The Tarot of Eli, LLC: Key/ATU 9- The Hermit

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THE PSYCHIC PATH OF YOD:

Primary Path Color: Yellowish Green

* Musical Note: F

*Meaning of the Hebrew Letter- Yod: Hand

* Astrological sign: Virgo

* Hebrew Letter: Simple Letter-Sexual Love

* Esoteric Title: The Prophet of the Eternal, The Magus of the Voice of Power.

(Dr. Paul Foster Case) Thirty-Two Paths of Wisdom: " The Twentieth Path is the Intelligence of Will and is so called because it is the means of preparation of all and each created being, and by this intelligence the existence of the Primordial Wisdom becomes known."

The Path of the Hebrew letter- Yod, is represented as The Hermit-Key 9 and connects Tiphareth (Sephira # 6- Beauty. Also known as the Christ-Buddha center) and Chesed (Sephira # 4-Mercy) who is also the Architect of Manifestation. The Path of Yod is the very point of origin of our manifest Universe, it represents the self-sustained primal beginnings of manifestation. A direct contact with the Divine Source of All-the Divine Creative.

Virgo is attributed to the Twentieth Path and the Hermit card. Virgo reminds us that the Hermit "be ever-virgin, pure, and totally innocent". It represents a gateway to the bridge between Macrocosm, the Quantum (Macroprosopus) and Microcosm (Microporous), the atomic world, which give it certain qualities of Daath (knowledge) represented by the very isolation of the figure. To look upon this figure suggests to me, Diogenes in search of the honest man---even Moses emanating his rays of light.

This solitariness is even defined in the word Hermit, which comes from the Greek word meaning desert. It is a known fact that during the third and fourth centuries, extreme asceticism and societal withdrawal were considered a means of perfection; a way of deprogramming one's brain, without interference. Many ascetics lived in the desert to achieve this. As our understanding progresses along the Tree of Life, we see how more important it is that we let the card suggest such images as they will. Images of a desert are very potent ones. As a concept, the desert is an expanse of earth as indefinably vast as the ocean and as we consider Binah in the image of deep, dark, endless waters of the Unconscious, we can see the desert as a crystallization out of Binah's vast sea of Unconsciousness. The Hermit is the same expression of energy consciousness as the Fool; The Hermit, is at once the wise old age of the Child (Horus) and the virgin beginning of a new sequence.

The Hermit's principle is one of union. The Hermit represents the first point of awareness by the Higher Self and/or Real Person, with that of the Supreme Spiritual Self (Greater Self of the Buddhists) this is explained by the most erotic of imagery (As in the Hindu Tantric Temples). However, this is not the outer sexuality of coition, for this card is the essence of isolation and singularity. Therefore, the Hindu god Ganesh, with his "phallic" trunk would represent the Qabalistic Hermit. This is "self-contained" and "self-sustaining" sexuality of the Anima and Animus; the inner Soul- dance of polarities attributed to communion of Chokma and Binah and or Shakti/ Shiva, (The Red Cloak on both Hermetic Tarot Cards shows his roots with Binah), which makes all form -alive! Hence, the Yod is phallic; it is the Male-Fire (electric force) which rushes out toward the Female-Water (magnetic force). A Yod (hand) is the All-Father in manifestation below the Abyss, which is related to the Logos (word of God).

The image of Ganesh, who is a Hindu deity, is a fascinating and intricate one with deep symbolic significance. Since you are interested in metaphysics and symbolism, let me provide you with an overview of the symbolism associated with the image of Ganesh:

1. Elephant Head: Ganesh is commonly depicted with the head of an elephant, which symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Elephants are also known for their long memory, symbolizing Ganesh's role as a remover of obstacles and a keeper of knowledge.

2. Large Ears: Ganesh is often depicted with large ears, signifying his ability to listen attentively to the prayers and concerns of devotees. It's a reminder of the importance of being a good listener in spiritual and metaphysical pursuits.

3. Trunk: The elephant trunk is a versatile tool, capable of both delicate and powerful actions. It symbolizes Ganesh's ability to adapt to various situations and to remove obstacles gently or forcefully as needed.

4. Four Arms: Ganesh is typically depicted with four arms, each holding different objects. These arms represent his omnipotence and his ability to multitask, showing that he can handle multiple challenges and blessings simultaneously.

5. Broken Tusk: One of Ganesh's tusks is often shown as broken. This represents sacrifice and the willingness to give up something of value for the greater good. It's a reminder that in metaphysical and spiritual practices, sometimes we must let go of attachments.

6. Mouse: Ganesh is often accompanied by a mouse or rat at his feet. This small creature symbolizes the ego and desires that can nibble away at one's spiritual progress. Ganesh, by subduing the mouse, teaches us to control our desires.

7. Modak (Sweet): In one of his hands, Ganesh holds a modak, a sweet delicacy. This signifies the rewards of spiritual practice and the sweetness of knowledge and wisdom.

8. Lotus Seat: Ganesh is often depicted sitting on a lotus flower. The lotus represents purity and spiritual enlightenment, indicating that Ganesh is rooted in these qualities.

9. Axe and Noose: In two of his hands, Ganesh may hold an axe and a noose. These tools are used to cut through attachments and bind negativity, further emphasizing his role as a remover of obstacles.

In your metaphysical and parapsychological pursuits, you may find inspiration in the symbolism of Ganesh, especially regarding overcoming obstacles, gaining wisdom, and maintaining a balanced approach to spirituality. Hence, the qualities of the Hermit.

On the Tree of Life, Tiphareth (6-Beauty) is the Logos center, an objective link between subjective-Creator and objective- Man (as above so below). Remembering that the Paths are subjective and therefore Arcane, the link with the objective is on the subjective Path of the Hermit. This is to say, that Tiphareth is the objective center that can only be understood as transitional energy subjectively on the Path of Yod. To look from above down, by rising above Tiphareth toward Chesed, on the Path of the Hermit, is to see subjectively ---and experience of "spiral hindsight". The Hermit on the Thoth cards carrying a lantern of his "own inner Sun", or "enlightenment".

The hand is the human's ultimate creative tool, hence, attributed to Yod and The Hermit is the very hand of the Divine Creative. On The Thoth Hermit is the Orphic Egg wrapped in a serpent, which represents the ancient Orphic Mysteries interpretation of the Cosmos encircled by the Fiery Spirit, i.e. Yod.

On the Thoth Tarot illustration of the Hermit, the three Headed Dog (Cerberus) that "guards the gates of Hell"-- implies that the Past, Present, and Future, have been tamed by the Hermit. The spermatozoon image, on the Thoth Tarot card, represents the Yod energy in the material world, while the completely hidden staff transmits the sexual force. Aleister Crowley stated, "In this Triumph is then the entire mystery of Life in its most secret workings. Yod=Phallus=Spermatozoon=Hand=Logos=Virgin". The Lamp refers to Tiphareth and makes a statement about the very nature of Light. The Yod is The Hermit, Heh is The Emperor and Vau is the Hierophant, and all are functioning to the side of the Pillar of Mercy on the Tree of Life--a trinity from Chesed to Tiphareth to Chokmah, and back to Chesed. Thus, we have an unbelievably valuable subject of meditation. The burgundy cloak is the Egyptian symbol of blood, (The Scarlet Woman) that represents the inherent honesty and integrity (virtue) within all of us. It pays to remember that we inherit the great Wisdom, Integrity, and Virtue of the Divine Creative and through introspection and contemplation we can "Remember our Divinity".

You may have noticed the different spellings of the Hebrew letters when interpreted in English----Kaballa-Qaballah-Qabalah-Caballah or Yod-Yud---this is because there is no real English spelling of Hebrew Letters, so spelling is up to the interpreter of the sound. The Letter Yud is spelled as Yod in the Qabalah as in: The Path of Yod-The Hermit; 9th Key.

The Biblical story of Yod (Yud) is about Yosef [Joseph]: Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me if you please", and they came close. And he said," I am Joseph your brother- it is me, whom you sold into Egypt. And now, be not distressed, nor reproach yourselves for having sold me here, for it was to be provider that God sent me ahead of you. For this has been two of the hunger years in the midst of the land, and there are yet five years in which there shall be neither plowing nor harvest. Thus, God has sent me ahead of you to ensure your survival in the land and to sustain you for a momentous deliverance."

--Genesis 45: 4-8

The story of Yosef--defines the Hebrew letter Yod. A young man was sold into slavery by his brothers because of his magic ability to foretell events in his dreams. This form of clairvoyance disturbed his brothers, so they plotted to dispose of Yosef---but for a profit! So, they took him out to the desert and sold him into slavery. Upon coming home, they told their father (Jacob) that he was killed and showed him the blood-stained special robe of many colors as proof. The Tarot Hermit Card represents this story well with its depiction of a lone man in the desert carrying his own lantern of light. We know by reading the story of Yosef, that instead of bemoaning his fate, Yosef "knew himself" and with this inner trust that nothing happens without a "good" (God) reason to stay open minded and therefore, use his talents as needed.

Later, because he was fearlessly able to use his abilities to interpret the Pharaohs dreams, he became a court adviser, and was able to help his starving family survive. He could have sought revenge, although he did ask for an apology; However, when he saw the remorse of his brothers, he forgave them.

Therefore, the Tarot- Hermit reminds us that to live in the past, is a "wanna-be-person", a phantom personality rooted in the past can't live today nor is such a person able to be open to the opportunities that are presented to them. Since one's eyes are focused on the past, this past personality is unable to see in the now of the moment and is not a Real Person. A personality that carries its own Light, (enlightenment) is a personality of the Now, and of the Soul/Real Persona. Hence, such a personality trusts the Inner-Light that radiates it and knows that "things happen" for a life expanding purpose. This Story of Yosef and the Power of Yod, explains the introspective power of the Tarot Hermit.

The personal story of Yosef represents those dark moments in your life when you are confused, misunderstood, under-appreciated and depressed by events. During these moments of spiritual and physical darkness is when we must look toward our own "inner Light" that leads us forward in Life. The Power of believing in yourself comes from a knowing that your life is full of purpose (God doesn't create what God doesn't want) and everything that happens to you is for a life-motion expanding purpose. Recognize your uniqueness, and that your special talents can be applied to expand and liberate your world from the past limitations. Meditate on the Power of Gratitude and Forgiveness, releasing yourself into the World of "I Am" rather than the death of "I Ain't". Living in the past as a "self-denial" of transformation, can only give us a deep interpersonal hell. Be the only one who defines yourself-solitary in your self-trust and walk in the deserts of individuality undivided from your Soul; Soul and body are an erotic communion of "I Am Me"! Only your inner Self can Define your outer self in this functioning communion. Hence, you are not man-made, you are a Spiritual creation! " Above all things, know thyself!" I AM Spirit!

The Tarot- Hermit is an expression of The Fool, same energy that is at once wise old age of the Child (Son/Sun of God) and The Virgin (Virgo) beginning of a new sequence. However, it is often difficult for the Student of the Qabalah to understand that Yod is also the simple letter meaning: Sexual Love. Pre-eminently this card is one of union. It symbolizes the first point of awareness by the Higher Self of the Supreme Spiritual Self (Yod) that can be explained often in only the most erotic of imagery or in "sacred symbols", such as the Lingam-Yoni images of the Hindu or the more subjective lemnistrate and/or Mobius loop of the Magician card. But this card is the essence of isolation and singularity and is not about sexual coition. The sexuality here is self-contained and self-sustaining as it is the Communion of Two High States of Conscious Energy. Higher self and Supreme Spiritual Self. The Higher Self being the builder of The Personality, while the Supreme Spiritual Self is the Expression of Spiral Energy----The Serpentine Conscious Energy. Yod is related to Kether as Kether is isolated at the top of the Tree of Life and is self-contained. It also forms the graphic root for all the other letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Therefore, the Yod is also phallic. It is the Male-Fire-conscious that rushes out toward the Female-Water-Unconscious. One cannot escape the erotic imagery, which is often depicted On Hindu Temples, but it is rarely seen as one individual divine creative who is made of two states of Spirit; One that is expressive and one that is receptive, i.e., the Divine He of 10,000 names who is objectified as Electric and the Divine She of 10,000 names who is objectified as Magnetic.

Again, the beauty of the Tarot Trump, is that they are subjective and require a deep inner contemplation to begin understanding the flow of Force and Form in the 99.6% invisible Self. For instance, Yod means Hand which is humankind's most creative tool when linked to imagination, the most creative Mind. The open hand represents the primal beginnings of manifestation since before anything can be built by human beings the hand must be open to grasp the tools necessary to begin.

Thus, the Hermit represents the Hand of God Before anything is created by humankind, we must have the idea or conception of a thing, which percolates out of the vast sea of consciousness that is Binah (The Scarlett Womb-man) who is represented by the Red Robes of the Hermit. The hand of God is a title also known to be that of Moses, who led his people out of the desert into the promised land. Often, the Hermit, who is Grandfather of the masculine trinity of Son, Father, and Grandfather, is related to the Christ figure, but he is better related to the Hebrew pathfinder Moses, who led his people across the Egyptian desert. In fact, an early Gnostic sect, The Simonian Gnostics, which had taken its name from Simon- Magus, first described in the Acts of the Apostles, that the Logos was objectified as Moses. The second century Gnostics taught that the Book of Exodus was an allegory of the soul being led by the Logos (Moses/Hermit) through the desert of human life into the spiritual promised land. Many of us westerner culture knows the story of Moses as a Thaumaturge (Arch-magician), whose staff is a wand of enormous power that can strike water from rock and turn into a serpent upon his bidding. The "Magi's wand", turning into a serpent force, is an allegory that refers to the use of Kundalini (Yod) force by the Adept Magician. This serpentine force is a Sacred Fire and/or the Adorable Fire (Paul Foster Case) that is the essence of the Logos transmitted by the phallic wand. To a Tantric, this wand would be called the Divya Linga: Divine Lingam.

Therefore, the letter Yod itself, represents the Phallus that ejaculates its fiery vibration into the Vast Red Sea of Binah the Yod, is often shown as a magician's Wand, which represents the Primal Phallic expression into the Space-Womb- conception of all Form, Imagination. That fiery vibration is often called the Word of God (Greek term: Logos), which in biblical tales, was spoken to Moses via a burning bush. Here the word of God is not issued directly, but comes through Moses as an intermediary, which is the function of the Logos, so Moses may be considered the tool of God or to more explicit, the Hermit is the Phallus of the Logos which ejaculates its vibration of Light (vibration/idea) into the vast Dark Red inner Womb/Ocean of Binah.

The spermatozoan is shown on the Thoth card, next to the light of the Lantern that is held by the Hermit, and the letter Yod itself, suggesting this very interpretation. Also, in the light of the Thoth Hermit's Phallus-Lantern, is the three headed dog guardian of the Gates of Hell, a Greek symbol known as Cerberus, who in this card is tamed by the Hermit and can be compared to the Passions, of the past, present and future, tamed by the Hermit; Inner-Passions that if are untamed can become Hell. The one Head of Cerberus looking back, is representative of keeping past memory (me) while the two heads forward, suggest a Union that is progressive (I AM).

The mysteries of Life are truly shown in the Thoth Hermit Card, as we have Yod=Phallus=Spermatozoon=Hand=Virgin (Astrological sign Virgo). The Virgin conceptual meaning of ever pure and innocent. The Hermit card is also considered the Bridge between the gap of Macrocosm (Macroprosopus) and Microcosm (Microprosopus) which simply means between the Invisible and Visible cosmos. To help in understanding of the extremes, the manifestation and The Method, we must realize that the Dark matter of Space is impregnated by the Solar Photon- microwave ejaculation of "living light"----but it is a type of self-pleasuring, of "inner sex", as the Hermit exist "Within" the Dark Mother and not outside of Her, just as the consciousness exists inside the dark unconscious. To some this is more confusing than to others, so by contemplating the image of the Sun in dark space, we may gain some insight. Obviously, much study outside of indoctrination is required in understanding the Major Arcana. Hence, this Bridge between the seen and unseen can also be called the Human Body, who is itself, in a vast desert of its own reality while floating in the Great Sea of Unconscious energy known as the Universal Collective Unconscious for no one is there but your own self-conceptions! We never are made to think or feel by "another", for our body is a Hermit, living in its own waste land of self-perspective. In this vast desert of Self, what we think we feel; we cannot feel another person's thought! We may react to their thought, but that is us thinking about the meaning of their Words or actions and reacting to our own thought. Hence, not a truth, not a real, just a self-centered phantom- perception of ourselves! If we fear (fear failure, fear inferiority, fear ability etc.) more than love ourselves, we are living in Hell! Know this self-love must be virginal, pure, and innocent without narcissism, which is a superiority complex, another domain of Hell.

The Hermit Tarot cards suggests that to manifest in your purity of Light, a Christos, or Buddha-Self, you must have intercourse with the Vast Dark Sea of Binah. Hence, experiencing The Understanding of the Mother of all Form and the Fiery Passion of the Father and know you are The Beautiful Child of Goddess-God (The Divine Creative). When your "I"'s (identity of three- I AM Me-the three heads of Cerberus), you'll recognize your Beauty in others, as your eyes ("I"s) are now enlightened by the Inner Love that created you.

Hence, from the deep solitude of inner contemplation, we learn that there are no "others" just "anothers" as all that we see is "another way to be me"- isolated in our own perspectives and demanding that everyone else worship them as we do, is to create a self-waste land that is our own inner Hell.

The Hermit Tarot Card suggests that it's best to understand that "only to thine own self " can we be true, as in our inner land of Self, only I Am existing there. Our Soul/Psyche is a mirror, so it is best to treat others as you wish to be treated and enjoy the different perspectives as fascinating experiments in Self-Awareness. As the Hermit card suggests, you can only achieve this bliss, by traveling the solitary inner desert of the ascetic and learning the comfort and peace of your own Inner core of Self. When I AM comfortable with Me, I Am equally comfortable with You! So once again, we must know ourselves, for in truth, we can only see ourselves projected as a reflection in the Mirror of Binah's Vast wine dark Sea of consciousness. Therefore, we are transmitting our reality upon another, as if we created them. The Hermit can only "See itself" in the vast desert of mind and it helps to carry the Light of Love-----to see where you are going---Heaven or Hell, they are both a journey in self-conscious perceptions/projections.

To those personas who are on a mundane journey where a better credit score is the ultimate quest, this card has mundane meanings in a reading, but as a meditation device, skyring this card will aid in understanding the God Trinity of THE HERMIT -YOD, THE EMPEROR-HEH, AND THE HIEROPHANT-VAU. There is a clue to a deeper understanding in the placement of the letters, Yod, Heh, Vau, on the Tree of Life. as the letters work together as a trinity from Chesed (Mercy) to Tiphareth (Beauty) to Chokmah (Wisdom) and back to Chesed. Many rewards come to those who research, study, and meditate introspectively.

In summary: The Hebrew letter Yod, shown bottom left of Thoth card Tarot card, is the foundation of all other Hebrew letters, which are combinations of Yod in numerous ways. Being the first letter of Tetragrammaton, Yod represents the Father who is Wisdom (Chokma); he is the Highest form of Mercury, and the Co-Creator of all worlds who is known as the Logos.

The finest thing in the world is knowing how to belong to oneself.

-Michel de Montaigne, Of Solitude

Therefore, in mundane terms, the Hermit card represents the Universal Principle of completion, contemplation, and introspection. The Hermit symbolizes the "wise-way- shower" who lights the way of wisdom in the experiences of life and is an invaluable inner resource for assisting us and others in our daily lives.

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  I wonder, has it ever occurred to common man, that if you divide the spirit (Will) from the sacred- body, that it only leads to enslavement?

Correspondences: 9-The Hermit & 1-The Magus.

The association of these cards with Astrology is in the sign Virgo and Planet Mercury.

In astrology Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo and in Tarot Mercury corresponds to both the Lovers and the Hermit.

The astrological form of the Hermit is I learn, and the astrological motion of the Magus (magician in some tarot decks) is I seek myself through what I serve.

The corresponding Rune-stones are Hermit-Jera, the harvest rune-stone, beneficial outcomes, and the span of one year. Also, the Magus-Algiz, the rune of protection, the spiritual warrior, the one whose battle is with himself.

The associated primary colors are Yellow-Green, Secondary colors lime-green. This correspondence of the Hermit and the Magus is also associated with the Third Chakra (solar plexus) which governs willpower, wishes, metabolism, humor, wisdom, ego, reactions, ideas, intellectual analysis, and fear of rejection. The Third Chakra is the spiral energy of the intellect.

The stones/minerals associated with this correspondence are Peridot, moldavite, jade, jadeite, aventurine, green kunzite, green containing tourmalines of uvite, feridavite, verdelite, watermelon-yellow green fluorites and chalcedony.

Musical notes for the Hermit-F and for the Magus-E.

Letters of the Qabalah are Hermit-Simple letter- Sexual Love (English translation) The Hermits Path is: Yod, The Intelligence of Will. The symbol of meaning is: Hand.

Qabalistic letter for the Magus; Double letter- Life-Death and the Path is: Beth, the Intelligence of Transparency. Symbolic meaning-House.

The plant essences: The Hermit- Sage, wintergreen, and caraway. The Magician- Dill, lemongrass, sorax or Benzoin.

The psychic energy involved in the correspondence of the Hermit and the Magus, is associated with meditation and the ability to surrender the conscious mind to the super-conscious (self to Greater Self) which unlocks exploration and knowledge of the whole self for the expansion and liberation of the personality from self-imposed limits of knowledge and understanding. In other words, the key to "Holy Spirit". Therefore, scrying is enhanced when all these mineral, plant, and musical note correspondences are used together in one sitting.

To be an excellent reader of Tarot-a Tarot Seer- we must remember that the conscious mind learns only by association. From letters, to words, to ideas, all of which are an association in the subconscious mind that form a correspondence that has taken effort and years to the point of automatically producing associations without any conscious effort.

The conscious mind functions solely through associations/correspondences in everything it learns and thinks. Sharing common associations produces success in communication which is why we have a "school system". This ability to see correspondence also aids the Tarot Seer in communicating messages from the Invisible (Divine) to the querent (asker of questions) so that clarity in communication is served. Messages from the Divine are in energetic form and must be given an image to be understood by the process of association. To someone who is not a Qabalist this all may seem "deep" which communicates too much effort to some, but to the diligent seer---deep is where we reside, each unto themselves, a hermit.

When the Hermit card is thrown during a reading, it implies:

• That knowledge is needed, meditation and prayer are to be used to hear the inner self.
• A deep desire to follow that which is meaningful and/or heartfelt to you. 
• Time to gather enough data and information to sort things out.
• Introspection which may require you to withdraw from others or the usual environment to gain the perspectives needed.
•  A stage in life where Wisdom is sought.
• This is a great card for scrying, as it is of the Inner Wisdom that we so much need to KNOW OURSELVES!
• That knowledge is needed in the querent's life and having the need to listen closely to the "master within.
• Contemplation and introspection by means of meditation is a method of achieving such a goal of inner wisdom.
• The querent is or will be soon experiencing wisdom long sought and obtained from Above (enlightenment from the Inner Self). In other words, Divine inspiration.
• Also, there is a suggestion of knowledge needed by the querent who must listen closely to the Inner Self to obtain it.
• We have here the principle of introspection, of completion and Space/Time.
• The querent themselves, may be experiencing the up welling of the inner, philosopher, and/or wise man, within, and thus manifesting them in their life.
• There is also a suggestion of detaching from others, so that one may gather data to figure things out.
• The querent may be experiencing the need to analyze, or understand their role in life, or in relationships be they, in a group setting such as job, or family or even in a spiritual group, etc.
• This is a card of attainment rather than a journey or quest as The Hermit shows us that we must have the strength to lose our manmade outer self (our-self- of man-made definitions) before we can find the Divine Self within.
• This card is hard to ill define...since even "being Lost" and alone in our feelings, is the beginning of "seeing the light". For being lost and alone in yourself, means you know that you "don't know who you are", which is the beginning of "letting go and letting God' reclaim your identity as " another way to be Me".
• It is about the principle of introspection, completion, and space.
• This is representative of the deeper marriage of the Divine within us and is often a message that more knowledge is needed.
• This is an "above all things, know thyself' message.
• The Hermit represents the inward search to find personal truth, where despair, isolation, as well as accomplishments and gains, must be accepted.
• Also, Personal Integrity, of I AM Spirit, which is always true to you.

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper!