CreativeFire
The 'play' of light in this card has me intrigued as I can see that the main source of light is emanating from the crystal lantern (with the sun) held in the Hermit's hand. However the rays of light across the Hermit's back and shoulders seem to come from a different source or are they a reflection somehow?
From Akron / Banzhaf's - The Handbook to the Cards:
Hand (lantern)
The old man holds a diamond at the focal point, the interior of which is illuminated by a sun with sixteen rays. This brightens the lower region, but also throws light into the upper spheres. Only the light of the crystal effects a straight line. Everything else is hidden and looks like a snapshot of a natural, flowering, and eternal movement. Within this eternal flow, the Hermit has been able to see the "Orphic Egg" and therefore the mystery, the original source of life, through an opening that again immediately closes . . .
Orphic Egg (world egg)
The "Orphic Egg" symbolises the origin of all things. The fact that the Hermit perceives the living nature for a moment in the midst of the movement - there is a wheat field in the background - shows the depth of the old man who sees the mystery of creation or the original source of all life . . .[/i]
I am curious what representation the "wheat" has in the background but could not see a further mention of it in the book. The only thing I can think of is that it could possibly represent the earth in some way / nature / growth - clutching at straws here so will be interested if anyone can shed any light on this
I also had some thoughts on the colour of the robe worn by the Hermit in this card. Being that to me red usually represents passion, drive, courage even - compared to say the Hermit in other decks that is usually wearing grey.
The Three-Headed Dog in the bottom right hand corner I was interested to learn represents "Cereberus" (underworld) / the three-headed Hound of Hell.
The Hermit personifies powerful repose and inner concentration. Just as the Moon card - the cross-sum of which he forms - deals with the opening up of inner spaces, this card focuses on the exploration of spaces of consciousness. In doing so, he penetrates into the mysteries and into the deepest abyss (Hound of Hell) . . .
I have to admit it, when I first noticed the dog (which my son pointed out while looking at the card propped up on the computer), it immediately brought to mind 'Fluffy' from the Harry Potter story, that guarded the entry to the Philosopher's Stone.
Finishing on that lighter note - hoping for some more serious input and would be interested to read other's thoughts on this card.
CreativeFire
PS. Have attached a scan of the card for ease of reference.
From Akron / Banzhaf's - The Handbook to the Cards:
Hand (lantern)
The old man holds a diamond at the focal point, the interior of which is illuminated by a sun with sixteen rays. This brightens the lower region, but also throws light into the upper spheres. Only the light of the crystal effects a straight line. Everything else is hidden and looks like a snapshot of a natural, flowering, and eternal movement. Within this eternal flow, the Hermit has been able to see the "Orphic Egg" and therefore the mystery, the original source of life, through an opening that again immediately closes . . .
Orphic Egg (world egg)
The "Orphic Egg" symbolises the origin of all things. The fact that the Hermit perceives the living nature for a moment in the midst of the movement - there is a wheat field in the background - shows the depth of the old man who sees the mystery of creation or the original source of all life . . .[/i]
I am curious what representation the "wheat" has in the background but could not see a further mention of it in the book. The only thing I can think of is that it could possibly represent the earth in some way / nature / growth - clutching at straws here so will be interested if anyone can shed any light on this
I also had some thoughts on the colour of the robe worn by the Hermit in this card. Being that to me red usually represents passion, drive, courage even - compared to say the Hermit in other decks that is usually wearing grey.
The Three-Headed Dog in the bottom right hand corner I was interested to learn represents "Cereberus" (underworld) / the three-headed Hound of Hell.
The Hermit personifies powerful repose and inner concentration. Just as the Moon card - the cross-sum of which he forms - deals with the opening up of inner spaces, this card focuses on the exploration of spaces of consciousness. In doing so, he penetrates into the mysteries and into the deepest abyss (Hound of Hell) . . .
I have to admit it, when I first noticed the dog (which my son pointed out while looking at the card propped up on the computer), it immediately brought to mind 'Fluffy' from the Harry Potter story, that guarded the entry to the Philosopher's Stone.
Finishing on that lighter note - hoping for some more serious input and would be interested to read other's thoughts on this card.
CreativeFire
PS. Have attached a scan of the card for ease of reference.