Tonight, your own light is enough.

The Hermit stands alone on a snowy peak with a lantern in one hand and a staff in the other. He isn’t lost, nor is he waiting to be rescued. He chose to climb quietly, and he carries his own light with him.

The lantern only shows a few steps ahead. Because that’s all it has ever needed to do. Wanting to see the whole road at once is a very human thing, but The Hermit asks you to trust the one step you can see.

This is the season for slowing down. You can turn down the noise and let the quiet be company for a while. Being on your own isn’t the same as being lonely.

Ritual: One Lit Step
Light a single candle, in a dim room if you can. Hold your hands near it and take three slow breaths. Ask yourself what the next small step is, not the whole plan. Write it on a scrap of paper and tuck it under the candle holder. Take that step this week.

Journal prompt: What do I already know that I keep asking others to confirm?

You are carrying more light than you think.