The EREMITE is co-joined with the Hebrew letter Teth, indicative of a roof, of providing protection. The EREMITE provides a protected environment for The FOOL to unpack his bag of tricks and to sort though what he had experienced and what he had been told. Much that is worthless is collected as the seeker encounters the countless individuals populating the world. Now is the time for inspect and introspection. Self-examination can be a cruel and heartless task. The EREMITE provides refuge and safety for The FOOL at a vulnerable time.

The EREMITE is renowned for using the hands to promote healing, to provide disinterested comfort, and to create works of incomparable beauty.

The EREMITE demonstrates attention to detail. The contemplative state of The EREMITE reminds us of the pattern of inherent integrity at our core. Introspection reminds us of the beauty of who we are.

The EREMITE exemplifies the universal principles of contemplation, introspection, and completion. The EREMITE, as the one who shows the way, as the guide with the ability to light the path, draws upon internal wisdom, inherent integrity, and life's experience to assist others as the search out the answer to the oldest question, "Why?"

This time of life is absorbed with searching for deeper truths than the inanities most often presented as wisdom. "Why?" do humans experience lives of desperation and suffering leading to inevitable death? "What?" is it that creates endurance and determination to cling to life? The EREMITE is remonstrance of the protest felt by The FOOL as these questions are faced. A need is created to look inwardly, to search for understanding regarding emotions and motivation. The EREMITE reveals, "Where I am, you may also be."

Solitude becomes a hallmark of this portion of the path.

Do you remember

Every reflection presenting
Another layer of self,
The seeker in protection
Illuminating centre, now?

Do you remember

Absorption, healing, hands
To hands, comfort without cost
Questions from answers
Internal wisdom, seeking, always?

Do you remember

Solitude, thoughts stilled
Integrity vulnerable, open
Heart explored for core
The inherent beauty of being?