The next card in our deck is the Hermit, representing Virgo.

In typical iterations of this card, the Hermit stands alone atop a mountain. In his right hand, there is a lantern with a six pointed star. Purportedly the Seal of Solomon, it is a symbol of wisdom. In his left hand, he holds a long staff, which he uses to guide and balance him. 

Last month's Strength encouraged you to focus on your inner strength and the human spirit's ability to overcome any obstacles. That will do you well with the Hermit, a card encouraging you to withdraw a bit, draw your energy and attention inward and find the answers you seek deep within your soul. This is a not a card that focuses on the mundanity of the outside world and is instead focused on your own journey of self-discovery. If the Strength card reversed was a nudge to slow down and take care of yourself, the Hermit card upright could be more of shove in that direction. 

Pulling the Hermit card upright is telling you it's okay to be alone, to do some soul searching, trust your inner guidance and to do some introspection. It is an invitation to retreat into your private world, to experience a deep sense of self seclusion. You know that you need to do this journey alone (or with a small, tight circle of spiritually minded people)! The lantern is your guiding light, let it shine in your soul and light your unique path. You see what lies before you (not the whole path, but enough to know where to step next). 

Are you at a pivotal point in your life, and considering a new direction? This card may appear as a way to help push you towards reflection, meditation, self-examination. You may come to re-evaluate your goals, maybe even change course overall, but doing so will help you look at your life with a deeper, more spiritual understanding and better knowledge of where your priorities lie. 

Reversed, ah well, it could be that you're not taking enough time for personal reflection OR... you're taking too much! It's one thing to be introspective, but another to indulge in your own isolation. If you struggle to connect to your spiritual self, the Hermit Reversed encourages you to create more space to meditate and reflect. But if you've been spending a lot of time reflecting on your inner self, maybe you're taking this isolation thing a little too far. Don't become a literal hermit - connection to others will keep you grounded. Be mindful of other people's needs instead of being self-absorbed in your own personal dilemmas. 

Ultimately, the Hermit, representative of demure Virgo, rides the line between introspection and isolation. It's important to take breaks, to reflect on where you've been and where you're going, but make sure not to isolate yourself and cut yourself off from your own community. 

Our Hermit yarn kicks off sad girl autumn, if that's how you're feeling this fall. It's a light grey base, with splashes of slate blue and blue green, and finished with gold speckles. 

BASES:

Hattie Floof: 50g, 437 yards, 70% Superkid mohair/30% silk (lace weight)
Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Gladys Shawl: 100g, 438 yards, single ply blend of 70% superwash merino/30% silk
Tortie Sport: 100g, 287 yards, 80% alpaca/20% silk
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Chubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merino
Chunky Trevor: 150g, 82 yards, 100% superwash merino, single ply
Summer Fingering: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 438 yards
Summer DK: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 246 yards
Summer Worsted: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 181 yards
Piper Fiber: 85% Polwarth Wool/15% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc