Tarot 9 - The Hermit

Upright - The Hermit is about a time of solitude and introspection, of investigation, learning, enlightenment and sometime teaching. This is not a time for socializing; the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude. Nor is it a time for action, discussion or decisions. It is a time to think, organize, ruminate, and take stock. There may be feelings of frustration and discontent during this time of withdrawal, but such times lead to enlightenment, illumination, and clarity.

Upside-down - The most telling thing about the Hermit upside-down is that he will lose his lantern. The Hermit is totally in the dark...and all alone. He has lost all ability to find his way and is going to have to stumble on home if he can. He can't concentrate, can't think, can't remember or see things clearly anymore.

Creature – The myth of a Giant Turtle or Tortoise supporting or containing the world shows up in Hindu, Chinese and in Native American mythology. In Hindu mythology the most widespread name given to the tortoise is Kurma or Kurmaraja. The Shatapatha Brahmana identifies the earth as its lower shell, the atmosphere as its body and the vault of heaven as its upper shell.

Card Back [link]
0 The Fool [link]
1 The Magician [link]
2 The High Priestess [link]
3 The Empress [link]
4 The Emperor [link]
5 The High Priest [link]
6 The Lovers [link]
7 The Chariot [link]
8 Strength [link]
9 The Hermit [link]
10 Wheel of Fortune [link]
11 Justice [link]
12 The Hanged Man [link]
13 Death [link]
14 Temperance [link]
15 The Devil [link]
16 The Tower [link]
17 The Star [link]
18 The Moon [link]
19 The Sun [link]
20 Judgment [link]
21 The World [link]