Rosanne
If I was to pick a card as my Favourite, I would choose The Hermit. The AET Hermit is a favourite among all Hermit cards I know. It seems the most constant with its instantly recognisable symbols. A caped sole figure with a lamp or light, away from society in a cave, the Woods or desert. The figure seems to be searching for the spiritual experience or some greater Truth- seeking that inner light.
How does The Ancient Egyptian Tarot present these concepts?
Enter Isis in the guise of Thoth. Here the The Hermit is shown in a green hooded cloak. This green cloak alludes to Osiris who was originally known as the God of Nature, symbolised by the cycle of vegetation. Over time he became the God of the Dead. He civilised Egypt by building towns, making laws, was overseer of Temple building and taught mankind how to make bread and wine. Once all this was accomplished he embarked on a great Journey, civilising the lands he travelled through, dispelling ignorance. This indicates the guide or teacher aspect of the Card.
One is not quite sure whether it is Osiris or Thoth presenting themselves in this card, so as the identity is concealed- another aspect is portrayed-that of concealed mysteries. If you are unprepared you will find things concealed from you.
How can we discern Thoth in the Card? Who is Thoth?
Thoth is the Egyptian Moon God, who presided over scribes and Knowledge. He was called 'Lord of the Sacred Words' Thoth was Osiris's Scribe. He helped at the burial of Osiris.He helped raise Horus, Son of Osiris. Thoth succeeded Horus to the throne of Egypt and reigned peacfully over Egypt for three thousand years- then he became the Moon. The Greeks called him Hermes.
He is depicted often by two sacred animals. The animals were not worshiped, their qualities were associated with a deity. The deity of Thoth was associated with the qualities of the Baboon and the Ibis. The three Baboons in the card indicate Thoth. The Baboon is a fine example of the way Ancient Egyptians made observations of the natural world, and incorporated that into iconography of their religious beliefs. At Dawn Baboons have a habit of sitting up on their hind legs with their front paws raised, in order to warm their bellys in the suns morning rays. This upright posture, with arms and hands raised in front of the face, was adopted as the posture of adoration to the Gods by Man.
Virgo is this cards sign and is ruled by Mercury- a Mercury symbol is the Apes of Thoth.
Well I hope this explanation starts you on your Hermit Journey- I have not yet mentioned the Underworld or Yod the secret Fire of the Lamp or that tantalising little fruit I think is a Pomegranate at the edge of the Abyss....or spells from the Pyramid Texts. In your search for Foresight and Wisdom may you 'leap and sit upon the wing of Thoth' ~Rosanne
How does The Ancient Egyptian Tarot present these concepts?
Enter Isis in the guise of Thoth. Here the The Hermit is shown in a green hooded cloak. This green cloak alludes to Osiris who was originally known as the God of Nature, symbolised by the cycle of vegetation. Over time he became the God of the Dead. He civilised Egypt by building towns, making laws, was overseer of Temple building and taught mankind how to make bread and wine. Once all this was accomplished he embarked on a great Journey, civilising the lands he travelled through, dispelling ignorance. This indicates the guide or teacher aspect of the Card.
One is not quite sure whether it is Osiris or Thoth presenting themselves in this card, so as the identity is concealed- another aspect is portrayed-that of concealed mysteries. If you are unprepared you will find things concealed from you.
How can we discern Thoth in the Card? Who is Thoth?
Thoth is the Egyptian Moon God, who presided over scribes and Knowledge. He was called 'Lord of the Sacred Words' Thoth was Osiris's Scribe. He helped at the burial of Osiris.He helped raise Horus, Son of Osiris. Thoth succeeded Horus to the throne of Egypt and reigned peacfully over Egypt for three thousand years- then he became the Moon. The Greeks called him Hermes.
He is depicted often by two sacred animals. The animals were not worshiped, their qualities were associated with a deity. The deity of Thoth was associated with the qualities of the Baboon and the Ibis. The three Baboons in the card indicate Thoth. The Baboon is a fine example of the way Ancient Egyptians made observations of the natural world, and incorporated that into iconography of their religious beliefs. At Dawn Baboons have a habit of sitting up on their hind legs with their front paws raised, in order to warm their bellys in the suns morning rays. This upright posture, with arms and hands raised in front of the face, was adopted as the posture of adoration to the Gods by Man.
Virgo is this cards sign and is ruled by Mercury- a Mercury symbol is the Apes of Thoth.
Well I hope this explanation starts you on your Hermit Journey- I have not yet mentioned the Underworld or Yod the secret Fire of the Lamp or that tantalising little fruit I think is a Pomegranate at the edge of the Abyss....or spells from the Pyramid Texts. In your search for Foresight and Wisdom may you 'leap and sit upon the wing of Thoth' ~Rosanne