By Lorraine Kemble
Image from the RWS Tarot
9. The Hermit
Rachel’s Rabbi has an esteemed colleague who is a wise, elderly man, accompanied by a depth of awareness and commitment. Many people privately consult him, despite his humility.
Atypically of the Jewish religion, this Rabbi is unmarried; preferring to stand alone, in reflection and meditation, on a mountain’s peak, holding a lantern. Mountains symbolise development, achievement and accomplishment and the Rabbi has attained his spiritual pinnacle.
The star in the lantern is interestingly, a six-pointed star. This not only symbolises the Star of David, yet, also the Seal of Solomon, representing wisdom. The staff carried by The Hermit, depicting solidity, power and authority is in The Hermit’s left hand; the hand associated with the subconscious mind. The snow at his feet represent the heights of spiritual attainment.
He wears the grey cloak of invisibility for his need to sometimes not be seen and purposefully go into the depths of isolation, in order, to look after himself. This indicates the Rabbi’s ability to use his monolithic knowledge so that he can reach even greater levels of awareness and, as yet, another technique, of teaching his pupils.
The Hermit connects Chesed and Tiferet which are two Sephirot on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.
The Hermit’s numerical value is nine; linked with the zodiac sign, Virgo. This means stability and being grounded, associated with the Earth element.
The planetary rulership is Mercury; depicting intelligence, perception and communication.
The previous installment can be found in the September 2019 issue of Tarot Reflections. Watch for the next installment in the November issue.