The Hermit
Universal Waite and Sharman-Caselli Decks
The image in both is an old, wise man character, wearing a large flowing grey cloak with a hood. He has white hair and a beard, indicating maturity. He sort of looks like an old wizard or mage with this staff in his left hand (creative side).
He holds a lantern high in his right hand (side of action) - like he is actively using the lantern to light his path. He is looking down, but is he physically looking where he is going or is he using his mind to see. In the Universal Waite Hermit - he has his eyes closed so he can't be looking at the path before him. In the Sharman-Caselli Hermit - his hood hides his eyes so you can't actually see if he has his eyes open. If he is not looking where he is going, is he lighting the path for himself or someone else? A guide, a beacon or inner light - inner self illumination.
In the S-C Hermit, the Hermit is on a stony, barren path, close to the oceans edge. The sea is not stormy but looks like it has large wave swells - water - undulating emotions / subconscious. At the Hermit's feet is a snake / serpent - symbol of transformation, wisdom, renewal in the shedding of the skin. Peeling back the layers to reveal the new skin / self beneath.
He is alone, solitary on his path or journey, with the only light in the dark night. In the S-C Hermit he wears a travelling robe and very sensible looking walking boots - definitely on the move, searching, not stationery - dressed for a journey, but in the image itself he is not striding out or stepping - standing still - makes me think it is more his mind seeking out his path on his journey - soul searching. His inner light shining brightly in the dark night. It is only when you have quiet time can you close your eyes and search and see the inner light / fire / self.
Tried hard to associate with the Hermit this week, as I do with each card in the study, but found this very difficult due to an extremely busy work and social week. But as I was sitting typing up my notes by myself after everyone has gone to sleep. Made me really appreciate the solitude, thought processes - all of this takes time - highlighting that we must make time in our busy lives for ourselves, for our thoughts to focus or even to see the guiding light in the dark.
Looking forward to reading the other posts when they reach the light of the computer screen
CreativeFire