Enter your Hermit Era
Hey peach,
What’s new? Things have gotten off to a rocky start this year, haven’t they? That’s why, when Charlie Claire Burgess’ (they/them) most recent Queerly Devoted newsletter hit my inbox, I felt like I’d been sent a sign from The Universe. And when The Universe gives you a whistle, ya better look up!
The missive, titled A Year of Soul-Searching, Authenticity, and Service, explored The Hermit tarot card as the theme of the year (the digits 2+0+2+5=9, and it’s the 9th card in the deck, ya see).
The Hermit card encourages the reader to turn away from the din and find their own inner truth through research, meditation, acts of service, etc. And it felt timely AF.
In their newsletter, Charlie says:
“The most important part of the Hermit’s spiritual quest is not necessarily isolation but the ability to separate their authentic beliefs and unique perspectives from those of society and the willingness to do some deep soul-searching to get there. Sometimes, that means removing themself from the noise so they can hear themself think […]
“2025 is a year for coming to know yourself deeply, thoroughly, and in detail. The Hermit Year is not necessarily about being alone, but about gaining total clarity on your place in things, your desires, your beliefs, your soul. This year asks you to become your most authentic self and be willing to go against the grain in order to live in your authenticity.”
I found a lot of important and relevant messages in Charlie’s newsletter and The Hermit card, especially given the state of things at the moment.
So, here are some ways you can incorporate the themes of The Hermit into your writing practice or day-to-day business to gain some sense of authenticity, responsibility, and clarity in the shitstorm that’s sure to follow.
Entering your Hermit Era
Know when to switch off! The freelancers among us need social media and unfettered email access for marketing and BAU, but knowing when to disconnect could save your sanity and give you space to hear yourself think.
Check, double-check, and then triple-check your sources. We’re heralds and communicators by trade, and in this age of misinformation, taking extra time to fact-check and ferret out the truth is essential. Sites like Ground News are pretty fab for this.
Create a code of ethics and a list of values for your business or professional life. Knowing where you draw the line, what you will and won’t speak on, and how you speak on it is fundamental to your professional brand and moral compass.
…in a similar vein, why not take a creative day to work on your branding or your plan of attack for the year? Knowing who you are, what you want, and how you'll get it is truly powerful, but not enough of us (especially the in-house folks) make time to do it!
Look at your 2025 calendar and schedule 25 days of holiday (I'm looking at you, freelancers). Set the intention to take time away from the madding crowd this year. Rest is critical for clarity, creativity, and good mental health.
Get involved in a group, event, or charity. Putting some good out into the world, making new friends, or learning something new can help you on your quest for knowledge and authenticity this year.
Do something you want to do, free from the nagging voice of your inner critic. Whether it's finally posting that draft you've been fretting over, booking a class, joining a club, or trying something you've always wanted to do. Honour your true creative spirit and flippin' do it, babe!
Learn a new skill. There's always something new to learn, babs. And in this day and age, knowledge is everything.
Bring a meditation practice into your creative process or daily pre-writing ritual. The lovely Anna Herber recently introduced me to Vipassana meditation to help me recognise and manage the discomfort caused by my inner critic. Life-changing stuff!
🌝 Quickening Moon – 12th February
Planting · Planning · Element of fire
🕯️ Imbolc – 1st February
The goddess Brigid · Fire rituals · First signs of spring
🔮 Freelance focus: courage with the Knight of Wands
Ever had a tarot deck read you to filth? Well…ya have now. The Knight of Wands symbolises energy, courage, and rebellion. It’s an invitation to rekindle your passion and energy for work and make brave business decisions.
It’s a positive sign for anyone starting a new project — you’ll have the gumption to get that shit done. If you don’t have anything new ahead of you, this card is a prompt to sidestep frustration and put your energy to good use elsewhere (try one of the Hermit Era suggestions above, maybe?).
Don’t be scared to get out there and pitch for ambitious or unfamiliar (but exciting!) things, and bend your enthusiasm towards building a business or career that really represents you and your passion 💪🏻
Other shit you might enjoy…
📝 Access:Given: one-day digital accessibility course – peep
📝 Creatives Like Us: collaborative workshop for black creatives – peep
💌 Queerly Devoted: Journeys, inquiries, and imaginings into queer devotion by the queerly devoted – peep
📺 Filofax inspo: cosy, chatty 2025 set up – watch
💻 Struggling to sound 'authentic' in your marketing? You need this – read
💻 I was basic, but I owned it – read