The Hermit: why is this stage of solitude necessary?

1. Justice before The Hermit: the necessary passage through truth

In the structure of the Tarot de Marseille, The Hermit (Arcanum VIIII) immediately follows Justice (Arcanum VIII). This is not a simple chronological sequence — it is a demand of the soul. Once we have faced the mirror of Justice, once we have committed to seeing things as they truly are, we can no longer return to blissful ignorance.

2. In praise of slowness: a radical yet gradual transformation

Encountering The Hermit is not always comfortable. The feeling that everything is slowing down, that almost nothing seems to move, can be deeply frustrating. And yet, he is there to help us realize that at every moment, tiny invisible but meaningful changes are taking place. The Hermit’s staff, which symbolizes stability, is essential — it keeps us from stumbling during this transition.

3. The Lantern and the Guide: shining without dazzling

Observe this man advancing with his small lantern. His light is humble: it is not “solar,” it does not seek to illuminate distant horizons or dazzle the crowds. In stark contrast to the desire for visibility, for shining like a “star” promoted by social media, The Hermit cultivates an intimate light.

He represents the figure of the inner therapist or the quiet master. His wisdom is not theoretical — it is earned through lived experience. He only guides those who make the effort to approach him, gently illuminating the next step, and nothing more.

4. The “Positive Crisis”: the necessary act of letting go

The Hermit often appears at the beginning of a therapy or a deep search for meaning. This is what I call a “positive crisis.” It is not destructive chaos, but a crisis of meaning in which we accept to let go of our old certainties.

5. Introspection ritual: 5 questions to develop your inner wisdom

When The Hermit appears in your reading, he holds out his lantern so that you may explore your depths. He invites you to ask yourself these questions:

1. My inner wisdom: by connecting to my intuition and my deepest feelings, what is my inner voice whispering to me today?
2. Withdrawal: what am I, consciously or not, moving away from in order to protect my inner space?
3. The nature of the crisis: what is the meaning of the crisis I am going through? What message is it trying to deliver?
4. Letting go: what must I renounce now in order to make room for the new?
5. Faith: beyond doubts and silences, what do I fundamentally believe in?

6. Conclusion: the guardian of our inner treasure

The Hermit is the guardian of our inner treasure. He teaches us that solitude is not exile, but the fertile ground where true self-knowledge takes root. Once our doubts have been patiently brought to light, they become the cornerstones of our wisdom.