Major Arcana - Strength

Next on his journey the Fool encounters a woman mastering a lion, she effortlessly opens the lions jaws, calmly and collected. She's wearing a hat shaped like a lemniscate, the symbol for infinity, telling him that if he wants to conquer his fears he has to do so repeatedly, for all time. The Fool learns that energetic animal instincts can be controlled through a sense of calm, tenderness and courage. All attributes of Love.

The kind of strength the Fool is taught here is dual in nature. Physical strength and moral self control. Handling fear with tenderness and patience changes the nature of instinctive violence into compassion. The card is also one of balance, as the lion represents the male the woman the female, balance your energies and fear will dissipate. Empower your Self through courage and morality and it'll allow you to reach for your goals without fear. But do so always with Love in your Heart.

In the Kabbalah the number eleven stands for the Absolute and for chaos. It's a response to presence and absence. It's also indicative of an interest in spirituality, mysticism, success and fame. It can also mean occult blindness which can lead to ruin. 

If you ever feel overpowered or overwhelmed, Strength will be there to see you through. It's an inner ally in a battle against inequality. As long as you stick to Truth and Love you're always on the moral side of right. Channel compassion and doors will open...

Major Arcana - The Hermit

Next on his journey the Fool has to meet the Hermit, he's an old monk with a beard holding a lantern lit with the Light of Life. The Hermit symbolises a pause in the Journey, he's come from the depths of time offering advice for further travel. Because of his old age he possesses great Wisdom and Knowledge of both the past and the Future. It's time for the Fool to meditate and reach deep into the well of his own memories and experiences...

The Hermit teaches the Fool to endure loneliness, learning to utilise it to his benefit. The Fool learns to draw Wisdom from his own Experiences which puts him in a position of Power in regards to his past, present and Future. True Self-proficiency can be achieved through exercising the Spirit and relying on self-restraint. As we seek the Truth we all see the Light from the Hermits lantern, it calls us to Love our Selfs. To be comfortable and strong in ourselves and our beliefs. Through your Self lies the Path to Spiritual Wisdom.

In the Kabbalah the number nine symbolises vision and transcendence. Nine is a sacred number and a sign of reincarnation, past Wisdom. It represents health and perfection but also the end of the world. We have to enter the darkness to bathe in the Light.

The Hermit will always support you when you seek to withdraw from everyday life, even if just for a short time, as a way of finding peace. We're not used to silence and spending time alone these days, try meditation, it open up new Paths to your Self. Change your routine and get a glimpse of the Hermit's way of life, it'll ultimately lead toEnlightenment and greater Self Love.