The Hermit Card Emerald Tolemac. This card is from the Emerald Tolemac Tarot deck. The images from our deck are all copyright, created by Madeline Rose and artist Ahmad Sonhaji Silitonga.
The Hermit Card Emerald Tolemac
The Hermit Card Emerald Tolemac shines his light to illuminate the path of the questioner. The star inside the lantern is a Solomon’s seal, which symbolises wisdom. Legend has it that this seal was engraved in a ring worn by King Solomon, and it gave him the power to command demons. The fact that the lantern contains this seal means two things. The Hermit can offer mastery over the darker forces of human nature. He can also offer us perception of the astral entities that exist in dimensions around us, which fight continuously to hinder, harm and create havoc around us.
The Guiding Light of Inner Wisdom
Every card in the Emerald Tolemac Tarot tells a unique story, and The Hermit is no exception. This card is rooted in the legends of Camelot, putting an image to the wisdom of Merlin himself. In this deck, The Hermit represents the power of wisdom that is gained from a quiet search for truth. Unlike the busy figures of other cards, this one invites us to pause and discover what lies beneath the surface. The Hermit’s path is not one of action but rather, one of reflection.
Do you ever experience moments when stepping back feels like the only way forward? The Hermit’s journey reminds us that sometimes, the answers we seek can only be found in solitude and within.
Mind you, The Hermit doesn’t just represent solitude; it reflects the courage to face the unknown and the patience to let understanding unfold naturally. The Hermit card invites you to consider what light guides you, and how can you follow it with purpose.
The Hermit is a deeply introspective figure in the Tarot, representing the pursuit of wisdom and self-discovery. As the ninth card in the Major Arcana, it marks a pivotal moment in the Fool’s journey, one where the hero steps away from the hustle and bustle of the external world in order to connect with that aspect of himself that has access to the deeper truths of existence. The Fool, fresh from his adventures and growth, has reached a crucial point in his journey.
After traversing the experiences of the earlier cards – the challenges, the lessons, and the fleeting triumphs – he now stands at a threshold. The Hermit card represents the moment when the Fool pauses, steps back, and reflects on the knowledge that he has accumulated thus far. This card signifies the quiet inner search that is needed to understand one’s purpose, to find meaning in the experience that has unfolded, and to prepare for the deeper challenges ahead. It invites contemplation, meditation in order to receive inner guidance, and a quiet search for meaning.
The Fool’s journey is one of continual self-evolution. In this phase, the Fool recognises that answers will not be found externally – he must turn inward. The Hermit provides the illumination for this process, not by offering ready-made solutions, but by encouraging the Fool to seek his own answers, alone, with introspection, and patience.
As we explore this card, let us look at the specific symbolism and its relevance to the journey in this deck – set during the time of King Arthur’s reign, near the legendary Camelot.
General Symbols
When we look at the card we see that The Hermit stands alone under a vast starry sky, holding a glowing lantern in one hand and a sturdy staff in the other. He is draped in a hooded robe, blending into the timeless mysteries of the night. The lantern’s soft light pushes back the darkness, its flame a symbol of hope and understanding. Above him, the constellation of the Great Bear shines brightly, hinting at cosmic guidance and a connection to the universe.
Location
The Emerald Tolemac Hermit is located on the coast of Cornwall, England, not far from where King Arthur’s legendary castle once stood. The location itself holds profound significance. During the time of King Arthur, Merlin was training people to transverse this world and other dimensions in order to find the Grail within themselves.
He had gathered together a group of people who were misfits – those who bucked the system and did not cave-in to the orders of those who placed themselves in charge. He taught those whom he was apprenticing to be able to access their own magical abilities, thus his students were fully aware of mystery, magic, and ancient wisdom. The man in this card who is standing alone in this landscape, represents Merlin, the teacher who freed his people from the chains of matter. This card reminds us of the spiritual quest that Arthur himself undertook during his reign, eventually mastering the more powerful, deeper forces at play in the world around him.
The proximity to Camelot, a site that experienced both human achievement and the mysteries of the otherworld, grounds the Hermit’s solitude within a historic and mythic framework. It is as if the Hermit is standing at the precipice of two worlds – the human world of kings and warriors, and the mysterious world of wisdom, the terrible powers of the Gods, and the supernatural.
The Peak
The Peak in the landscape’s background is another significant symbol in this card. It represents a spiritual ascent, an upward climb toward greater understanding. Although this peak is not quite a mountain, in this card it represents the climb towards enlightenment. Mountains and peaks are often seen as places where one can find the peace and quiet needed to be able to go within and find enlightenment, far removed from the mundane concerns of everyday life.
The landscape symbolises the inner and outer terrain that the Fool must navigate. The ocean behind him is vast and untamed, much like the depths of the unconscious that the Fool must explore. Just as Merlin taught King Arthur to seek wisdom and guidance from within, the Fool is called to seek out his own higher truths, hidden among the mists of his own mind. The waters reflect the sky, hinting at the depth of the unseen world.
High Cliff
The Hermit isn’t wandering aimlessly; he assesses his surroundings, his gaze fixed on what lies ahead. He stands atop a very high cliff because he has achieved a height of wisdom. Heights like this represent a summit of learning in the Tarot, often seen in the distance in other cards. Here the questioner has access to the vantage point attained through scaling them. The Hermit’s position in the landscape of this card signifies the distance he has travelled in his search for meaning, and it reminds the Fool that his journey is about reaching vaster planes of consciousness.
His Staff
His staff, carved with intricate patterns, offers support and stability as he walks the uneven ground, a reminder that wisdom often requires perseverance. As the Fool steps into a period of introspection and solitude, the staff offers a grounding force, a reminder that while the journey is inward, there is still a structure to the path. It supports the Fool, providing a reminder that wisdom and self-discovery do not require complete isolation but rather the assistance of supportive tools – whether those tools are mentors, experiences, or quiet moments of reflection achieved through meditation.
His staff represents the knowledge that he has gained and which he leans on for stability. It also represents his authority, gained from virtuous soul seeking. This kind of authority is not punitive but earned. The questioner can rely on the fact that when pulling this card a time of reflection will certainly bear fruit.
Solitude, Not Loneliness
The Hermit is a card of solitude, but this solitude is not to be mistaken for loneliness. The Hermit seeks space to connect with his magical, more vast self, to shed the noise of the world, and to find the wisdom within. The Fool is now at a stage where it is necessary to take a step back, to examine everything from a distance, and to find clarity in the quiet spaces.
The message here is that sometimes, in order to move forward, one must first stop. This pause, this space of reflection, is essential for growth. The Fool must withdraw from external influences to understand his own needs, desires, and wisdom. The Hermit encourages us to slow down, to seek quietude, and to embrace the solitude that allows for reflection.
The Hooded Robe
The Hooded Robe that cloaks The Hermit symbolises the need for concealment and protection. It suggests that the answers that the Fool seeks cannot be found through external distractions, but rather through a withdrawal from the world. The Hermit’s cloak is a shield from the chaos of the outside world, allowing him to focus entirely on his inner quest. The Fool’s path ahead requires a retreat from the external, a shedding of distractions that would muddy the search for deeper truths.
The colour grey of his robe lets the questioner know that it is possible to overcome the maddening effect of black and white thinking. When you mix these colours you get grey: a resolution of duality. The fact that the sage is shrouded in a long robe lets the questioner know that he has something worth knowing, which cannot readily be revealed to everyone. It takes work to gain access and the help of his lantern which he is willing to offer.
The Lantern
The Lantern which is one of the most prominent symbols in The Hermit card, represents inner light – the guidance that comes not from external sources, but from within, even in moments of darkness. The Fool, having learned from his experiences, now requires inner illumination – this light helps him see beyond the surface, guiding him as he journeys within himself.
This is a key lesson for the Fool, who now must trust his inner compass. The Hermit teaches the Fool to turn inward, to listen to the whispers of his connection to his Eternal Spirit, and to have faith in the wisdom that arises when the noise of the world fades away. The Fool’s journey will not always be clear, but with patience and introspection, he will begin to uncover the answers that lie hidden within himself.
The Moon
The Moon speaks of intuition, dreams, and the mysteries that we don’t fully understand. Paired with the Hermit’s lantern, it creates a balance between what is known and what is yet to be uncovered. Think about a time when you had to trust your instincts, even when the path ahead seemed unclear. This card captures that very feeling.
The moon provides a powerful symbol, with its shifting cycles and light representing intuition, mystery, and the subconscious mind. As the Fool enters this phase of the journey, he begins to understand that not all answers come through logic or reason. Some answers must be felt, experienced, and uncovered through intuition and emotional clarity, much like the soft, ethereal light of the moon.
The full moon represents the feminine, reinforcing that principle in this card. The time of the card is night, which makes sense when you think about the phrase, the dark night of the soul. In his renowned poem, The Grey Monk, Blake says, “The Hermit’s Prayer and the Widows tear, Alone can free the World from fear.” This is a wonderful couplet because it highlights the feminine nature of this card. This aligns with the fact that the scene takes place in the night, when the dark, yin principle reigns.
The Path
The Path that leads to where The Hermit stands is symbolic of the journey ahead. The path is narrow and winds along the side of a cliff-face, with few markers, indicating that the Fool’s journey into himself will not be straightforward or easy. It requires focus, commitment, and a willingness to face uncertainty. The winding nature of the path along the cliff-face also suggests that there is no linear journey to wisdom – there will be detours, obstacles, and challenges along the way.
The Constellation Virgo
Astrologically, The Hermit aligns with Virgo, the sign of detail and introspection. The Hermit is surrounded by nature: the ocean and the earth – the element which is associated with Virgo. The constellation of Virgo illuminates the night sky above The Hermit. This constellation ties The Hermit to the greater cosmic order, reminding us that while we are individuals, we are also part of something much larger.
The stars in the sky point to guidance. How many people have followed the direction laid out by these celestial lights to help them move forward in their journey, whether material or spiritual? Many have taken the stars to be evidence of a guiding force in the universe. The Hermit is able to discern and interpret the power of the star maps and use this understanding to guide others. The celestial body also relates to mystical knowledge, which is the currency of the sage.
Virgo’s influence encourages us to look inward, breaking down complex thoughts into meaningful insights. However, it isn’t about overthinking; it’s about understanding the value of patience and thoughtfulness. Virgo represents the purity and perfection that the sage seeks in his solitude.
The Search for Truth
The Hermit is deeply connected to the search for truth. He carries no agenda but seeks only wisdom. In the Emerald Tolemac Tarot, the Hermit’s journey is one of understanding the deep truths that lie behind appearances, beyond the superficial. The Fool is invited to go beyond the conventional understanding of the world and look for the sacred truths hidden within the mundane. This search will require discernment, an awareness to look beyond the obvious, and a commitment to uncovering the layers of meaning in every experience.
Self-Mastery
The Hermit’s journey is one of self-mastery. The Fool, who began his journey with innocence and naivety, is now at a place where he must begin to truly know himself. The Hermit is not a teacher who gives knowledge, but rather one who shows the way to inner discovery. The Fool must now become his own teacher, guided by his connection to his Eternal Spirit, and patience. Self-mastery is a key theme of this card, representing the internal process that the Fool must undergo to achieve true wisdom. This can only be achieved through self discipline, commitment, meditation, and dedication to the journey.
When The Hermit Appears in a Reading
When this card appears in a reading, it may ask you to take a moment for yourself. Is there something you’ve been overlooking in the rush of everyday life? The Hermit’s lantern can be your guide, showing the way to truths you may not have considered. But it also warns against isolating yourself too much. True wisdom often comes from balance – a time to think and a time to connect.
The Hermit represents a vital stage in the Fool’s journey, one that is necessary for growth and self-realisation. As the Fool looks within, he encounters a time of deep reflection, solitude, and introspection. In the quiet landscape near Camelot, the Fool finds the space he needs to reflect on his experiences and uncover the wisdom that will guide him through the rest of his journey.
The Hermit looks very sure of himself. His face is placid as he surveys the world lit up by his lantern. This sense of being at peace with himself and the world he surveys is one of the charming gifts of solitude. Compared to some of the other cards, like the Wheel of Fortune that follow, The Hermit is a serene card, without a great preponderance of symbolism. The simplicity reflects the clear and ordered mind that can result from meditation and spending time alone.
Conclusion
The symbols in The Hermit card – the lantern, the staff, the robe, the peak in the landscape behind him, the path, the constellation of Virgo, the planet Mercury, and the full moon – all work together to convey a message of inner light, spiritual growth, and the search for truth. The Hermit teaches the Fool that in order to move forward, one must first go within. This card marks a time of profound inner discovery, a necessary pause in the journey to understand one’s purpose, and a moment of great potential for personal growth.
Thanks for reading,
Psychic Madeline Rose
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Here’s a site where you’ll find my writings.
The Bravehearts of Belgrave High is now published. I have completed the first in a series of novels that I wrote for teens. It is the courageous story of a young girl growing up in a home filled with domestic violence. She also has to endure a school and neighbourhood full of bullies. We read how she maneuvres her way through such a difficult situation. Plus, how she grows because of it, among other themes in the novel.
The desired outcome for young readers is that they will be inspired to treasure their unique differences. If they don’t fit in with the system or with those around them, then they should realise that it’s quite okay not to fit in.
My first novel was written to help raise funds for the private foundation that I established, which might later become a charity. Click here if you’d like to be taken to the site where you can purchase this novel. If you cannot see the site, use a browser other than Chrome.
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