The Hermit: 9

Artwork Description

My inner world is filled with art and music. The colors twist and turn around the beat of my heart. There is a tranquil place where time stops, and I feel an infinite truth. The darkness is pushed away by the strength of my spirit. In these moments, I experience the pleasure of solitude.

The Hermit Upright

Solitude

It is an endless wall of noise. Everyone has an opinion, and people will go to great lengths to tell you who you should be and how you should behave. Take a break from their words. You need to listen to your thoughts. Inside you, there is a pool of wisdom. You have learned from your past experiences, and every difficulty has taught you something new. Your voice is nurturing because it contains love, understanding, and compassion. You have been there for others during their time of need. Now you must listen to your thoughts. What advice would you give if this were someone else’s problem? You might find that your words are wiser than any others you may have considered. I’m not suggesting that input from others is inferior. This isn’t the time for the words of others to illuminate your path. First, you must listen to your heart and mind. When you have absorbed your teachings and experienced the comfort it provides, you can then identify who can help you. Only you can understand the compass of your heart. The answers are inside you. Listen to your instincts and respect their authority. You know what you should do.

The Hermit Reversed

Alone

This isn’t solitude. This is time spent alone. You might imagine they’re the same thing, but they’re not. Solitude is a wonderful experience where you find compassion and understanding by listening to your voice. It’s a place of peace where you navigate your inner world and discover your gifts. What you’re experiencing is loneliness and isolation, not solitude. It can become difficult to connect with others. Each relationship requires time and commitment, and they can easily fall away if they’re not maintained. It’s also difficult to push beyond small talk to discover the treasures that lie beneath. Deep relationships are essential, and they enhance our lives in ways that can’t be measured. I believe these connections are the source of a profound level of happiness. When these relationships are lost, we experience an intense level of sorrow.

          You need more balance in your life. Too much time in solitude can stop you from appreciating the experience, and you can begin to feel isolated. To experience the joy of your inner world, you must choose to spend time in your own company. If the decision was forced upon you, then you will feel angry, lonely, and rejected. This is a challenging time, and it will take courage to reach out to other people.