Tag: the hermit

littlequeenies:

The Hermit

The artwork inside the album cover of Led Zeppelin IV is from a painting
by William Holman Hunt, influenced by the traditional Rider/Waite Tarot
card design for the card called “The Hermit”. Page transforms into this
character during his fantasy segment in Led Zeppelin’s concert film The
Song Remains the Same. The Hermit was his favourite Tarot card.

The Hermit (IX) is the ninth trump or Major Arcana card in most
traditional Tarot decks. It is used in game playing as well as in
divination.

The Hermit has internalized the lessons of life to the point that he is
the lesson. The Hermit, as a kind of shamanistic hero, has made the
complete journey both the withdrawal and the return.

The Hermit is related through a cross sum (the sum of the digits) to The
Moon. While The Hermit mostly integrates the lessons of the sunlit
world, the Moon stands at the threshold of light and dark and churns the
waters of life. In both cases, treasures can be uncovered through
contemplation of what is brought forth. In both cases, monsters may be
found.

A potentially dangerous aspect of The Hermit is his retreat, his
isolation. We all need to retreat sometimes; retreat and renewal are
necessary for growth. But The Hermit may be tempted to completely
withdraw from the world, not because the journey is done, but because
the dragons of the real are too daunting, or because the trivial
pleasures of the cave are too intoxicating. Withdraw at the wrong time,
stay withdrawn too long, and growth stops.

In the Vikings Tarot, the Hermit is Heimdall living at the edge of
Asgard, standing ready with Gjallarhorn watching for the signs of the
coming of Ragnarok.

Photo 1: The Hermit as shown in the Tarot card.

Photo 2:
The Hermit in the Led Zeppelin IV album done by  Barrington Colby.
   

Photo 3:
Jimmy Page as The Hermit.