The Year of the Hermit: Embracing Solitude and Self-Discovery

The Hermit is the Ninth Major Arcana Card, and, if you add up 2 plus 0 plus 2 plus 5 you get Nine. Hence, The Hermit.

I love this card, but I didn’t always. I think it took me a while to develop enough inner wisdom to truly appreciate the message of this Lone Wolf- or at least, that’s how I saw the Hermit. When I was younger, I didn’t want to be alone, doing deep spiritual work. It sounds too hard! But it doesn’t have to be. You can be a magical Hermit, too. Or just a Hermit for a few hours or a day, to recharge. To reconnect.

Remember the Led Zeppelin album with our friend the Hermit on the cover? And that wonderful line from Stairway to Heaven: “There’s still time to change the road you’re on.”

The Hermit walks forward on a spiritual mission through the mountains, holding a lantern aloft to light the path upon which he walks. But he cannot see beyond his footsteps in front of him. We must walk forward to see the way we are going. We can’t just stand here and think we will see where we are supposed to go.

As we journey through the ever-changing cycles of life, there are moments when the universe nudges us to turn inward, reflect, and embrace the quiet power of solitude. We may want to find an answer now, figure something out now, do something now- but we may not know what those answers are. The best advice I ever got was this: when you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Wait until you do know. It’s time to go inward, to gather your inner strength, and to reflect on who you really are and what you really need.

The Hermit is a powerful archetype that appears in various systems of thought, from the Tarot to ancient philosophy. In Tarot, the Hermit card represents wisdom, self-reflection, and the pursuit of inner truth. It’s a call to retreat from the noise of the external world, step away from distractions, and create a sacred space to connect with your higher self.

This Year of the Hermit couldn’t come soon enough: we need this collective and individual shift toward introspection. It’s not about isolation in a negative sense but rather a conscious choice to step back, reassess priorities, and realign with your authentic purpose.

Why Solitude Matters

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, solitude is often undervalued. Many of us are conditioned to equate being “busy” with being successful, and the idea of slowing down can feel counterintuitive. However, the Hermit reminds us that growth often happens in the stillness. Here’s why solitude is essential:

1. Clarity of Mind: Time alone allows us to process our thoughts and clear mental clutter. It helps separate external influences from our inner voice.
2. Reconnection with Self: By stepping away from the demands of daily life, we can reconnect with our true desires, dreams, and values.
3. Creative Inspiration: Many great ideas are born in moments of quiet reflection. Solitude nurtures creativity by giving space for new thoughts to emerge.
4. Emotional Healing: When we pause and sit with our emotions, we create opportunities for healing and transformation.

How to Embrace the Year of the Hermit

If you feel the pull of the Hermit’s energy this year, here are some ways to honor this transformative period:

1. Create a Sanctuary: Dedicate a space in your home for meditation, journaling, or quiet contemplation. This doesn’t have to be elaborate—a simple, cozy corner will do.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that bring you into the present moment, whether it’s yoga, a walk in nature, or mindful breathing.
3. Disconnect to Reconnect: Set boundaries around technology and social media. Give yourself permission to unplug and focus on what truly matters.
4. Journaling and Reflection: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and insights. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and tracking your personal growth.
5. Seek Wisdom from Within: Instead of seeking answers externally, trust your intuition and inner guidance. Be patient with yourself as you uncover your truths.

The Gift of the Hermit

While the Year of the Hermit may initially feel challenging, it’s a gift in disguise. It’s an opportunity to shed old layers, rediscover who you are, and emerge stronger and more aligned with your purpose. By embracing solitude and self-reflection, you pave the way for profound transformation and renewal.

As you navigate this sacred year, remember that the Hermit’s light is not meant to isolate but to illuminate. It’s a reminder that within the quiet of solitude lies the radiance of self-discovery. Step into the stillness, and you may find that the answers you’ve been seeking have been within you all along.