Humility, Not Bravado

From the Classic Tarot, the Hermit; from the Constellation Cards, Sagitta:

Looking at the Hermit's simple staff and clothes, it's hard not to contrast his simplicity and humility with the pomp and power of the pope/Hierophant. In Renaissance Europe, hermits rejected society's values to lead a solitary and spiritual life. A hermit was often seen as a symbol of virtue; as such, this deck assigns the keyword 'prudence' to him. The Hermit reminds me of an elderly grandfather who takes you fishing: though he doesn't say much as you watch the corks bob up and down, when he does, it is wise and golden. A constellation in the northern sky, Sagitta (Latin for 'arrow') represents Heracles’ arrow in Greek mythology. Heracles was a hero and divine protector of mankind. This pair of cards reminds of a quote by Bill Wilson: "Prudence is a workable middle ground, a channel of clear sailing between the obstacles of fear on the one side and of recklessness on the other." Such awareness cultivates "the kind of courage which is born of humility, rather than of bravado."