I’ve said before that I have favorite Tarot cards. The Hermit is right there at the top.

Client reactions to this card puzzle me. Believe it or not, most of them gasp and think the card is a bad sign. First of all, I don’t think any card is a bad. Yes, there are cards that look damn scary and do symbolize the non-productive aspects of life. But every cloud has a silver lining, and so do the cards. Second, why does this card look spooky? The first thought that went through my head when I saw the card, was loneliness. It is the Hermit, after all.

The Hermit holds his light high and shows others the way. Teachers, counselors, preachers, and instructors could throw this card. When you think about it, Jesus would throw this card in a New York minute. Now, that’s a bold statement! Jesus getting a tarot reading. Oh, boy. I can see it now. Over-zealous religious folk are gathering the wood to burn me at the stake right now. But why? Didn’t Jesus light the way?

The Hermit looks for answers that rest inside you. The card’s astrological sign is Virgo. Virgos are notorious planners. They have a plan A, B, C,D and always an F. The Hermit, therefore signifies plans and ideas in the making.
The cards stands for wisdom, solitude, peace, and humility. The Hermit is always searching and gathering information that he/she shares without preaching or judgement. If a client threw this card, depending on the cards surrounding it, it could mean they need to seek outside counsel for their situation. Or it could mean they need quiet time. A vacation away from the hustle and bustle of life to rest, relax, and think about what it is that’s bothering them.

The flip-side of this card (for me) is that “it’s lonely at the top.” Everyone rushes to The Hermit seeking advice, but who does he run to? If reversed in a reading, (Reversed means the card is up-side-down to the reader) it can mean ill-advice and deception or the client is refusing outside help.

Here’s the message for the upcoming week: Quiet time does a body good.

If you are bothered by a problem and can’t find the solution, TURN OFF THE DAMN CELLPHONE, STOP TEXTING, GET OFF FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. Pour a glass of wine, sit on the deck, quiet the soul, and go within for the answer. You might be surprised how easy it comes.