I feel the need to take a step back from my previous blog posts. The depth and detail I’ve explored there seem misplaced when considering my current position; I'm a beginner, still searching and uncertain. Although my earlier analyses weren’t wrong, they seem to present an expertise that I don’t quite attribute to myself. So, Kluizenaar: breathe in, breathe out, step away from that hyper-focused mindset, and gain some perspective, get that helicopter view.

A Personal Note

This blog post is extremely personal (without revealing identifying details), so it might be of little interest to the reader. On the other hand, you might see yourself in it or find something valuable from a human interest perspective.

Early Life and Initial Exposure to Religion

I was born into a barely practicing Roman Catholic family in the south of the Netherlands. I was Baptized and received my first Communion. However, that was the extent of my engagement with religious rituals; I never went through Confirmation. We only attended church on Christmas. Strangely enough, religion was never a topic of discussion at home, and my curiosity never gravitated toward it. I was probably involved with the Catholic Church out of tradition or to please my grandparents. In any case, this essentially sums up my early personal history with Roman Catholicism.

Rediscovering Christianity in My Twenties

It wasn’t until my twenties, during my teacher training, that I came into contact with Christianity again, this time from a cultural perspective. The Bible has played such a significant role in Western history that it’s impossible to ignore it from a general cultural standpoint. I became familiar with the stories from the Old and New Testaments, not from a moral or ethical standpoint, but purely from a narrative perspective. This allowed me to experience maximum freedom, without the pressure to conform to any message. Christianity suddenly became attractive, without evangelical intent. My faith wasn’t strengthened; I remained agnostic, but my interest was piqued.

Later, through a Christian roommate, I came into contact with an emerging church. Here, people discussed Bible stories, their messages, and how to apply them to their own lives. Despite being openly non-religious, I was welcomed in the group, and I always enjoyed sparring with believers. It sharpened my viewpoints, made me think, and broadened my perspective on others. It didn’t make me religious, but it did make me increasingly curious about spirituality in general.

Exploring Gnosticism and Hermeticism

I sensed that there was truth in the biblical teachings, but certain key aspects didn’t quite align with my beliefs. The concept of an external deity incarnated in one person conflicted with the societal principle of equality, which I highly value. The Trinity also felt like an artificial construct that didn’t quite fit. It was a relief when I encountered Gnostic texts, particularly the Gospel of Thomas. Suddenly, Christ was not a person, but a state of being, comparable to Nirvana in Buddhism. By following Christ, one could become like Christ, achieving this state of being. This, of course, was in stark contrast to what my believing friends held, so I gradually distanced myself from the emerging church.

Much later, I came across Hermeticism, which resonated with the Gnostic teachings. "As above, so below" deeply resonated with me. The larger cosmic or divine has a reflection in the smaller, personal realm, just as the Christ-spirit from a Godhead is mirrored in each individual. I read a lot about it, but due to distractions in my personal life, I never really made it my own. I intend to rekindle my interest in this.

The Intersection of Spirituality and Rationality

From a Hermetic perspective, I quickly found truth in tarot: if the cosmic runs in sync with the lower, material reality, then the cards could also reflect this. The cards do not influence reality, but are a translation from a higher realm into a system that humans can understand. I’m in doubt as to whether this is what I truly believe, as it doesn’t align with the scientific rationality I was raised in. However, since it resonates with me on a gut level, I place a lot of value on it. At the very least, it has a psychological impact on me.

My Journey So Far

In short, my journey so far has been fairly tumultuous, even though I haven’t had to endure major personal setbacks. My life hasn’t known any shocking events that have driven me to my current outlook, but my search has been mainly fueled by an inherent intellectual and spiritual hunger. Besides the path described above, I’ve also made sidesteps into Buddhism and developed a fascination with Western alchemy. I would like to delve more deeply into the latter.

Conclusion

For those who’ve read this: thank you. I could have written this just for myself, but somehow I know that at least one person will find something in this account. There’s no wise message, no exciting twist, no comfort for those in need of comfort. But isn’t life sometimes just that simple? Is shock necessary for Enlightenment? At least not for the search for it.

First Impressions
The initial impression of the Hermit card evokes feelings of mystery, enlightenment, patience, wisdom, and introspection.

In-Depth Analysis
After this first impression, I prefer to take the time to look more closely. The richness of symbols on the card demands a more thorough analysis.

The Hermit
The central figure is cloaked in a mantle with a hood, which obscures his face. He does not reveal himself to the outside world but remains withdrawn and hidden.

• The mantle is layered and appears to consist of multiple materials. To reach the Hermit, one must penetrate several layers, each of a different nature. These are not rags; the mantle features decorations in the form of a pattern along the edge and a single flower. The flower is positioned in the visual center of the figure, giving it a central role. It may symbolize purity and genuine innocence, suggesting that the Hermit’s quest is one of personal, spiritual growth rather than material wealth. Spiritual flourishing and self-development are also symbolized by the flower.
• The Hermit's posture is relaxed and somewhat introspective: his feet are crossed, he is leaning forward slightly, and his gaze is directed somewhat downward. However, his left hand is extended outward, indicating a form of contact with the world beyond himself. He touches the snake with his fingers, which I will interpret shortly.
• His other hand rests on a round object. Is it a crystal ball for divination? A stone for grounding? I must admit that I am unsure about the significance of this object.
• Another mystery is what the figure is sitting on. Is it a man-made object like a stool, or is he sitting on a natural rock? He seems to be floating.

The Lantern
The lantern symbolizes dialectical reasoning: two things are weighed against each other, though they appear identical; the flames look the same. Only the base of the lantern reveals their identities, marked with their symbols: the Sun and the Moon. The triangle with the face at the top represents Mercury (Hermes), as indicated on the base. He is the mediator between the two flames, communicating and negotiating.

I also recognize the Christian Holy Trinity here, with Mercury as the Father, the Sun as the Son, and the Moon as the Holy Spirit. The latter can also be replaced by Sophia, according to the Gnostic tradition, in which she is the female counterpart of the Christ spirit, just as the Moon is to the Sun. It is the balancing of male and female energies under the guidance of a Higher Power.

The Snake
The snake does not appear aggressive: it bows its head reverently toward the Hermit, mirroring the posture of the central figure. The Hermit, in turn, reaches out his hand to the snake, as if to make contact. The snake’s coiled posture and position next to the Hermit make it resemble half of Hermes' staff, but without wings and without a companion. It, too, is alone, just like the Hermit.

• In Christian tradition, the snake is seen as a treacherous creature but also as a guide to wisdom, to the knowledge of good and evil. I primarily see it as a guiding figure here; after all, it also bears the symbol of Mercury, as well as the symbol for the zodiac sign Virgo. In this zodiac sign, I read primarily contemplation and inner wisdom.
• Alongside these two circular symbols, the snake is also accompanied by the Hebrew name for Archangel Raphael, who offers protection and spiritual healing. This makes the snake a symbol of healing, an antidote to negative energies or interactions.

An Egg and Grain
Below the Hermit, we find an egg and a stalk of grain. This egg could represent the cosmic egg, referring to the Egyptian creation myth from the region around Hermopolis, named after Hermes. It contains the potential of the Universe, the final card. What is needed to reach that spiritual 'endpoint' is patience, care, and warmth—perhaps in the form of meditation and contemplation?

Something alike can be said about the grain, laying dormant until it sprouts. Also, the plant behind the Hermit is yielding a seed at its summit, like a promise.

Hermetic Title

And then there's that second name, the Hermit's title: Magus of the Voice of Light. This links the card to the Magician and the Hierophant, the other two Magi. Is the Magician the active Magus, the Hermit the contemplative one and the Hierophant the authoritive Magus? Or does the Hierophant represent the past, the Hermit the present and the Magician the future? I am not sure.

Conclusion
I feel that this line of thinking has only touched the tip of the iceberg, but for now, a deeper insight is not necessary. Knowing myself, it has become even clearer why the Hermit resonates with me so deeply.

Key Differences from Rider-Waite-Smith

Absence of Color

One of the most striking differences is the absence of color in the Hermetic Deck. Instead of color, the deck uses unique line work to convey symbolism. The cards are densely populated with intricate drawings, incorporating elements from various traditions:

• Western Astrology
• Jewish Kabbalah*
• Egyptian Magic

While this may seem chaotic, the meanings on the cards complement, enhance, and nuance each other effectively.

Court Cards: Page vs. Princess

A significant change in the Hermetic Deck is the replacement of the Page with the Princess in the court cards. This shift has implications for interpreting gender energies:

• Page: Traditionally associated with male energy
• Princess: Represents female energy

The deck is strongly influenced by the Kabbalah. In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the last four sephiroth are linked with the court cards, in which the Princess relates to Malkuth, representing the manifestation of energy in the material world and aligning with female energy.

Naming Differences

There are subtle variations in card names:

• The Fool: The Foolish Man
• Strength: Fortitude
• The Wheel of Fortune: Wheel of Fortune
• The Tower: The Blasted Tower
• Judgment: The Last Judgment
• The World: Universe

These differences are minor but are noted for clarity.

Hermetic Titles and Hebrew Letters

Dual Naming System

Each card in the Hermetic Deck has two names:

• Major Arcana: Each card is named and numbered at the top, with a Hebrew letter on the left. At the bottom of the card there is a unique title, each suggesting a specific archetypal force, spiritual entity, or cosmic principle.
• Minor Arcana: Numbered cards are referred to as 'Lords' of their respective domains. For court cards:
  • Knight: Lord
  • Queen: Queen
  • King: Prince
  • Princess: Princess

Hebrew Letters

The Hebrew letters on Major Arcana cards follow the Hebrew alphabet (alefbet), from א (Alef) for The Foolish Man to ת (Tav) for Universe. This reflects the deck's Kabbalistic influence. Most cards also feature Hebrew names of guardian angels. Detailed analysis of the Hebrew letters and angelic names would require a separate discussion.

Additional Symbolism

The deck also incorporates symbols related to:

• Planets
• Zodiac Signs

These symbols add further depth and meaning to the cards.

Conclusion

The Hermetic Tarot Deck is characterized by its complex and richly layered symbolism, which can be both deep and challenging. While some may view it as pretentious or as cultural appropriation, I prefer to interpret its potential personally, supported by various sources that help me explore its depth in a way that resonates with me.

In the end, the true potential of the Hermetic Tarot lies in how it is used. Whether you approach it as a serious student of esoteric traditions, a curious explorer of the symbolic world, or simply someone seeking to add a new dimension to your tarot practice, the Hermetic Deck can offer a deeply rewarding experience. It invites you to step beyond the familiar and explore a complex web of meanings that, when unraveled, can lead to a greater understanding of both the universe and yourself.

*It's important to note that the Kabbalah referenced here is the version developed and used by Western Hermetic occultists, which appropriates the structure of Jewish Kabbalah but evolves into a distinct, non-Jewish tradition.

• Transcending Language Barriers: Tarot imagery transcends linguistic boundaries, spreading easily without the need for translation.
• Concise Expression: Images convey a lot of meaning in a small space. Translating a single card into words is nearly impossible; hence the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words."
• Immediate Emotional Impact: Images create an emotional impression within seconds, while verbal language requires more time and intellectual processing.

The Necessity of Verbal Interpretation

Despite the power of imagery, I find it necessary to verbalize these images:

• Tangibility: Words make images more accessible and understandable.
• Personal Interpretation: Verbalizing requires interpretation, revealing something about me and potentially about our shared humanity.

Cultural Context and Interpretation

Images from different cultures and times may be distorted to fit contemporary contexts. However, this doesn't make interpretations less legitimate:

• Autonomy of Visual Language: Tarot imagery is largely autonomous, independent of its creator, taking on a life of its own through interaction with the reader.
• Personal Interpretation as Truth: The truth lies not in the historical context or original intent, but in the personal interpretation.

Fiction and Reality

There’s no need to distinguish between fiction and reality in tarot interpretation. Visual languages based on Western interpretations of Egyptian magic or Jewish Kabbalah can be as effective as those drawn from fantasy or science fiction. This perspective enriches the material, emphasizing that the meaning of images depends on their impact on the viewer, regardless of any lost original meaning.

About This Blog

This blog explores a personal approach to tarot interpretation, incorporating well-known Western interpretations. By keeping the focus personal, I avoid conflicting sources and doubts about reliability, and I embrace the journey of interpretation.

Conclusion: A Journey of Exploration

The exact form of this blog is still unknown to me. I’ll let it unfold naturally, exploring the cards and myself step by step, without a preconceived plan. I invite you to join me on this journey.