Cave Contemplation

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Hermit:

A woman holding an aspen staff emerges from a cave. The creator states this card is about contemplative solitude and coming face-to-face with one's shadow. Contemplation means marking out sacred space so I can view something with continued attention. That "something" is myself - my thoughts and actions. The focus centers on my blind beliefs, ideas I have accepted as truth that are anything but. I also look at my actions; my misconceptions have undoubtedly triggered behaviors that have not been beneficial for anyone. This is not an exercise in self-absorption, but a way toward transformation. The aspen staff represents community (these trees spread by shoots from their roots, creating a cohesive grove). My time spent alone is not meant as an escape, but to help me live among others with clarity and compassion.

From the Archetype Cards comes the "Judge:"

I can evaluate myself very harshly, and I find it much easier to list my character defects than my assets. But the Judge reminds me that I should look at my whole self with fairness and objectivity. If I can do that with myself, I am more likely to have a balanced view toward others.