In medieval myths and tales the Wheel became an analogy for the ‘shadowy and veiled’ qualities Fate and Fortune, which can elevate buffoons, advance crooks, sadden the benevolent and cast down thebrave. Fickle Fortunae is the goddess who turns the Wheel. Following medieval convention, Fortunae is often drawn larger than life to demonstrate her greater significance and importance over human beings. Illustrations of Fortunae are often designed to emphasize duality and instability of Fate. The goddess could be drawn with two faces either side-by-side, or back-to-back – and usually with one black, one white, one smiling and one scowling. Similarly her clothing may be divided between dark and light, ragged and opulent[1].

[1] Richard Leighton Greene. s.v. "Fortune." Dictionary of the Middle Ages, Vol.3, Joseph R Strayer, ed. New York: Scribner's, 1983. pp. 145-147.

In medieval illustrations of Fortunae’s Wheel, the rim typically depicted four human figures which identified the four "stages" of the self. The figure rising on the left is usually depicts the concept ‘I shall reign’, the figure sitting at the top is often crowned and infers ‘I reign’. The figure on the right of the rim is descending signifying ‘I have reigned’; and the struggling figure at the lowest point of the Wheel means ‘I have no kingdom’[1]. As goddess Fortuna turned the Wheel the unhappy figure clutching at the bottom of The Wheel may once again ascend their position and circumstance in life, and all would be well [2]. Sometimes, however, the unfortunate soul in this lowest position of the Wheel appeared to have been thrown outward or crushed under Wheel’s size and weight.
[1] https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/themes_motifs/fortune/iconography.php
[2] https://journeys.dartmouth.edu/exploratoryshakespeare/2015/07/14/fortuna-the-wheel-of-fortune/

As a Tarot trump card, The Wheel of Fortune X appeared in Italy around 1440. It is believed to symbolise ‘Rota Fortunae’[1] (Latin for wheel of fate) representing the turbulent and cyclical nature of fate; and the prosperity and adversity that can befall any person, at the turn of Fortunae's Wheel of Fortune.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rota_Fortunae

Martha Adams © 2021-8-4

​Card #1: The Lovers VI Reversed.

This Major Arcana describes the importance of making good, healthy choices for yourself. As this card is reversed, it suggests that you are ignoring to your higher instincts on a matter of some importance to you; and that, you are not listening to, feeling or sensing the wisdom of your own guides and angels. 
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The Lovers VI reversed indicates also, you are conflicted about some matter and the reality, or true nature, of your situation remains clouded or obscured by either too much sentiment or an over-reliance on logic.
 
The Lovers VI reversed is therefore a timely warning, and a caution, that there’s a battle ‘going on’ inside of you and, because you are ‘divided on an issue’, the decisions you are making, or trying to make, could well be undermining your sense of general well-being. 
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​The Tower XVI Reversed was drawn to provide our reading with a little more information regarding nature of The Lovers VI reversed. The Tower XVI when upright is a card that signifies uncontrollable disruption. While it symbolises a clearing away of something that is against your soul's or higher purpose it does, too often, represent a sudden, and often traumatic, twist of events or turn of fortune.

Fortunately, however, when The Tower XVI is reversed it indicates that harm and/or losses can be minimized or avoided; it is a sign that misfortune can be prevented if you are aware of the dangers of a building your future on flawed beliefs, values, knowledge or practices. 
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The overall image of the Archetype of The Hermit VIIII in Reverse (The Hermit VIIIIR) appears to lack balance and is less graceful than his upright image. At the very top of the picture we see a a solid layer of the ill-defined colours of gold in the path, blue in his cloak and red in his habit. Rather standing at the pinnacle of the mountain – a high position that gives him full view of his past experiences and achievements – the large, fullness of his body presses down on a small troubled face, which appears pressed hard against the bottom corner of the picture. The wide-expanse of cloak and habit ‘mushroom’ downwards threatening to bury a small and tired face that stares hopelessly into his upturned lantern, in a mass of heavy, billowing cloth.

​A reversed colour implies negative qualities and traits. The colour blue in The Hermit VIIIIR suggests low self-worth, emotional uncertainty, and feelings of being overlooked or ‘less-than’. Blue is the colour of the Fifth Chakra which symbolizes our own ‘voice and hearing’; it represents the seat of our personal inspiration and guidance. In reverse, it can be a voice of fear stifling what needs to be said and heard, and what we can offer to the world. It can signify an inability to give yourself enough merit for your ideas, aspirations and plans; it can indicate an inability to speak for what you need and want. At times, it can imply aimless prattle that lacks coherence and meaning; or repeating the same ideas and information over and over to anyone who is within earshot! 

​We see The Hermit VIIIIR’s rich-red habit underneath his cloak. Red symbolizes First or Root Chakra and the energy center for personal boundaries, drive, motivation and ambition. These traits ‘ground’ us to our purpose so we can joyfully live our own lives. The colour red is however ill-defined, implying negative values of dullness, fatigue and a lack of drive. It might indicate our joie de vivre is replaced with anger or even rage. The Hermit VIIIIR habit appears as a red waterfall, cascading downwards over his throat and spilling-over his shoulders to (almost) choke and suffocate him in the process. Does The Hermit VIIIIR’s blocked quest to understand what his happening in his life isolate and infuriate him? Is it The Hermit VIIIIR being prevented from using his basic wisdom and common-sense?  Is he perhaps looking at bottom of The Wheel of Destiny X and his future or fate, with fear and or misgivings? 
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​The colour gold symbolizes our self-esteem, sense of abundance and ideas about success. Gold signifies higher ideals and inner-wisdom and guidance. But gold when ill-defined implies a lack of trust, a fear of achievement or an inability to manifest abundance, and sadness. The golden path along which The Hermit VIIIIR is travelling may feel dangerous, be leading ‘nowhere’ or no longer support him in his journey; the golden lining of his billowing blue cloak may not provide him with the projection he needs from the elements around him; the reversed golden bells decorating his jesters’-hood might signify little or no humor and wisdom; and the red-gold glow of his lantern is dulled, dimmed and an almost useless as guide to his making progress.
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​​The Hermit VIIIIR’s red and gold lantern is upside-down and situated at the bottom right-hand corner of the card. Any item that occupies this position, represents an important, noteworthy or ‘final message’. A lantern is a universal symbol of hope and divinity; it ‘shines the spiritual light’ onto our dreams and aspirations so that we may see them clearly. Upside-down and near the ‘ground’, the lantern cannot light-up the path ahead, signifying that goals and desires are unclear or blocked. His capacity for self-guidance is at its lowest point. The Hermit VIIIIR’s is literally searching in-the-dark or is looking on the darker-side-of-life, bring the path he is trying to follow into question.
Thank you for visiting!
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​An original work by Martha Adams
https://www.marthaadams.com.au

​COURSE CODE: 86005   
TITLE: LENORMAND: FORETELLING FUTURES             
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
 
These intriguing fortune-telling cards were named after Mmme. Lenormand (1772-1843), who famously read for Parisian aristocracy including Josephine de Beauharnais, future wife of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Learning Lenormand is quick, easy and fun. In this activity-based class, your tutor will introduce all 36 cards, 2-card readings and the Mini-Tableau. Bring your Lenormand deck. 
 
(*Ask about free Lenormand downloads when booking.)

​The Hermit VIIII of The Tarot of Marseilles appears as an alert, wise and old male; a solitary figure making his way along a gently undulating, golden path or terrain. He cuts is a rather colourful and dramatic figure against a background of ‘pure white’ and one which is almost completely devoid of symbols or other distractions. The colour white is symbolic of purity and innocence. It also signifies encounters with spirit. White is the colour that represents the chakra that sits just above our head and the chakra that corresponds to being open to our purpose and to new levels of ability and knowledge.

​The Hermit VIIII is handsomely dressed in materials, of red, blue and gold. He wears a heavy, luxurious and well-crafted, blue cloak that drapes large and abundantly. Deep-blue is the color of integrity, intelligence, inner-balance and, in medieval times, signified elevated social standing or higher status. The colour blue symbolizes the fifth or throat chakra and represents one’s ‘voice’, speaking one’s truth and to ‘hear and speak’ to spirit. 

​The Hermit VIIII uses his wand to help him negotiate his way along a gently undulating, golden path. His head is lifted to what is before him; and his facial expression, while serene, show a look that is highly focused and attentive and seems to be observing something with satisfaction and good humour. The Hermit VIIII appears to be surveying in the direction of the past; perhaps he is examining the events and people who have helped shape his self-concept, beliefs, values and relationships.

​Gold, well-defined, reminds of the sun, of joy and abundance. It symbolizes abundance, warmth and generosity. It suggests an inner nature of wisdom and optimism and draws the attention to triumph over difficulty.  Gold symbolises the characteristics of one who offers support, insight and learning to others. 

The Hermit VIIII wears a dark red friar’s habit that can be clearly seen from the front opening of his blue cloak. Red, well-defined, is the colour of positive passion, driving ambition and physical strength. It symbolizes the first or Root chakra, the energy center for self-determination, purposeful action and the desire to experience the fullness of living. The habit extends to a large red ‘cap and bells’ that drapes over his shoulders and back; and is reminiscent of the type worn by the jester of the medieval courts. The Hermit VIIII’s ‘jester’s cap’ is a reminder of the gleeful and carefree The Fool 0; who often represents the very first moment in the Hero’s Journey and reminds us of the wise and experienced The Hermit VIIII’s innocent beginnings. 

The Hermit VIIII’s lantern gives light enough to see the path that lies immediately before him. The lantern symbolism revolves around its purpose as a vessel for light and is used to light one’s way in times of darkness; a symbolic vessel for concepts of virtue, truth, intelligence and insight. It signifies the wish for a bright future both for the self and for others through .  The diffused glow of red and gold that gently shines from his lantern does not reveal its source but represents the glow of his aspirations, hopes and dreams; in some cultures, red is a symbol of happiness and gold of wealth and prosperity. The lantern gives The Hermit VIIII the strength, enlightenment, knowledge or understanding to continue his journey. 
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The Magician I wears striking attire against a background of strong, glorious and sunshine yellow to demonstrate the confidence and power of his/her will. The Magician I uses symbolic tools to demonstrate that s/he is a master of his/her craft. The Magician I brings unique, interesting and inventive influences to other cards when read in combination.

Continued next ....in combination with Death 13, The Devil 15, The Tower 16 and The Sun 19.....

​At the very top of The Hermit IX Reversed, (The Hermit IXR) we see his feet against the solid cap of white ice; appearing to seal-off and limit his thoughts and movements. When positively aspected, white represents new beginnings. When ill-defined as we have in this reversed image, however, white signifies fear, ignorance, coldness and criticism.

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The grounding tip of the The Hermit IXR golden wand hovers just below the cap of white ice, not quite making contact; not quite giving him the balanced support he needs. The golden wand, a symbol of strong positive values and intentions, is now reversed and signifies that The Hermit IXR fights against – uses thoughts and beliefs hostile to - himself. The color gold when ill-defined suggests fear, a lack of self-trust, success and abundance; the spirit becomes false to itself.

​The Hermit IXR hangs motionlessly upside-down. Like a shard of grey granite or rock suspended from an icy ceiling. His surroundings are dark and the thick, solid-grey cloak gives The Hermit IXR the appearance of something hard and unyielding; of something cast in stone or cement. The colour grey, symbolizes something in a state of flux; a feminine energy with the capacity for change or transformation. However, when ill-defined, grey is the colour of indecisiveness, loneliness and isolation.

​​​​Unable or unwilling to bring himself to evaluate or observe his surroundings The Hermit IXR appears to be shielding himself from what he cannot accept. His back is turned away from previous eight archetypes and, perhaps, the the human experiences these Arcana represent. His hunched and bent body and downcast expression accentuates a sense of his sadness or depression. With his head now seen bent at the bottom of the card’s image, The Hermit IXR reminds us of the ostrich that fearfully ‘buries its head in the sand’.

​We can imagine the weight of The Hermit IXR’s whole body bearing down on his head and shoulders; forcing his head into an unnatural (and, one would suspect, very uncomfortable) position against his chest. The Hermit IXR’s full, white-to-grey beard is similarly ill-defined in this image implying strong criticism and an inability to put the past behind him. 
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​The bright little six-pointed star, a symbol of hope and divinity, in The Hermit IXR’s lantern is upside-down and seen at the bottom of the image. It is almost completely overshadowed by the grey bulk of The Hermit IXR’s body and overwhelmed by the surrounding darkness. The Hermit IXR struggles to raise his lantern and the star cannot throw its light for him to follow suggesting, once again, he has no vision of where his future may lie or the next steps to take to get there. As with all esoteric and spiritual symbolism, the reversed six-point star in the lantern indicates a tendency to look on the ‘darker-side’ of things.

Interestingly, the numeral IX when reversed, appears as XI. Both numbers however are ill-defined as the card is reversed. IXR suggests an inability to focus or concentrate; and XIR denotes inaction, procrastination and measuring one’s worth by materialistic means. If reference is made to the numerical progression of the Major Arcana, The Hermit IX's downcast eyes are at the same level as the very base of the next Arcana, The Wheel of Fortune X. Perhaps the nature of destiny eludes him or he is unable to accept fate or the opportunities that Fortune may be is throwing in his path.

All images 9.jpg Visual Oracle - Ultimate Edition Lite  ​Martha Adams Lifetime License 16.3.28

​The Fool 0 signifies the seeker of new experiences and beginnings that requires both wisdom and courage. Tradition suggests that, If The Fool 0 Is the first card out of the pack into a reading, the question being ask is likely not the right one. 

​As a mystical card, The Fool 0 can bring joy and spiritual adventure to a reading. However these elements can be cancelled out by powerful material cards, such as The Wheel X or The Devil XV. 

​The Fool 0 adjacent to The Chariot VIII indicates important news is coming your way. 

​​If the The Fool 0 comes after The Hermit IX, a secret will come to light. 

​The Fool 0 siding The Sun XVIIII indicates something unexpected will bring order, comfort and happiness into your whole life.

​The Hermit IX shows a solitary figure of a wizened, old man who stands very much alone on what appears to be the apex of a snow-cap ridge. An expanse of slate-blue surrounds him, indicating a night-sky. This is a conservative colour often associated with rational persistence, inner serenity, calmness and clarity; a simple, solid background that adds to the card’s sense of silence. Poised at the edge, The Hermit IX stands very still and with his head bowed and his eyes shut, appears in deep contemplation; certainly locked in world of on his own thoughts and feelings. The Hermit IX is fully-cloaked in silver-grey; a colour that speaks of cool, self-restraint and sometimes identified as a favourite colour of those who seek to protect themselves from the world around them; and relief from an unruly world.

Perhaps, The Hermit IX is no longer able to completely entrust his future to instinct, destiny or good-luck like the happy-go-lucky and innocent The Fool 0. Possibly, he realises all to well the play of fate and fortune in his life and is preparing himself for another such event. The Hermit IX considers his own personal experience with which to determine his next move. For support, The Hermit IX’s holds to his body a long, bright-golden wand. The wand is a symbol of spirit-in-action; of impassioned beliefs and values and vocational pursuits. Gold is the colour of a good intellect, generousity and abundance. The gold wand signifies his control of the masculine vital force, strength and warmth of the Sun. The gold wand contrasts the silver-grey of the cloak that signifies a feminine vitality and the influence of the Moon of his current inner-reflection. 

To externally guide him, The Hermit IX has only the light from a single, small Star contained in a lantern he raises directly before of him. Though small the 6-pointed gold Star is often called the Star of David and a symbol of powerful protection and balance and often considered an occult shield or armor. 

​The Hermit IX’s long white beard is a symbol of his experience, earned wisdom, understanding and integrity. White is the colour of perfection and often represents successful beginnings. The white of the snow on which he stands, also, indicates a place or space of peace and purity.

The Hermit IX signifies a stage, or state, in our lives that encourages us to pause for a period of self-reflection and self-analysis. To temporarily retreat from the demands of our regular life or past endeavours. The Hermit IX indicates giving ourselves time where we might – physically, emotionally and spiritually – seek to attribute deeper meaning to our acquired knowledge; to fully appreciate what we have learned and achieved through our past experiences. In the stillness, The Hermit IX might be seeking answers to the questions ‘how have I changed? Do I truly know myself at this moment? What is it I need and want going forward; pursuing my own star?’

​The energy of the number 9 offers an opportunity for gaining heightened perspectives and personal wisdom; an invitation to focus on individual traits that represent strength-of-character. The number 9 also signifies the end of a cycle and bids us to pay attention to our future: destiny, hopes, dreams and purpose. Nine is the number of completion, perfection and of being-of-service. 

In a reading ​The Hermit IX can represent an ending to struggle and a temporary relief from chaos; for us to choose to temporarily separate ourselves from the hurly-burly of life. Those who have this card as their name or birth number are often drawn to introspective hobbies, vocations or careers of critical analysis, personality studies or testing, therapy and psychotherapy, or meditation and contemplation.  The Hermit IX ©Martha Adams