The Hermit represents the inner search for self.  It is the solitary quest many people experience when they are trying to gain insight into their life.  It can also symbolize the need for guidance, wisdom and caution.  I can symbolize temporarily withdrawing from others or from your normal environment in order to get some perspective on your situation.  You already have all the knowledge and wisdom needed to understand what has been happening but not it's time to think things through before rejoining others.  The Hermit is also the 9th card in the Major Arcana.  9 (1+8=9) is a mathematically magical number - its square root is three and the sum of any number multiplied by nine equals nine when added together (e.g.. 9 x 8 = 72, 7 + 2 = 9).  Nines can represent struggle, attainment, having the end in sight, bringing things to an end, completion and conclusion.  The Hermit is about seeking your inner self, the knowledge that will allow you to learn more about yourself and what you truly wish to achieve in your life.  The Hermit is showing that perhaps the first thing you need to do in order to help yourself find a healthy, loving relationship is to know yourself. 

I have been in a Hermit mode for a long time.  Every weekend I seem to slip into some sort of shell and don't want to leave the house or even the bedroom.  It's as if I'm trying to hold all the chaos and stress from the outside world at bay.  After a while I just can't deal with it anymore.  I'm exhausted.  Work is difficult enough right now but when you add in the family responsibilities with which we've both been dealing, it becomes almost overwhelming. 

On a positive note, I really have been doing some introspection and soul-searching lately.  I'm reaching a point of dissatisfaction with myself and my life.  I'm not miserable or anything but I feel as though I haven't achieved my full potential.  I've the safe path, the road less dangerous.  This means that things goes along as they should but I don't feel quite that same level of accomplishment and challenge I used to feel.  I feel as though I'm on automatic pilot.  As Bruce sings "I'm just tired and bored with myself". 

I'm also frustrated with myself.  I'm always planning, thinking and studying but never doing.  It's time to (as my grandmother used to say) shit or get off the pot.  If I want to start doing professional Tarot readings then I need to get started.  Even if I don't have all my marketing materials in place, that shouldn't stop me from putting myself out there.  If I don't let the Universe know that I'm ready for this challenge then nothing will change.  Once I put the energy out there then the right clients will find me.  I have to start somewhere and the best way to start is to put one foot in front of the other (yes, that's from Santa Claus is Coming to Town).  I know I can do this, I just have to take a deep breath and get started.