DoNotDelete Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 Hi all :-) Excuse for being so stupid about tarot, but I have all these questions I wonder about. I feel this strong thirst for knowing more about tarot. This time I have a question about The Hermit. I have seen images of him holdning a lamp. Does that mean anything? And if so, what does it mean and symbolize? Can anyone help me? PS! Thanks for your patience with me. :-[
truthseeker65 Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 Hi all :-) Excuse for being so stupid about tarot, but I have all these questions I wonder about. I feel this strong thirst for knowing more about tarot. This time I have a question about The Hermit. I have seen images of him holdning a lamp. Does that mean anything? And if so, what does it mean and symbolize? Can anyone help me? PS! Thanks for your patience with me. :-[ The Hermit is a card that means you are taking a break from the world and looking inwards .. looking at your spiritual journey so the lamp means, to me, that it is lighting the way to enlightenment.
Arch Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 I've always viewed the lamp as focusing on an inner light or truth. Since the hermit is introspective, the only thing to guide him, is the light one has inside.
truthseeker65 Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 I've always viewed the lamp as focusing on an inner light or truth. Since the hermit is introspective, the only thing to guide him, is the light one has inside. Hm...yes..yes...I can see that....I guess that's sort of what I meant I just didn't articulate it well. Thank you.
Miho Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 I think it symbolizes the search for meaning and the illumination that comes with that.
truthseeker65 Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 I think it symbolizes the search for meaning and the illumination that comes with that. I like that too...it can mean all of these things.
Bodhiseed Posted March 17, 2019 Posted March 17, 2019 For me it represents a spiritual self-inventory, looking back to see where I've gone off the path and when I've followed the guidance of spiritual principles. In this case, the light is for looking within myself. But it can also serves a second purpose - what I learn might help another (both my mistakes and challenges met) so I hold the light up for others.
Wanderer Posted March 18, 2019 Posted March 18, 2019 I've always seen the light as having two main functions: first, it represents inner illumination (enlightenment), but also, once that is achieved, it lights the way for others. Although the hermit is about solitary reflection, the practical benefit of having enlightened people around is that they can teach and help others to find the path as well. Selfish enlightenment helps no-one.
Eric13 Posted March 18, 2019 Posted March 18, 2019 I agree with all that has been said and will add that I feel it's also for the Hermit lighting the path for other wisdom seekers traveling to the top of the mountain.
DevonCarter Posted March 19, 2019 Posted March 19, 2019 I've also noticed in the Rider Waite that the light from the Hermit's lantern is all toward the left, none of it seems to be shining to the right at all... so I see that as taking a look at the past and inward while not concerning yourself so much with the future at that point. In some decks it's different so I read it differently, in those.
Grandma Posted March 19, 2019 Posted March 19, 2019 Excuse for being so stupid about tarot, but I have all these questions I wonder about. I feel this strong thirst for knowing more about tarot. Not stupid at all, Koblo[/member]! Your question generated so many thoughtful answers. I agree with them all, and will add that the search within can be frightening. It's better not to attempt it in darkness. The lantern can be the nightlight that keeps the demons out of our dreams.
Guest D76 Posted March 19, 2019 Posted March 19, 2019 Hi all :-) Excuse for being so stupid about tarot, but I have all these questions I wonder about. I feel this strong thirst for knowing more about tarot. This time I have a question about The Hermit. I have seen images of him holdning a lamp. Does that mean anything? And if so, what does it mean and symbolize? Can anyone help me? PS! Thanks for your patience with me. :-[ Hi Koblo! The Hermit did not always hold the LAMP in his hand .... In some of the old classic Tarot decks the Hermit holds the HOURGLASS in his hand. And often this card was called the "Old Man" (or “Time”), and the hourglass is the symbol of Saturn (Kronos - Time). And the LANTERN in the hand of the Hermit - is the symbol of "monasticism." Light – is the symbol, traditionally equated to the spirit. Light can be called a manifestation of morality, intellect and the seven virtues. In the psychological sense, to “light up with radiance” means to penetrate the understanding of the source of light and, therefore, to realize its spiritual power. So….interesting mix : HOURGLASS + LANTERN = TIME (transience of time and old age and wisdom) + LIGHT (spirituality, monasticism). For me this archetype (Old Man – Hermit) primarily means ESCAPISM, escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. (sorry for my not so good English)
DoNotDelete Posted March 21, 2019 Posted March 21, 2019 Thank you all for some very good answers. I knew a bit about Hermit from before (it's my soul card), but a lot of your info was new to me. DevonCarter[/member] Wow, you really get down to it. I just love such eye for details. (it made me think of the "Mouse" card in Native American Medicine Cards). It was so interesting to notice that you think it's an inward - and past - type of card. Suddenly I see the connection to my horoscope. Thank you. :) D76[/member]: Your english was just fine. It's not my first language either. :)
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