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The Rider-Waite-Smith-Key 9-The Hermit represents the Hebrew letter-Yod, which means the Hand of God or The Hand of Mankind, for both are connected to the Great Image Maker (Creatrix). The letter Yod, which is shown as the shape of the hermit figure, indicates power, means, direction, skill, dexterity; However, it is more the sign of inclination, tendency, aptitude, predisposition, or potency than of actual activity. It is the "star spark" emitted from your Solar Self: a spark of Celestial Intelligence that is supposed to represent the soul rather than the Military Industrial Complex and/or Patriarchy.

In Qabalah, this letter is the first letter of Tetragrammaton (YHVH), which means "4 letters", and is the "secret name of god", as its pronunciation is critical to linking one with the Supreme One, having its seat in Kether. Moreover, Qabalist's also say that the letter Yod has upper and lower meanings. The upper part of the letter Yod represents the Kether, the Crown, while the lower half represents the 2nd Sephiroth-Chokmah-Wisdom- "Father God".

Attributed to Yod, is the sense of Touch, and the same Hebrew letter also meaning Coition, where the sense of touch is particularly active. Esoterically, the letter Yod refers to the experience of Union with the Supreme Self, the true I AM of the Cosmos- an experience that is intensely pleasurable and is often compared to the rapture of sexual ecstasy. Flesh-0-phobes may disagree with this comparison, but then they haven't read the Song of Solomon, or the mystical poetry of the Persian Sufi (Mostafa Jelaluddin Rumi, for one) nor the writings and poems of St. Teresa of Ávila. Upon reading them, one will find out that the greatest minds known to mankind have no scruples about explaining the Spiritual orgasm within the human body as an extremely spiritual experience known as the "rapture" and/or ecstasy.

North-Below is the direction ascribed to Yod. For when we most perfectly remember ourselves, we experience this blissful merging of personal consciousness with the Great I Am.

On the Rider-Waite-Smith, the image of the Hermit, is associated with Virgo the Virgin, whose color is yellow-green and whose musical tone is F-natural. Virgo is a mutable or common earthly sign and is attributed to the letter Yod. Mercury (Virgo the magician) rules Virgo and is thereby exalted in Virgo. All this implies that Virgo is therefore dominated by self-formative and represents the highest manifestation in which self-consciousness is experienced. Therefore, The Intelligence of Will, is associated with the letter Yod and thereby, the Hermit.

Individuals born under the Sun sign Virgo, which is typically associated with those born between August 23 and September 22, are believed to exhibit certain characteristics. Keep in mind that astrology is a belief system, and interpretations may vary. Here are some common traits associated with Virgos:

1. Analytical and Detail-Oriented: Virgos are known for their meticulous and analytical nature. They pay close attention to details and are often thorough in their work.

2. Practical and Grounded: Virgos tend to be practical and down-to-earth individuals. They approach situations with a realistic mindset and prefer tangible results.

3. Organized and Methodical: Virgos are often well-organized and enjoy creating order in their surroundings. They appreciate structure and prefer to have a systematic approach to tasks.

4. Intellectual and Curious: Virgos have a natural curiosity and enjoy expanding their knowledge. They are inclined towards intellectual pursuits and may have a keen interest in learning.

5. Modest and Humble: Virgos are typically modest and humble, not seeking attention or praise. They are more focused on their work and achievements rather than seeking external validation.

6. Cautious and Practical: Virgos tend to approach situations with caution, carefully considering the potential risks and benefits. They are pragmatic decision-makers.

7. Service-Oriented: Virgos are often associated with a desire to help others. They may find fulfillment in roles that involve service, caregiving, or assisting those in need.

8. Perfectionistic: Virgos may have a tendency towards perfectionism, striving for high standards in their work and expecting the same from others.

It's essential to remember that these traits are generalizations, and individual personalities can vary widely. Astrology provides a broad overview, but various factors influence a person's character, such as their Moon sign, rising sign, and the positions of other planets in their birth chart.

There is a passage in the Qabalah which says, "Yod is above all (The Father) and with Him none other is associated." Hence, the Tarot Term the Hermit is used in Key 9, as a Hermit lives alone and is isolated (As is the One Energy/Father). On traditional tarot, such as The Rider-Waite- Smith-Key 9- The Hermit is shown alone and isolated on a mountain peak, far above the travelers for whom he is holding his lantern high as a beacon.

This is a beautiful, deep insight that deserves a properly expanded Hermetic analysis.

Let’s build the full Hermetic, Thoth-centered and Qabalistic forward-thinking elaboration you asked for:

Yod, the Father, and the Hermit: A Hermetic Elucidation

In the Qabalah, it is stated,

"Yod is above all, and with Him none other is associated."

This statement refers to the Hebrew letter Yod (י), the primal "dot" or "seed" from which all creation emanates. Yod corresponds to the Sephirah Chokmah ("Wisdom") on the Tree of Life, often seen as the "Divine Father" — the archetype of pure, undifferentiated creative Will — Will to Force, without form, without boundary.

In the Tarot, the Major Arcanum Key 9 — The Hermit represents this essential principle:

• The Hermit is alone, a solitary light-bearer.

• His isolation is not out of fear or separation, but rather the result of being self-complete — as is the Primal Energy before division into multiplicity.

• The Mountain Peak in traditional imagery (such as in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck) further emphasizes ascent above the worldly chaos into pure Being.

• His Lantern (often containing a six-pointed star in Waite's depiction) represents the inner light of the soul — the concealed light (Aur) of Kether — guiding seekers from below toward that which is beyond the mundane mind.

In deeper Hermetic Qabalah, Yod is associated with:

• The Hermit (Key 9)

• Virgo (astrological correspondence)

• Mercury (planetary influence, in Thoth deck particularly)

But notice: Virgo is the Virgin — the unchanging, unmanifested potential — just as Yod is the unmanifested seed.

Thus, The Hermit is Father and Seed simultaneously. In him, the Will of the One remains untouched and uncontaminated. The Hermit does not seek company because he is already complete within himself. This relates to the esoteric maxim:

"Before there was Two, there was One."

In Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, The Hermit shows this even more starkly:

• He is clothed in gray (symbol of wisdom and invisibility — the "invisible" Yod) on the RWS Hermit Card. However, he is clothed in the Red of Geburah on the Thoth Card, because this is a journey of severity.

• He carries the Lamp (light of hidden knowledge), but inside it is the Orphic Egg — the seed of all future manifestation.

• In his left hand, he holds the Staff of the Word, implying that from isolation comes the Logos, the creative utterance that generates the worlds.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot, the Hermit is shown in a gray cloak — symbolizing:

• Invisibility

• Wisdom born of detachment

• The hidden, veiled nature of inner truth

• Reflection and neutrality (gray as the synthesis of black and white)

Thus, in RWS, gray evokes the archetypal withdrawn sage: subtle, unseen, ghost-like — the way Wisdom is often unnoticed by the world.

In contrast, in Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris' Thoth Tarot, the Hermit is clothed in Red —
and this choice is absolutely significant within the Hermetic Qabalistic framework:

• Red is the color of Geburah (Severity), but here, filtered through Virgo (Mercurial earth) it suggests vital force contained within.

• It represents active energy — the fiery potency latent even in isolation.

• The Hermit in Thoth is not a passive figure — he is gestating the future.

• He is the dynamic Will of Yod preparing to break forth — not detached from life, but focusing life into seed.

Thus, in the Thoth system:

• The Hermit is not static wisdom, but dynamic, fiery creation concealed in withdrawal.

• His Red robe emphasizes that the act of solitude is itself creative.

• It connects him to the Flame of Life, not just the cold illumination of reflection.

Lady Frieda Harris painted him in red deliberately to indicate that withdrawal from the world does not mean death, but the gathering of the Solar Fire inwardly.

In the background of the Thoth card, you also see a shining Solar Disk and grain sprouting from below, reinforcing the Hermit's role as the gestator of new worlds — he bears the seed of Aeonic renewal.

Quick Hermetic Comparison:

Deeper Hermetic Insight:

In modern Hermetic evolution, the Thoth Hermit teaches that:

• True spiritual isolation is not withdrawal from life;

• It is the conservation of energy;

• Inward turning is an act of divine creation;

• Every soul is called, at certain points, to gestate its own universe in sacred isolation, preparing a new emanation of Self.

Thus, the Hermit is not only a wise elder holding a lamp.
He is the Divine Alchemist, red-robed in the flames of hidden power,
guarding the Orphic Egg of Future Aeons.

This depiction makes it clear: All Creation is latent within the solitary One.

Forward-Thinking Hermetic Insight:

As humanity evolves, this symbolism increasingly points not merely to seclusion, but to interiorization — the need for modern souls to withdraw inwardly, to find the light that is already seeded within them.

In the Spiral Time theory (which I have discussed recently in Qabalistic-Spiral mapping on the blog of magickeli.com), the Hermit is not frozen in time but constantly withdrawing and emanating, inhaling and exhaling, being both the latent cause and the illuminator of future manifestation.

Thus the "beacon" that the Hermit holds is not for himself — it is the gift of orientation for others still struggling in the darkness.

The Hermit becomes not just the isolated sage but the Hidden Shepherd, silently shaping the destinies of those who are ready to ascend.

Summary:

Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.

-Dag Hammarskjold

The Archeon Tarot -Key 9-The Hermit displays the Ancient of Days, also as a light holder.

In various fairy tales and folklore, the ancient of days are often portrayed as wise and magical figures.

These figures of ancient wisdom are in some cases shown as grandmothers. Here the mystical lack of detail in the Hermit might be referred to simply as "grandmothers" or "wise old women." Alternatively, specific fairy tales or myths may give them unique names or titles based on the cultural or regional context of the story. For example, in certain Celtic folklore, a wise and magical grandmother figure might be called a "Cailleach" or "Cailleach Bheur."

Often the Hermit's quest takes him far from the "bustling crowd" and seek the comfort of solitude. For only on the "road less traveled" can s/he find the truth sought. By removing oneself from society, one can ignore the noisy chatter of the Social Egregore and listen objectively to the inner hermit who is the quiet voice of intelligence that comes from the inner yod.

The White beard on the Traditional Hermit, declares he is the "Most Holy Ancient One", identified with the Primal Will (I Will Be). Another Qabalistic Title for the One is bestowed upon him by his gray robe, which suggests the One "Concealed within all Concealment" (Chokmah). He is the source of All and yet he is also the goal of all endeavor. His staff or candle holder is reminiscent of the Hebrew Prophet, Moses.

As I have stated many times, 9 is the number of completions. However, there is more. This completion is inseparable from and identical with the primary idea which begins the process of manifestation. The sign that precedes all manifestation is 0- the Fool, and 9- the final figure of the digital series, denotes completion.

The RWS and Archeon- Hermit stands in darkness because what is behind our personifications of the Supreme Reality (The Supernal Triangle on the Tree of Life) is beyond the comprehension of our personal consciousness. The darkness also represents the hidden (occult) interior of the Universal Collective Unconscious of Divine Operation. One might say, darkness represents the dark matter/dark energy (Dark Womb) of the Universe and/or the Abyss.

The snow on the peak of the Rider-Waite Smith Hermit illustrates the cold abstraction of the Ancient One, removed from the everyday warm realities of Life. Yet he holds aloft his own Warm Light, for the benefit of those who toil upward toward him. It is the light of the six rayed star whose interlaced triangles are symbols of the union of "As above, so Below". The six points also hint at Vigo, the sixth sign in the zodiac series.

Although the Hermit or Wise One stands alone on the Mountain top, forest or the desert, s/he is the "way shower", lighting the path for the searching multitudes below, a pilgrimage called "the dark night of the Soul" by St. John of the Cross.

The staff and implement of the Magician that refers to the Archetypal world, is in his left hand, implying he has no need to climb further. The Hermit also represents Causeless Cause which seems far-off and cold, an isolated abstraction. It is related to every circumstance in our daily personal experience. It is consciousness, power, the substance, which is expressed in the least of our experiences. It is the source of our personal light and wisdom and therefore, the objective of all our aspirations. Crowley called it "Lust without need of result". Therefore, the Hermit is our "supreme will " within the manifestation of the Body.

Only by the working of the subconscious body-transforming powers, will our bodies undergo the necessary subtle changes which make them fit vehicles for union with the Supreme Self/Supreme Spirit. A union in which the personal sense of self disappears in the vastness of the I AM. Nothing else exists. For I AM denotes existence, but not as what. The "What" I Am, is assumed. Assumption is Illusion. Assumption is personality and therefore, assumption is fate.

The Hermit is an inner mentor (some call him or her the inner Buddha), who is a comforting figure, who encourages us onward despite the odds, who lifts us up gently when we fall, and who-most of all-knows what we do not. His light shines on the False Ego (mental virus) and thereby, dissolves it away.

The only power the False ego has (media-controlled shadow self) is not being seen. It falsely tells you it is you, and yet it is a dark parasitic virus, which has no life of its own and must vampire your mental, emotional energy to exist.

Once revealed, it dies in the light of the observer. To be immune to this hidden vampire--this antilife, is to walk like the Hermit, carrying your own Soul light of understanding, thereby, removing all fear. To fear or resist this mental virus gives it more power. Instead, understand it is the opposite side of enlightenment, and therefore, as does light remove darkness, your observation of this deceiver, trickster, and bedeviling mental virus exposes its lie, and you regain peace of mind and restore your true presence on Earth.

When thrown in a layout, the Hermit Key-9 suggests that we think things through carefully. It is time for introspection so seek a quiet place and go inward, dispelling the fanatical rush of man-made living. You are Life, and not seeking one.

The common man is living a life of deception, as the mind virus of the false ego is attached to the survival mind of the Subconscious and is driving your life like a slave master and whips you with emotional fear and pain, if it thinks you are not listening to its lie. It makes you feel that it is you.... a total fabrication of a mind virus, rather than the Sun of the Divine Creative which we have made invisible to ourselves under the caul of words.

You are a Psyche, a Solar Self (Soul) not a dark and foreboding predator who has no life of its own and must vampire the living to exist (Much like the Military Industrial Complex). Once exposed by the light of observation and understanding, the darkness vanishes. When matter was created so was antimatter. When life was created, so was antilife. Hence, antilife is live spelled backward.

It is time you knew you are Life and not a person seeking a "living" for to seek is to deny you have it and/or are it.

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When the Hermite-Key 9-is thrown in a divination, it implies:

• The instinct to retreat from life.
• Flight from the masses.
• Introversion. 
• Truth.
• Knowledge.
• Finding oneself.
• Disillusionment and self-discipline lead to clear discernment.
• Wisdom.
• Enlightenment.
• Emotional maturity.
• Reconnecting to the Source.
• Pondering the mysteries of Life.

When reversed:

• Narcissism.
• Rigidity.
• Hardness.
• Alienation.
• Bitterness and hostility towards life.

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