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.  

"You are withdrawing within yourself to think things through.  You may be going through the motions of your everyday activities but, emotionally, you have withdrawn.  You feel this is necessary in order for you to sort things out alone." - Gail Fairfield.

The Hermit - a state I can easily find myself become lost in.  I have always been of a solitary bent.  I sometimes describe myself as a loner with a strong streak of extroversion.  Even though I do love being alone there are times when I realize I need the company of other human beings.  My primary concern is ensuring that it happens because it is what I need not because of some family obligation or societal expectation.

The reversed nature of this card seems to be reminding me that this period of solitude and hibernation is becoming a bit forced.  I'm no longer using it as a period of introspection or questing to find answers about myself - I'm just hiding.  And hiding isn't going to help me in the long run.  I needed to withdraw to lick my wounds and allow myself to heal.  I also needed it to recharge the batteries.  Now I'm at risk of over-charging them, which will lead to burn out.  Too much of anything is not good.  Of course I've always had problems with moderation.  

I risk becoming like Mr. Bennett - hiding in the library to avoid his responsibilities and the chaos caused by the choices he made in life rather than using it as a place to renew himself before heading back out into the fray.  The reality is that I'm ready for the fray; perhaps I even miss it a bit.  Now it's time to start searching and exploring new ways to get myself back out there, as scary as that might sound right now.