Dragon Tarot -- The Hermit IX

Dragon Tarot by Peter Pracownik

From the Little White Book:

IX THE HERMIT - A solitary Dragon stands on the top of a hill, holding out the light from his lamp so that other travelers may receive light from his example. His is the way of withdrawal from the world of solitude, of meditation. Above him, two downward rays of light, suggestive of both compasses(measurement, exactitude) and the pyramids that were built to drawn down cosmic energys from the constellation Draconis. In the background, we see the outline of a human settlement, indicative that this Dragon is no longer part of his family, clan or tribe.

Divinatory meaning - Withdrawal, reconsideration.
Reverse meaning - Isolation, alienation.

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The Hermit stands on what I would call a stone ledge, rather than a hill. There are twisted old trees that stand near him, his wings seemingly lacerated but healed. He too wears a red gem over his brow, the same colour of the scars- reminders of old battles that helped define who he is. Again, quite visible, is the square and compass symbol- though this time the compass is actually visible rather than just symbolized. There are several parallels between this card and another of the same set (the Hierophant)- green drakes, massive wings, the 6 pointed star marked in the bottom left corner. It has the symbol for Virgo in the bottom right corner.

Revisited

Masonic Emblem - This represents three things the first is that of the Compass “lower right corner of your vision” representing exactitude the second is the carpenter’s square meaning measurement “above the dragons head as rays of light”. If one adds two parallel lines you create the 6 point hexagram.

Hexagram - The hexagram in the lantern with the light radiating from with out shows us the idea of separation from his dragon tribe in an attempt for travelers to receive light from by his example of spiritual superiority.

Triple Name

Protectores - Protectors
Initiatio - Initiation
Prudentia - Prudence/Carefulness

New Moon - The Black or New Moon by the utter lack of moon light and the insufficient light of the just rising sun behind the human settlement in the background; the slumbering male and female presence, gives us the neutrality pf the sexes on this Arcanum. Should also give you the idea of perfect balance of the Female and Male aspects of the Hermit.

The Cliff - Upon which our dragon stands elevates him in between the underworld, sub-planes, human world, dragon realm, and astral space. The barren limbs of trees, the tattered wings of the dragon, and the distance of the human settlement gives us the idea that in-light of his spiritual superiority it sends the message of loneliness and solitude. The true guru element.

The Card

Our dragon stands alone in the world desiring to guide all to a new spiritual height through self sacrifice, self awareness, and through commitment to your individual spiritual teachings and or choosing. Remember the guru is in need of companionship just as the rest of us. The guru is hopeful to attract one of like mindedness through his shimmering light of hope. The Hermit is the ethereal outcast due to the relentless pursuit of personal truth. The Hermits’ isolation and loneliness is not to be mistaken for shyness. He will reveal whatever secret you try hiding through the example of his downfall for the same acts of self preservation through secrets.