THE HERMIT (or the average highschooler)

**Jacey Chen (ISB 10)**

Self-identifying as a “veerrry extra weeb”, “fujoshi”, and “Shane x Ryland stan,” Jacey Chen (10) also has a passion for the darker, more mysterious side of the world— witchcraft. In her in-depth analysis of The Hermit tarot card, Jacey channels her love for astrology (and all things witchy) to provide some critical insight: maybe the worlds of magic and high school aren’t so far apart after all.

Hey you! Are you part of the obnoxiously trendy Antisocial Social Club? Is your diet made of mostly Boba? Do you think the trends in ISB are the same as everywhere else? Well then, I have someone who’d you’d love to meet: The Hermit.

The Hermit yearns for self-discovery, self-wisdom, and isolation. Sound familiar? Maybe The Hermit describes you or your friends. However, even if it’s necessary, isolation should also only be implemented sparingly. Isolation will either help The Hermit succeed in life or lead him to his demise. Now you may ask, “Who is this mysterious man?” Well, as mysterious as he may seem,
this tarot card is pretty easy to read. We’re gonna learn what meanings The Hermit card has to specific questions, and I’d love to learn about with you :3

“Our emotions can become very high and unstable -- making us all feel much too similar to a reversed Hermit card."

Visual Symbols

Let’s first take a look at the visual symbols of the card. The Hermit is seen trekking in a barren mountain range. He embodies spiritual mastery, growth, and achievement. He's at the very top, choosing the path of self-discovery, because of that, he has reached a heightened state of awareness. As he is trekking through the snowy mounds, The Hermit looks down at the mountain, willing to share his wisdom with those who seek it. His lantern that leads his way into the unknown is also a sign of his search for the truth. His staff, a sign of power and authority, is used to guide and balance him. The staff signifies the importance of his journey of self-discovery, and the lamp only illuminates his next few steps, not the full path. To see what happens next, he must step forward, knowing that not everything will be revealed at once. Even the star in the lantern is an important symbol. The six-pointed star, otherwise known as the Seal of Solomon, is a sign of wisdom. Because The Hermit is using it as light, the lantern's brightness shows his determination to continue and stay on the path. Just like us high schoolers, we're determined to get through this year then the next in order to seek freedom. To break free from school, we must search for wisdom until we gain back the sense of solitude.

General Meaning

Generally, the meaning of The Hermit tarot card (when upright) is to take some time for yourself to find enlightenment and a better sense of your values. If you choose this card in a magical tent somewhere, you may find that you need time alone to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. The Hermit is wise, mature, and knowledgable. If you're currently in a dilemma, it may be an indication for you to seek out someone more knowledgable (maybe a counselor or psychiatrist). You may also become impatient with people who do not understand you, and you might desire to be alone. The Hermit can also indicate isolating yourself or withdrawing into oneself in order to recover from a difficult situation.

"Who is this mysterious man?”

However, when the card gets chosen in reverse (upside down), it's basically the opposite. The reversed Hermit Card symbolizes imprudence, hastiness, rashness, and acts of foolishness or immaturity. Instead of needing isolation, you have isolated yourself to the extent of extreme loneliness and imprisonment in your mind. You have to reach out to others. Solitude might've been good at one point, but now it has become a burden on your mental health. It may indicate that you are avoiding self-reflection altogether because you're scared of what you might see. It can be a sign of becoming too fixated on someone or something or too rigid and restricted in your views. Most high schoolers have this mindset right now, especially at certain times of the year (Exams, Finals, etc.). Our emotions can become very high and unstable— making us all feel much too similar to a reversed Hermit card.

Card Reading

Now here’s the part you all have been waiting for! The card readings! Of course, I’m not actually going to do a reading. This isn’t real-time; you’re reading a copied magazine. However, if you do get a tarot reading, and ask about love or health and The Hermit card appears, you can know what to expect (no need to thank me).

Let’s start off with everyone’s favorite topic; love. If you ask a question like: “How will my relationship go?” “How long will it last?” Chances are it’s not going great. If this card pops up, things may be a lil’ bumpy. The Hermit card can indicate that you are primarily concerned with loving your- self and accepting yourself. If this card comes up, search for comfort by addressing the emotional baggage that you have to your partner.

This way, you can gain a better understanding of each other, spend more time together, and strengthen your bonds as a couple. Though if you’re single (which might be the reason you’re looking at the love section), The Hermit indicates your loneliness and longing for companionship. It’ll also represent you emerging from the other side of loneliness and solitude that started from heartbreak. Soon, you’ll be ready for a new beginning! If you’re having problems, talk with a friend or someone close to you. It may help lead you to love. However, once the card is reversed, it can mean bad things for couples. One of the things The Hermit indicates is that one partner is withdrawing from the relationship and craves time alone. If this person is you, be honest with yourself and your partner and respect what’s right for you. If it’s your partner that needs time to themselves, recognizing their need for space will give the relationship a future after their soul searching journey is over. This card may also mean that you feel shut out and rejected by your partner, or that you both are so busy that both of you have no time to connect.

“...we can push ourselves to be more than just average highschoolers...”

Now... let’s focus on your health. If this card is pulled during a health question, it indicates that you need to give your body a break. Get some time to yourself to help you relieve stress. This card can mean that you are overdoing things that may lead to health issues in the future. Meditation or focusing on yourself can ease your anxiety and allow you to sleep better. Though, when reversed, it can mean that keeping emotions to yourself has led up to a negative effect on your health. It can also indicate mental health issues, such as agoraphobia and paranoia.

Honestly, even though I love tarot cards. If you’re feeling lonely or if you feel as if you don’t know yourself well enough to be comfortable in your own skin, you should know what to do. If you don’t, talk to a close friend or someone you trust, plan an event, or get some alone time doing a hobby you love. Yes, The Hermit is basically the average high schooler, but I’m pretty sure we can push ourselves to be more than just average highschoolers and be more intelligent in how we choose to express our wisdom and not to isolate ourselves in our paths to find it.