This is one of my favorite cards of all time. Whenever it shows up in a reading, I breathe a deep sigh of  contentment. . .  that is how deeply my need for Solitude (with a capital S) is rooted inside of me.

When I first made this card, I had no idea what she represented. I only knew that every placement of every item felt absolutely “right” to me.  Her presence only became clear to me after asking her some questions and listening carefully for her answers.

Who are you?
I am the wild feathered one who dances in the forest alone.   I am the one who is at home in the woods.  The trees are my friends.  I am the one determined to remain alone in these woods, in my home in the trees.  I find light and mystery and surprise in my alone-ness.  I find my strength and passion in solitude.  Behind the doors of my soul is where all of the answers lie, and these doors are accessed through solitude only.  My freedom comes from being alone.  I am free here in the wilderness of my Self, to dance and sing and be exactly who I am, to discover who I am, to revel in the beautiful mystery of my Soul’s expression.

What do you have to give me?
I give you a deep yearning for solitude.  I give you a wild imagination for soul-searching.  I give you freedom.

What do you want from me?
I want you to never be ashamed of your need for solitude.  It is more than a passing need, it is an integral part of who you are.

Recently, I drew this Neter in a reading and her answers to my questions deepened her meaning for me:

Who are you?
I am the one who goes behind the door where the Light is.  I am the one who stays there, alone, until I feel like myself again. I am the one wearing feathers. I am the one who is gazing intently ahead.

What do you have to say to me today?
My message for you today is this: I love moving through the French doors and sitting on the sun porch with the doors closed and windows open. I love sitting alone in that small space and being Quiet. This feeds my soul! Thank you for giving me what I need.

Questions to Ponder

Feel free to play with one or more of these questions in your journal, or respond in the comments below.

1. Did a particular phrase or sentence from my sharing hold special meaning for you? Copy just that into your journal and write about what it means for YOUR life.

2. Are you someone who craves solitude? Has this always been true for you or is this something new? Either way, consider what your own Hermit looks likes, sounds like, feels like.  Seek out some images and create a card for him or her. You might call this part of you Solitude Seeker or Monk or Anchorite or Sister Solitude… or whatever comes to mind!

3. Even if you don’t have a card for this part of you yet, ask it “Who are you?” and “What do you want?” and “How can I help you?”  Listen carefully for the answers you hear before writing.