Brotherhood of Light Tarot: Arcanum IX. The Sage
The last stop before we breach the gates of the astral plane is the Hermit or the Sage. Number 9 is the resounding note of astral perfection as multiples of nine always add up to nine. This last task we must finally complete before our mind is permitted to see the “bigger picture”. And the appearance of the Hermit suggests this journey into the shadows is one we must go alone. The weight of the physical plane seems to contradict our cause, as we pull back from reality to seek solace in the mind. We find that if we remain silent to the influences of the physical realm, that whisper of a voice we hear on the wind offers us the guidance of a higher calling. The sage relays the sacred knowledge and spiritual wisdom that speaks of the true weight of the human condition. As our curiosity traverses the great mysteries of life, we take notice of the monotonous repetition in all that we once did. In doing so, we separate the spirit of “I” (will of soul) from the spirit of “me” (will of the senses) by adopting the role of onlooker in our own lives. In this reflection, we uncover that the wisest know that they do not know—and with this, proceed into the astral plane.
If this is your card, help is on the way. You may have so many questions left unanswered, but just know—there shall be even more questions to come. So it’s time to quiet the mind, meditate and wait until the answer arrives. After all, the best source of advice in your life comes from within—as no one can ever truly understand the personal gifts and unique setbacks you encounter on your individual path. A fresh new perspective should help ease the mind that worries. Then, when the student is ready, the teacher shall appear.
∞
cc: Christian Oritz
2 Comments
I absolutely resonated with this interpretation of the Hermit, my birth card. However, allow me to take you a bit further down the path of Hermit understanding. The Hermit encompasses both death and rebirth naturally. We already have access to the astral plane we encompass 3, 6, 9. The universal laws of the universe. We are both the student and the teacher. We embody all the numbers prior to the 9th and are a bridge to the rainbow bridge (other worlds, realms, and the MIND of God). We are the cosmic gate keepers. We walk in the light, shadow, and darkness. The conscious, unconscious, and subconscious. Remember the companion to the Hermit is the Moon card. Breaking through illusions of man, or Maya. Therefore, the Hermit IS the GURU, we do not need to wait for one. We are not natural fits with guru’s, mentors, or guides. That is not our way, we gather knowledge from all of thee above, then seek God mind to sort it out and apply it, thus gaining wisdom to teach others.
Hi Moon! I like your interpretation 🙂 I see the Hermit as the higher self who becomes the “teacher.” In the process of individuation, an archetype of the Hermit might appear on the surface without, denoting the knowledge within. When referring to the Hermit, storytelling tradition will peg this character as a wise elder like Yoda or Gandalf. The hero always ends up becoming the Hermit when they have come face to face with a lesson, and find the answer/teacher deep within them. It’s impossible to so readily perceive what’s in one’s own unconscious mind, therefore the Hermit serves as a symbol in the conscious reality above to help one acknowledge the contents of what lies below.