The Hermit
The Hermit is sometimes depicted as an old man or old woman and typically lives in a mountain cave, sometimes deep in a forest glen in a hut or tree. He/she lives alone and is usually on the outskirts of a town or village. In ancient times, hermits often acted as guides for travelers and pilgrims seeking the sacred because they knew the wild forests and swamps and were able to help the lost find their way. They lived simply and grew their own food or lived off of the land. It is said that the hermit finds in solitude what the pilgrim seeks.
The wise old hermit so often seen in fables and myth guides the wayward, the lost, to safety and offers wisdom and guidance for the weary traveler. But they must first transcend the trappings of their own thoughts and dogma to achieve true wisdom. The Hermit is a guide for others because they have cultivated the inner wisdom themselves first. The Hermit understands that they need to be separate from others and the world to find their way. Once they have found their own way, they can walk in the world and be a light and a source of strength for others.
They do not shy away from deep thought or ideas that challenge their beliefs. They need this kind of stimulation to encourage the growth that will help them fulfill their potential. There is a strong need from time to time to be able to withdraw in order to gather oneself together and return refreshed and renewed to participate in life more fully. Introspection is vital to the emotional and spiritual life of a Hermit. There are few people who enjoy the study of the inner life more than a Hermit. The Hermit has a natural aloofness toward themselves that allows for an impersonal inspection of their life. This detachment is nurtured during long periods of silence and separation.
The Hermit has the ability to tap into the vast collective creativity when they are alone and separate from others. Their creativity will be stunted if this retreat into the cave is not honored. This time away allows them to return to a project with innovation and originality. The Hermit usually feels a strong connection to the natural world and will often choose to withdraw into nature.
Some key words and phrases associated with this archetype:
- Wisdom
- Introspection
- Seeking solitude
- Creativity
- Stillness
- Seclusion
- Giving up distractions
- Retreating into a private world
The Ogre
The Shadow side of the Hermit archetype is the Ogre. The Ogre wants to pull away from others and to not invest in relationships. They will often sabotage relationships in favor of isolation. They become withdrawn and even unfriendly to others. In their isolation they become stagnant. The Ogre can become a stinking swamp of inactivity and self-loathing. Too much time in isolation and withdrawal can result in a dead-end life.
The Ogre sometimes withdraws out of despair; quitting on life because the practice of living in the real world is too difficult. The Ogre chooses isolation because it is safer and more comfortable than the constant strain of dealing with other peoples. Alone, they don’t have to deal with other’s judgments and condemnation. They don’t have to feel the burden of other’s suffering. But their seclusion can soon feel like entrapment. The Ogre abandons any sense of duty or responsibility preferring to concern themselves with only themselves. The isolation often leads to cynicism and jaded views of the material world as they retreat deeper and deeper inside.
The Ogre keeps others at arm’s length and refuses to show vulnerability. They adopt an angry or sharp attitude that naturally keeps others from engaging or getting too close. Their world is small and confining. They lack the ability to cope with almost any stress and they pull further away. They use negativity and disregard to prevent others from wanting to be close. The Ogre is a complainer focusing on the negativity of the world around them. But deep inside they are longing for connection and visibility. This causes the Ogre to be in emotional pain and loneliness.
The Ogre is unable to manifest creatively. Their energies are focused purely on self-protection and maintaining their isolation. This does not allow for them to find creative expression or bring their knowledge and skill to others. This fear of others and lack of creativity can lead to further isolation and self loathing.
Some words and phrases associated with the Ogre Archetype
- Negative
- Eccentric
- Brusque
- Distant
- Isolated
- Self-Centered
- Withdrawal
- Stagnation
A few questions to ask to help transform the Ogre into the Hermit
1. How do you balance action with reflection?
2. Do you often disregard the support of others?
3. How can you practice your inner wisdom?
4. What might happen if you let others in?
5. What does vulnerability mean to you?
6. What would happen if you chose to confront your circumstances with action?
7. What does it mean to have healthy boundaries?
