Old wise-man archetypal image (Tarot)

One of the archetypal emblems projected by the psyche is the wise elder. This is frequently depicted as male, since a long beard can be attached to signify seniority. He is a patriarch whose splendour is concealed by a hooded cloak; nevertheless, this path (also called "Yod") is associated with Virgo and shows some balance of sexual polarities. In the Tarot, the emblem of the Hermit (number 9) represents, by the figure's hand-held lantern, the "midnight-oil-burning" sage or one who sees into obscure matters; it may also be seen as lighting his way as he journeys upwards towards the abyss.

In the Kabbalah, the Hermit is placed on the 20th path between kindness or mercy (Chesed) and beauty (Tiphareth).