Solitude as sacred practice

Goddess Guide

Solitude as sacred practice

/ 9 Comments on Solitude as sacred practice

I’ve been thinking deeply about what it means to be alone. As a concept, as state of being, as a perception, as a choice. In Western culture ‘alone time’ is undervalued. When we see someone dining alone, we assume they’d rather have company. In other cultures, time spent in solitude is part of a disciplined spiritual practice. And in fact, in some traditions to pursue a spiritual path requires solitude. It requires knowledge of your own voice. It demands that you spend time alone as a means of empowerment.

The Hermit in the tarot is a fantastic model for empowered solitude. The featured image of this post is a feminine visage of the Hermit, quite different from the one in the Rider-Waite deck or other more masculine images of this divine essence. She reminds us to go within for answers, seek our own counsel, connect deeply with God or Source, and light the path vs. waiting for illumination from someone or somewhere else. The Hermit is a leader, a seeker, a mentor, a guide. H/her lantern is a symbol of light in the darkness.

I spend a great deal of time in empowered solitude to hold sacred space for others and to channel my creativity. It’s not the right path for everyone. Many might find it lonely. But I encourage you to think about the power of solitude and create space for your own voice, your own breath, your own wisdom in your life. Go crazy and take yourself out to dinner! The Hermit reminds us that we are often our own best company. And we, as sacred bearers of the lantern, have much to teach ourselves.

9 thoughts on “Solitude as sacred practice”

  1. Gorgeous, powerful photo! I did take myself out to dinner recently. Had tickets for a venue my hubby wasn’t interested in attending, so I made a night of it and went to dinner in a nice restaurant (alone) first. I enjoyed it SO much! Was able to take my time, savor my meal, and enjoyed a nice glass of wine, without the need for chatter. I’ve always craved alone time and feel very comfortable in that realm. Love to walk the beach for hours and be with my thoughts or use quiet time in developing my blossoming spiritual practice. I love being alone and am never lonely.

    1. I love your thoughts on this Barbara. I truly believe solitude is a necessity and not a luxury. So glad you made a night of it and enjoyed your sacred solitude!

  2. Wow, I loved this blogpost, it resonated with me since I spend a lot of time on my own.
    And I totally LOVE the image! Which tarot deck is it from???? I so want to give myself that one for my upcoming birthday this week – please share!

  3. I’ve always loved solitude. Especially in the mountains. Thank you for this post…it’s easy for me to get sucked into thinking about solitude the way so many people do– that it means lonely, lacking company, etc. For me, solitude is my medicine.

  4. love this Athena…thanks for the link…beautiful reflections here….love and light..aho sister

  6. Thank you for bringing a beautiful light to solitude. It is so often looked at as a negative rather the positive enlightenment that it is. I will now have to meditate with the Hermit. <3

  7. There are times I cant wait to be alone. time to breathe without being interrupted and gathering my thoughts and desires and thank the Almighty for all I have and am

  8. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO MY ATTENTION AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE WHEN I NEED THIS… WITH THE END OF ONE YEAR AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR . I KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO NEED MY SACRED SPACE AND SOME MAJOR SOLITUDE FOR THE UP COMING YEAR TO REACH MY GOALS. BLESSED BE TO YOU MUCH LOVE AND LIGHT GODDESS )0( <3

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