Today we have New Moon, a time to look inwards. A time of rest and reflection. Much like the past 3 months since measures to stop the COVID-19 Pandemie were implemented.
I believe we are experiencing a period of time in which we are being guided by the Hermit. Withdrawal, seclusion, time to delve into the world behind our front door. Challenges forcing us to delve into the world within.
The year 2020 is in the sign of the Moon. And if we take into account that we have entered into the Age of Aquarius, a lot of what is happening today starts to gain a different perspective.
THE HERMIT
The etymology of the word “hermit” was originally derived from the Greek word “erēmos”, meaning solitary.
Essentially, a Hermit is a person who lives in seclusion from society. The Hermit renounces worldly concerns and pleasures. This can be done for many reasons, including to come closer to the deities they worship or revere, and to devote one’s energies to self-liberation from the karmic cycle.
It is a form of asceticism, characterised by the renunciation of material possessions and physical pleasures, and time spent fasting while concentrating on practicing and reflecting upon spiritual matters.
In the ascetic eremitic life, the Hermit seeks solitude for meditation, contemplation, prayer, self-awareness and personal development at both a physical and mental level, without the distractions of contact with human society.
Asceticism is seen in the ancient theologies as a journey towards spiritual transformation, where the simple is sufficient, the frugal is plenty and bliss lies within.
Now that we have looked at the definition of the Hermit, I would like to take a look at the spiritual and mystical aspects of the Hermit through the Tarot and numerology.
THE TAROT – THE HERMIT IX
In the Tarot the Hermit is the ninth card in the Major Arcana. It symbolises spiritual enlightenment, soul searching, self-reflection, introspection, contemplation, inner guidance and solitude. The Hermit is wise, mature and knowledgeable.
Interpreting the imagery is an important aspect of the Tarot. The Hermit stands alone on the top of a mountain. The snow-capped range symbolises spiritual mastery, growth and accomplishment. He has chosen this path of self-discovery and, as a result, has reached a heightened state of awareness.
In his right hand, he holds a lantern with a six-pointed star inside it, it is the Seal of Solomon, a symbol of wisdom. As the Hermit walks his path, the lamp lights his way – but it only illuminates his next few steps rather than the full journey. He must step forward to see where to go next, knowing that not everything will be revealed at once.
In his left hand, the side of the subconscious mind, the Hermit holds a long staff (a sign of his power and authority), which he uses to guide and balance him.
In one of my favourite decks, the Fountain Tarot, the Hermit stands before a thick forest. He is ready to delve into the shadows of his inner world, to face his true self, to recognise and acknowledge those parts of himself he would prefer not to see. In so doing, he will find the light within, and with it his own personal truth. Then, and only then, will he be in a position to return with this light to guide him on his path. The fact that the lantern only sheds enough light for him to see where the next few steps will take him, is an expression of the trust and clarity of purpose he has. In this sense seeing has to do more with knowing and sensing, as in a vision, than it perhaps has to do with physically seeing the path. So, an authentic connection to ourselves and the ability to represent ourselves is essential.
NUMEROLOGY
From a numerological point of view, 9 has to do with the completion of a cycle. When you complete the cycle and you have really found your path, you become the Hermit IX, because the road can only hold one soul. So the Hermit has to walk his own path, finding his own light to shine on it. He has to find his own answers and figure out where he is going. This is a very important part of the journey, because you have to be able to handle loneliness and going through this process by yourself.
So, once you have completed the cycle, you have to reflect on what you have learned, on the wisdom you have gained and the expansion that has happened to you. There is no way back. You cannot return to where you came from. You are so dedicated by now that there is only one way and that is forward.
All the nines in the Tarot invite you to ask and reflect on the following questions: What is your status? Where are you at? What have your experienced through all these different journeys that you have been on? What are you going to do next?
So, once we have become the Hermit, where do we move onto from there? To understand this, let's go back to the beginning.
THE FOOL’S JOURNEY
In the Tarot we join The Fool 0, the first card in the Major Arcana, on his journey. He feels confident enough to turn his back on the Source and to embark on his own journey, on which he meets the other characters from the Major and Minor Arcana. Each telling us something about the Fool’s development and where he’s at.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE X
After the Hermit IX, the next card in the Tarot is the Wheel of Fortune X, which represents new beginnings and connection with Source. It is about evaluating, decisions, direction, destiny, change and making friends with change. We’ve reached a point in which we can now decide on which direction we want to go. A direction which is in line with our own inner truth. And where will this lead us to?
JUSTICE XI
In the original Raider-Waite Tarot the Justice card is number 11. This has been changed to 8 in some modern decks. I prefer Justice XI, as from numerological viewpoint, the number 11 is the number of the Idealist, who wants fairness and justice, because it feels good when you do the right thing, and do what feels right to you. Here the law of attraction applies. If you do what is right for you, you will receive what is right for you. You are aligned with the Source. Finding balance in life.
THE MOON XVIII
And last, but not least, I would like to take a look at the Moon XVIII. Life’s reality is so much bigger than we think it is. There are so many things we don’t know and the Moon encourages us to feel it and open up to not knowing and to embrace not knowing, because you have to embrace not knowing if you want to move on. And if you can embrace not knowing, you can move beyond duality and you can become enlightened.
Once you are enlightened, the next step in the journey is the Sun XVIIII, which represents the Source and the Fools return to the Source.
Each astrological year is ruled by a certain planet. 2020 falls under the sign of the Moon. The Moon represents our psyche, instincts, emotions, the feminine and motherly within us. The year of the Moon makes it very clear to us, that our family and the love they give us is our most valuable possession. They must be at the centre of our attention and we need to nurture them, perhaps more intensely than we otherwise would. A both interesting and challenging aspect during a time of social distancing and lockdowns.
2020 is also a year for forgiveness and loving behaviour towards one another. Forgiveness is a highly developed act and when it is actually implemented it can dissolve discontentment and calm the soul.
THE AGE OF AQUARIUS
We are currently in the Age of Aquarius, associated with harmony, understanding, sympathy and trust abounding.
Approximately every 20 years Jupiter and Saturn align, which will also take place during December 2020. Both planets will already have entered into Aquarius by this time, a sign representing friendship and love for others. And since Jupiter represents all idealistic efforts, and Saturn the continuity of their effect, we can hope that the world will experience much well-being going forward.
Take courage, for you too can find your inner light to guide you on your path to abundance during the Year of the Moon in the Age of Aquarius.