The Hermit
This card symbolizes wisdom gained through time and experience, the importance of seeking one's own path, and the guidance of a wise mentor. It highlights the need for adaptation, self-reflection, and spiritual quest, symbolizing a transition akin to the changing of the year. The King of Holly encourages personal growth, introspection, and prudent sharing of knowledge, while its reversed meaning warns against impulsiveness and recklessness.
Keywords
Wisdom Through Time and Experience
The card symbolizes wisdom that comes with time and experience, as well as the necessity of seeking one's own path. Here, the god is viewed in the aspect of the King of Holly or the Sage, who, during Yule, turns the hourglass of his wisdom and passes it on to the newborn King of Oak. In the knot behind him are gifts of knowledge and experience, which he will pass on to others. He is a wise mentor and a skilled master of his craft, who teaches and imparts the foundations of knowledge, providing good support in gaining practical experience. From the king's two-headed mace, which also serves as an altar, hangs his lantern, continuing to illuminate the way for others. This new path — a path of change exemplified by the hero of the arcana and new perspectives — but each learns on their own terms. Over time, the journey itself leads to wisdom.
Adaptation and Growth
The arcana points to adapting to the new, showcasing growth, evolution of thought, and understanding. One might need to engage in self-analysis to reflect on their path or consider what attracts them. There may be a need to delve into a spiritual quest or not meet someone's expectations. During the search for one's path, one can become an encouraging beacon for others, opening new life models and continuing to develop internally.
The Cycle of Time
The figure of the King of Holly is synonymous with Father Time — the old year gives way to the newborn new in the renewing cycle of the seasons. The old wise god leaves, smiling at his younger self, the King of Oak, in the arms of the Mother Goddess. As the old year ends and the new begins on the day of the winter solstice, so too do life cycles and lessons learned repeat from generation to generation, as it annually happens with the god.
Symbolism
From his knot protrudes the tip of a small pine tree, symbolizing life, spiritual development, light, and peace. The reindeer, as an incarnation of knowledge and mentorship, accompanies the King of Holly.
Meaning
Seeker, introspection for enlightenment, choosing a new path, personal growth, self-exploration, mentorship, attaining wisdom in due time, prudence, sharing wisdom carefully, progress, reflection, leading by example.
Reversed Meaning
Impulsiveness, recklessness.
Keywords
New path, wisdom, caution.
Green Witch Tarot
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