Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings. For today’s blog post, I will be discussing embracing the energy of the Hermit card as we go within during the darkest and coldest months of the year!
The Hermit card is all about delving into the depths of our own inner landscape and reflecting on our emotions. This energy of going within and reflecting on our emotions is something that naturally begins to happen as the days grow dark and the nights grow long. I actually discussed the importance of slowing down during the darkest months in my post on Saturday, and I think that discussing Hermit energy goes hand in hand with that.
The Hermit with his lantern, as he is almost always depicted holding a lantern, serves as an ideal guide on the journey to go within. There are decks that even have this card depicted in a snowy landscape (such as The Wildwood Tarot), which I think is absolutely ideal! After all, in the dark months, late Autumn and Winter, we have the natural inclination to stay indoors, as it is cold and dark. This natural inclination to stay within the comforts of our warm homes also translates into the natural inclinations of people, especially Spiritual Seekers, to go within their own minds.
The darkest months of the year give us the permission to look for more quiet and more solitude, as we do Shadow Work, confronting that which has come forth to create a clean slate for when we move into the Light Half of the Year. However, even within the depths of the darkness of our own unconsciousness, we have that light within, the light of the Hermit’s lantern, to help guide us through our own Shadow, if we do seek to look within at this potent time of year! This is why I often journal about and reflect on the nature of the Hermit card, and share my thoughts with my lovely readers here, at this time of year. It is also the ideal time to include in your spiritual work some Tarot meditations with your favorite Hermit card from whichever deck speaks to you!
I hope that you have enjoyed this short post discussing the beauty of embracing the energy of the Hermit card during the darkest months of the year. How do you embrace Hermit energy at this time of year? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is a lovely Hermit artwork. I found the art on https://blog.threadless.com/pick-a-card-a-tarot-reading-for-the-artist/.
LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries
Further Reading
- The Only Tarot Book You’ll Ever Need by Skye Alexander
- The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan and John Matthews
2 responses to “Embracing the Hermit: Going Within During the Darkest Months”
What a beautifully written and timely post! You’ve perfectly articulated the gentle, guiding energy of this season. I always feel the call to turn inward as the light fades, but thinking of it as actively embracing the Hermit’s energy makes it feel like a sacred invitation rather than just a reaction to the cold.
Your point about the Hermit’s lantern being our inner light as we navigate our own Shadow really resonated with me. It transforms the “darkness” from something to be feared into a fertile ground for discovery.
To answer your question, here’s how I’ve been embracing the Hermit energy:
· Morning Pages by Candlelight: Instead of my usual bright, morning journaling, I’ve been lighting a single candle and writing in the soft glow. It instantly creates that “Hermit’s lantern” atmosphere and makes my reflections feel more deep and intuitive.
· Deck Connection: I pulled out my Shadowscapes Tarot deck, as the Hermit card there is so ethereal and gentle. I’ve been placing it on my altar as a visual reminder to honor quiet contemplation throughout the day.
· Embracing the “No”: I’m giving myself full permission to decline social events without guilt, choosing instead a quiet evening with a book, some tarot meditation, or simply staring at the frost on the window. It feels less like isolation and more like cherished solitude.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder that this introspective time is not only natural but necessary. It’s the perfect energy for preparing our inner soil for the new growth to come.
Sending warm and cozy vibes your way
I love your idea of journaling by candlelight in the morning! It sounds like a truly lovely way to begin the day. Having your favorite Hermit card on your altar is also an ideal way to have a regular reminder of this beautiful energy. As always, thanks for reading and commenting!