When examining the Hermetic Deck, I like to start with an analysis of the Hermit, a card that, by name and nature, has a direct relationship with the name of the deck and has always resonated with me the most.

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 He does not reveal himself to the outside world but remains withdrawn and hidden.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.