Taroga: The Hermit

Finding clarity: A Breathing Exercise for The Hermit

Let’s continue to explore what I like to call “Taroga”, the connection between Tarot and Yoga.

Yoga can instill us with calm and strength, and this is especially helpful when a card like The Hermit is drawn in a reading.

The Hermit is alone, contemplative, and on a spiritual journey that is testing him, often to his limits. He will grow from this, but in the meantime, he needs to wander, examining the path in front of him, as we see him doing in the Rider-Waite Hermit card.

It’s a complicated energy, and there is a duality to it.

When I think of the Hermit, there is the Rider-Waite depiction, but another picture comes to mind, as well: a wise woman who lives in a cottage in the forest. She lives alone, but is surrounded by a garden full of herbs and flowers and birds and peace. People come to ask for her help and guidance, and leave with little packets of magic, their lives changed for the better.

Regardless of the image that comes to mind, the Hermit needs both sides of the brain to be working effectively with the heart open and active so that he or she can remain connected to spirit in order to be a conduit of that healing love energy for self and for others.

This is why, for me, the card is connected to yoga practice through a breathing exercise (or pranayama) that will help you stay centered and calm.

To do this exercise, find a quiet space and get into a comfortable sitting position. Make sure that the lower part of your back is pushed forward slightly and that your upper back is in line with your lowest vertebrae.

Now, place your right thumb close to your right nostril and the little finger or ring finger of your right hand by your left nostril.

Place your middle fingers in the middle of your forehead, between your eyebrows. This is the location of the ajna chakra, which is responsible for directing energy to the different chakras as required to maintain balance.

Keep your elbows steady and close to the centre of your body with your head facing forward, eyes open or closed – the choice is yours.

Now let’s begin: Breathe in through the right nostril, keeping the left closed with your right little or ring finger. Now, open your left nostril and close the right nostril with your right thumb.  Repeat this alternate nostril breathing for a few rounds.

Breathe gently and naturally. Don’t strain in any way. You might do this just for a minute to begin with.

As the days go by, you can add more rounds if you like, building it up gradually.

Spiritual journeys like those represented by The Hermit are not easy, and their energy can weigh on us and weigh us down. Practicing alternate nostril breathing can help us find our centre, and maintain it. You can think of this practice a bit like the lamp The Hermit holds on the Rider-Waite card. It lights the path he must continue to follow.