The Hermit is a great wanderer of the inner landscape, eternally seeking knowledge of the self. A strong will and vast knowledge of the world alone is not enough to bring inner peace, and so The Hermit wanders through their unconscious mind in search of understanding.
Know that the path to locate your inner voice is one of solitude. The dark night of your unconscious must be walked alone, void of the voices and desires of those around you. Only when true solitude has been achieved will the bright northern star of your inner voice lead you to your destination.
This card counsels you to provide yourself a space where you can be truly alone with your thoughts. By allowing yourself to contemplate and self-reflect without distraction, you uncover a clear path to decisions aligned with your true, authentic self.
The Devil often represents negative forces that prevent you from embracing your best self, both from within and without. Common embodiments of this cycle are unhealthy relationships, dependencies, bad habits and any behaviors that are detrimental to yourself and those around you. This imbalance may leave you feeling trapped in a cycle of highs and lows, perpetually chasing quick fixes while never truly addressing the root of unhappiness or pain that exists beneath the surface.
When this card shows itself, know that it is a sign to slow down and self-reflect; there is power in identifying where your personal growth has been stunted. This self-awareness will become a powerful tool for restoration, and provide a sense of balance that can act as a foundation for growth, if not total harmony. Examine what is in your nature that creates discomfort and pain, and let that knowledge serve you in righting your relationship with yourself.
The Lovers symbolize a significant union of opposing forces, and tend to show themselves when matters of trust, unity, and harmony are at hand. This could be in regards to a relationship with another, with the self, or with a decision that impacts either of these. Drawing The Lovers can indicate that a relationship in question - whether rooted in romantic feelings, friendship, or professional partnership - is strong and will serve you both well as long as it is mutually maintained.
The Lovers counsel that, above all, you should be true to yourself. Only once you are unified internally can you be truly authentic to those with whom you share a relationship. Fostering an environment of trust provides confidence and strength for both parties, empowering each of you to reach your full potential, in autonomy and unity alike.
In a more abstract sense, drawing this card can represent the concept of choice itself, often between things that are opposing and yet mutually exclusive. Focus inward and think deeply about the subject while being true to yourself. An important decision is at hand.