Overview: The Hermit & The Nines

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing the hermit and the nines.

 

The Hermit & The Nines

The Hermit

The nines relate to the hermit. The hermit card depicts a wise and old man alone, leading his way by a light, which if you look closely is actually a shining star, which leads him through the darkness. The hermit is not hiding away, although nothing appears to surround him, the hermit is out searching, seeking, travelling. The hermit represents peaceful knowledge, no longer fighting or struggling, the hermit has found inner peace and understanding. The hermit is a light unto himself, and as he journeys alone, he needs no other. He knows his route and he understands his life. This card represents peace and solitude, withdrawal, careful thought, organisation, rumination, putting ones affairs into order. The hermit may represent a wise or inspirational person in the querants life, such as a friend, teacher, therapist or mentor. This person s someone who the querant usually sees alone, perhaps, other people in the querant'slife do not even know this person, or know of them. The hermit helps the querant to put things into perspective, helps them to find what they are seeking. The hermit also indicates a need to be alone, a need to withdraw and be with ones own thoughts. The querant may be antisocial or have a need for quiet time in order to reflect. Perhaps the querant needs time to sort things through on his or her own without the rush of outside influence. This may represent a time of great creativity or insight as the querant allows time for reflection and introspection; quite likely involving, not a retreat from the world, but a personal exploration in other new directions. This card symbolises the integration of all we have done and all we have achieved. 

The Nines

The nines are a number of completion. If we think back to our building blocks metaphor with the number ten being the end of the the line - nine is pretty much complete. The main work is now done, all that remains is the cleaning - the tidying up of all the loose ends. We shall discuss why there is a reason that ten isn't just the completion stage, and this is mainly due to the fact that the ending of an endeavour is also a new beginning. Therefore, with the nines we get more of a sense of completion. We get the rewards and sum up the costs of our endeavours. Perhaps we reflect positively on the experience or perhaps we take on the hard life lessons about how to do better next time. Whatever the experience for the querant, the lessons and experiences to be drawn from the effort are now clear. 

 

The Nine of Swords

The nine of swords depicts a man wakened by a dream or startled awake, in great sadness and grief. Nine swords behind him on the wall, two going through his back and another slicing behind his head. This card depicts physical pain from mental anguish, disturbed thoughts, fears, failures, disappointment, deception, despair. This card depicts sleepless nights, worrying about problems and fears that overwhelm you. This is the height of anxiety, when you are completely self focuses and self critical. This card also serves as a reminder to wake up and see the world as it truly is, because it is not as bad as it is in your mind.

 

The Nine of Wands

The nine of wands depicts a wounded man, he almost appears to be at attention or on guard, he is uptight and cautious, completely aware of those that may seek to wound him further. Yet he remains at his post vigilantly holding tight to his wand, not surrendering or giving up. This is the last step, the last push . Whatever it is that the wands will bring to this man he is there to see it through to the end, but he is nonetheless waiting impatiently. This suggests delay or suspension, waiting. Perhaps the man is guarding against something that has not yet come to pass.

 

The Nine of Cups

The nine of cups depicts and innkeeper with nine cups set out for guests, this is a card of hospitality, generosity (both given and received.) This is a card of attainment, the receiving of something good. As a cup card the thing received will be of a spiritual or emotional nature, possibly the support of friends or the discovery of something that moves your heart or your soul. This card involves the satisfaction of relationships, joy and camaraderie, creativity and happiness, both given and received. 

 

The Nine of Pentacles

The nine of pentacles depicts a woman tending a lush garden, in commune with nature. Like the hermit she is alone, but unlike the hermit she has surrounded herself with things of natural beauty. The goals of the pentacles suit, of luck; money; solid work - are achieved with this card. There is no opulence or extravagance, but there is comfort that extends beyond the self. This card predicts a small paradise - it might be a car, a new home, or a small indulgence that satisfies you tremendously; something that you may carry forward for much of your life. It could also symbolise the attainment of some sort of recognition, that comes with a nice gift attached (such as the proverbial gold watch.)