Good Afternoon Mystics!
It appears as if I’m beginning to tap into the next card during each post. A lot of themes
discusses in her essay on the Hermit in her book Tarot for Creativity are ones I reflected on during last week’s post on Strength.How writing is a solitary act, but can also be done with a community of writer’s to offer support of like-minded individual’s. Showing up to writing and doing what I love without looking for another’s approval. Instead, I focus on my own light and seek my own approval through intention and where I’m directing my energy: pressure or joy?
At first glance the Hermit card casts the assumption of being alone, sequestering ourselves in solitude for growth and creativity. These tones are in the Hermit card, and I usually see this card as a soul journey and going inward. But Chelsey asks us to take a deep look:
The Hermit isn’t hiding from the world—they’re exploring it. But they’re not interested in following any map; rather, they’re guided by their own inner light.
As creatives, we are all following our own unique path. We are each “guided by [our] own inner light.” And that’s beautiful, when you think about it. All of us share the expression of our light in a way that’s unique to us. In turn, the creative expression becomes a source of inspiration for those witnessing it, thus creating connection in a deeper, more meaningful way.
It’s when we follow the ideas that we uncover the magic stardust of creation inside. As Chelsey puts it:
That confident curiosity is the card’s true magic—it’s a call to adventure.
And I’d say I’m beginning to find my confidence with creating again; confidence with writing again. It’s in the slow unfolding of old stories and beliefs that allow the flow of passion and joy to come through once more. Chelsey says, “The Hermit wants you to respect what keeps your creativity burning, and follow that light instead of chasing after the approval or attention of anyone else.”
I agree completely with this. So often someone tries to shake us, or turn us away from our light and unique expression. They try to force it into something that suits them or destabilize our confidence because of (insert reason here).
By defying those who try to do this, by choosing our own light and creative spark, we heal the thread within us and those around us. We weave our thread deeper into the tapestry of life.
Thus, I want to leave on this quote—as Chelsey implores:
Give yourself the gift of a creative adventure on your own terms, rather than remaining trapped in someone else’s version of what your creative work, process, or life should look like.
The Hermit: Opportunities & Obstacles Spread
I’ve got many tarot decks, and it’s always fun to use them for different purposes. For today’s spread I’ve decided upon the Disney Villains Tarot!
Journeying on My Terms
Yzma from Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove is one of my favourite funny villains.
Looking at the card rather than the villain, the Moon tells me the phases I go through on my creative journey will be on my terms. It’s meeting these phases with grace, compassion, and a tender love.
Letting all parts of my self and creativity come through in different ways. Maybe I move from fiction to poetry for a bit before entering a tryst with non-fiction until I return to fiction once more. I could even flow between mystery’s or fantasy—whichever pique’s my interest on any given day.
And I think this is also a reminder of my phase with burnout. I forced, pushed, and started to worry so much about what I had left I literally killed the creative vibe. Right now, I’m navigating my return home from this phase and entering a new relationship—partnership—with creativity. Part of this Tarot for Creativity journey is doing something on my own terms.
The dark and the light coexist, and how I use my light to chart my own course will be up to me. Ups and downs will be ahead, but I know I’ll always find my way.
Barrier Ahead
*Dramatic music*
The Ten of Wands lovingly says self-pressure and judgement get in the way of expressing my light. One of the good things about this is A) I’m aware of this already, and B) I’m prepared for the detour this barrier may bring by approaching it with love and intention.
These are already things I’ve been working with, so it’s no surprise they’ve come up again. But, it does make me hopeful. I’m already shifting the pattern, and I recognize that it can still pop up every once in a while but I’ve got my tools to help!
Staying the Course
I’m thrilled the Seven of Wands has come froward for this part of the spread, because it tells me very simply how I can stay the course on my journey: protecting my creative space, peace, and joy.
I feel like there’s a difference between defending and protecting ourselves. And this card doesn’t feel like it leans towards defence unless called for. Both can be used when necessary, but for the time being it’s maintaining a protected space where I’m free to create as I wish to. No pressure, no stress, just fun!
Passenger Applications
Metaphorically speaking, creativity and I are driving the car in partnership. Sometimes I drive, sometimes creativity drives. When it comes to passengers, somehow, some way, they take the driver’s seat.
The Nine of Swords speaks volumes: I let other people’s voices get in my head while I’m driving and they convince me to pull over, switch spots, and they carry on in my place. This is not sustainable for all involved. Nor does it do anyone any good.
So, from now on, I’m going to be specific with boundaries when inviting others on my creative journey. I’m going to lay the ground rules, as it were, and make sure the space is comfortable for all. If I find myself and creativity getting a little antsy or wanting to curl into a ball, I’ll do something about it.
As Chelsey says about the Hermit, “it is a card about owning your creative vision and doing what feels right for you, even if that means going it alone.”
As I’ve talked about in previous posts, it’s hasn’t felt good when I’ve completely stopped talking about writing. It’s this response I’ll be careful not to act with going forward. I believe there is a balance of going it alone, but also sharing parts of the journey with steps in place to uphold the sanctity of the creative process.
Rose! Thank you, as ever, for this thoughtful reflection on Tarot for Creativity! I love everything you bring to the table and am particularly a fan of the car metaphor!