leave behind or remove yourself from?
In what ways might you shut off as self protection?
What deeper desire might ‘escape’ evoke? How could you reframe this to reflect a more intrinsic quality that wishes to be known?
The cold, icy quality in this particular Hermit image doesn’t engender the earthy, nurturing environment of my daydreams. The lack of warmth suggests this isn’t a place to live and thrive. That’s more akin to harsh asceticism.
But rather than escape, or harsh seclusion, a middle way could be temporary retreat. Times of difficulty, and personal or collective crisis requires a silencing of all the voices and distractions that can dull clear thought and sharp instincts.
What places, practices or activities help you find reprieve, or contact moments of stillness and silence?
Because our hermit is heading left, it suggests going back, to revisit and shine a light on something from the past, that might help you now. Before you can move on and forward you must first take a good look at the old thing.
While this might mean confronting a harsh reality, the process is supported by the wise old man archetype. Under the icy, grey garb is a warm human body, and tender looking face.
His golden staff also makes me think of the central energy channel that runs through the body - the sushumna nadi. It’s through this path that kundalini as pure life force can become activated and rise up to facilitate enlightenment.
Much like his feminine counterpart the crone - as a force, wise old man has been alive for a long time - is ancient, has seen much of the good and bad - is experienced, doesn’t buy into temporary trends and ideologies - is timeless, and doesn’t suffer fools - is perceptive. Perspective is simultaneously high, deep, and wide.
Who are the wise old men in your life? Who’s guidance can you trust and lean back into?
What might this wise old sage look like, sound like, act like, as an inner quality you already possess and can tap into to obtain clarity and insight?
A few days ago, I had a tiny dream where I was sharing a meal with my father who died just over a year ago. An imperfect father in many ways during life, in the dream he was very much an ideal version - perhaps the father I wished he let himself be. Although I can’t recall what was said between us, I was deeply comforted in his presence, infused with the simple quiet act of sharing food and nourishment. So it’s that feeling, and being with the part of my father who’s essence was that, that I’ll lean back into for the moment.
🖤 much love, Mendy 🗝
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