The Hermit speaks to us of solitude, of going inwards to find the answers we need. Of spending time alone with the self as a way to hear what our soul is trying to tell us.
The Hermit carries a lamp in front of them: they know that all things will be made clear after some time of isolation and reflection. There is nothing to fear in the dark. Unless we’re scared of the truth.

And who isn’t?

When we have Depression we’re used to the dark, but that doesn’t mean we like it. And when we’re stuck there, we certainly don’t learn from it. It’s only when we begin to think clearly again that we can understand the lessons the dark has for us.
When we’re stuck in the dark, there are no lessons there, only pain.
That’s one of the reasons why the Hermit has so much to teach us. He’s able to see through the dark. He’s not frightened because he understands that the dark is as necessary as the light. But, true dark, the dark of Depression. The dark of the demon.
When you go into the dark voluntarily, you get to keep your own power. You take it with you as you journey. You can see your power as your lamp, it will light your way and keep you safe.
Before you do this particular meditation, make sure that you’re feeling as well as possible. This one may be triggering for some people as the idea of deliberately going dark is scary. But, remember this is not Depression darkness, this is the darkness that holds secrets that can change your life.

Or are you happy to stay where you are?

Make sure you’re sitting or lying down comfortably.
Sit, or lie down comfortably and take a few moments to wriggle about and settle yourself.
Begin with some box breathing. Make sure that when you breathe in, it’s the deepest breath you can manage.
Now, breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release for a count of four, hold for a count of four.
Once more, breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release for a count of four, and hold for a count of four.
One more time, breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of four, release for a count of four, and hold for a count of four.
Continue to breathe deeply as you imagine yourself standing at the mouth of a large cave. It’s dark inside but you’re holding a lit lamp and you know that there’s nothing to be frightened of inside.
As you take a few steps in, you can see that the cave is dark but wide, and you have plenty of room to walk freely. You relax your mind, and slow your breathing as you take a few more steps inside the cave.
As you continue to walk further inside the cave, you notice that you can hear a pleasant humming, almost as if someone is calling you inwards.
You take another few steps and your breathing deepens again. You are calm, relaxed, and curious about who, or what, is producing the humming.
As you take another few steps, you come to a small rockpool. You stop to dip your toes in it and you realize that there’s a figure sitting on the other side of the pool.
The Hermit smiles at you and gestures for you to sit down. They have a secret to reveal to you.
The Hermit begins to speak and he tells you a secret that is meant only for you. It’s your truth. And it’s something that will help you grow and manage one of the major issues you have going on in your life right now.
Once you’ve heard your secret, you thank the Hermit and rise to begin walking back to the mouth of the cave.
As you leave, the Hermit begins to hum again and as you take a few more steps, the humming begins to get quieter.
Another few steps and you can see the light of day way off in the distance. You continue walking towards it.
Another few steps and you’re at the mouth of the cave. You feel relaxed, calm, and eager to begin using the new knowledge you were given by the Hermit.
Wiggle your fingers and toes and when you’re ready, open your eyes.

Spend the next few minutes recording your secret in your journal. Whatever the Hermit told you is what you should keep in mind for the next few days or even weeks. Somewhere in the message is the way for you to manage a current situation.
And don’t forget that you can always visit the Hermit and learn new secrets. Visit him when you feel the need for self-reflection and the answer to a problem, particularly an emotional one.

Fiona Tate, AKA the Depression Muse, is a Lilithian Witch, Writer, and Mental Health Mentor. She helps people with Depression use it as a superpower and turn it into a Creature of Fucking beauty. She’s on a mission to reduce the global suicide rate to zero. Follow this link to receive a free copy of her book Depression Sucks and join the waitlist to hear more about Black Orchid Alchemy: The alternative way to manage Depression.