I'm no expert in Tarot – not by a long shot – but I've always had a particular fondness for card number IX, the Hermit. This iconic image of an old, hooded man, staff in one hand and lantern in the other, resonates with me on a very deep level. Folks who know me well would not be surprised by this at all. Indeed, one of my best friends recently encouraged me (only half in jest) to offer my skills as a consultant in hermitting, in this new age of social distancing and self-isolation. Apparently, we are all be asked to become hermits for the time being, and many people find that exceedingly challenging.
As Covid-19 sweeps through the global population, everyone except essential workers are being told in no uncertain terms to go home and stay there. Front line health-care staff and other service providers are already feeling exhausted by the demands of this pandemic, and the rest of us feel vaguely overwhelmed by the fact that we can really do nothing except stay home. Of course, there are many interesting new ways being developed, mainly online, for people to stay connected and keep working. Churches, libraries, and other community centres are empty, but their staff are working hard to provide their ministries and services in novel ways.
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