IX - The Hermit

"Traditionally, the Tarot Hermit is about seclusion, withdrawal from society, as in a Monk or living in a hermitage. In fact the Hermit chooses to live a solitary life, but he is still engaged with society. People come to the Hermit for advice on all kinds of personal problems, and he is able to pronounce based not upon the dogma of the religious establishment he is attached to, but on the practicalities of life. His advice is purely for that person, and not a generality. After all, how many people go to a happy couple for advice on relationships? The Hermit is inner directed, and unless asked, he keeps his counsel to himself. The Hermit works from within, spiritually and magically. The problematical side to the Hermit is seclusion, feeling isolated or unable to interact with other people. There may be an obsession with secrets, or this card points to secrets within the cards around it. The patriarchal prejudices against women and femininity come to mind with this card, for it is associated with Virgo, the sign of the Virgin, but September is the month of harvests and fruitfulness." read more here