9 The Hermit

Number 9 - 6^th Chakra, inner vision

We needn't think we must be old and decrepit before this card applies to us – we all need to get away sometime to contemplate the deeper meanings of things. Whether it's for an afternoon or several months, a retreat is necessary to quiet the mind, to regain our natural balance by simply letting go for awhile. A walk in the woods, a couple of hours alone in our room may work wonders in rejuvenating our outlook and energy. Remember, the Major Arcana deals with principles that may be drawn upon at any given time when needed. The Hermit card suggests that we need to take the time to withdraw and access our subconscious, fall into ourselves in a way that neutralizes all of our agitations and intentions, allow them to release their grip on us so we may breathe freely again, return to zero, and see how a renewed mind may spark new life into us. The Hermit re-enters into the realities of the first three cards in the Major Arcana, the Fool, the Magician, and the High Priestess. It's where wisdom is born, and anyone may turn on the inner light at any time. It's the aspect of contemplation, reflection, meditation.

Suppose though we actually are at an age where we've lived our life, we've come to a place where to simply continue on as we've done would be to tread water, rehashing the old ways to not much purpose. As we need initiation into adulthood from adolescence, perhaps we need the same into 'elder-hood'. Here a lengthy retreat may allow us to re-assess our position in the world – we're now seasoned warriors; we're not young anymore, but we can be youthful. Even if our bodies are sick, we can rekindle our mental vitality and live in a way that is perhaps more bountiful than ever. This would be the optimum purpose for retreating to solitude for a time – or if we are already alone, to fully embrace our advanced years and see with renewed vision ways to live out our lives vibrantly from here. We are like fruit-bearing trees and what we produce depends upon what we feed the tree. A fully matured tree, properly cultivated may produce the richest yield of all if we keep in mind that it's not only for ourselves that we live, we can now be an inspiration to others in new and exciting ways; it's up to us. The Hermit in this sense is not a self-centered recluse, but one who is ready to become more fully engaged with society, friends and family.

By Ananda G. Brady copyright 2011