If you feel you can't make a choice, stop and think. Imagine yourself doing your own tarot reading or that somebody else is reading for you. Which card makes you smile? Always. Whenever you see it? Whatever the question?

For me, it's the Hermit. Yes, there is more than one tie for number two, but this is the card that most signifies who I am or who I would like to be. What my best possible life is about, has been about, really, for a very long time. Whenever I draw it, I know I'm on the right track.

The Hermit is an unusual card, one of only eight cards in the entire 78 card RWS deck that clearly shows a radiating light source. Of these eight, five (The Fool, Moon, Sun, Lovers and Ten of Cups) show rays of light radiating from a natural source. Two of the remaining three cards show light radiating from 1. A floating crown that seems clearly metaphysical (Temperance) and 2. A figure (The Hanged Man). Arguably, both of these are halos.

Only the Hermit displays light radiating from what is clearly a manmade light source: the Hermit's lantern. Except that what is inside the Hermit's lantern is not manmade - it is a star. The only visibly shining star in the entire deck. 

This six-pointed star is the Star of David, which is a topic onto itself. In my personal association, the star in the Hermit's lantern represents our own inner light. But the Hermit isn't only a card of light, it is a card of mystery as well. And like any good mystery, it poses a number of questions.

The Hermit stands on a mountain top, or so it appears, but we do not see the valley. It isn't clear whether he is lighting the way for others or seeking something below. And yet, his eyes are closed. We may wonder if he is looking within? Or simply reflecting on what lies before him? 

We can't answer these questions. But we can make some assumptions.

The Hermit holds the light of spirit high for all to see. He is solitary but at the same time he is a beacon for others. He has traveled far, climbed the icy mountain alone, and that climb has been arduous. Caught in the stillness of the card, he stands, rests his head upon his staff, and gathers his strength. 

But this is only a snapshot in time. Something comes after. 

The mountains are endless, and the journey is ongoing.