The common element of the two cards is the desire for peace of mind, for a more relaxed state of being. The Hermit has the tendency to withdraw in order to find answers in solitude, avoiding interference from others. The Six of Swords gives a push towards a new direction, a calmer destination. Often these two cards predict the end of crisis - the calm after the storm and a conscious change of direction.

• End of conflict
• Retreat
• Focusing on oneself and moving on
• Finding peace inside yourself
• Emotional detachment
• Cutting off someone
• A desire to spend some time alone in order to choose a new direction in life
• A guide who helps us find peace (a guru, a teacher, a therapist or just a good friend)
• A period of detachment, followed by increased communication
• Desire to work things out
• Going on a trip alone
• Resolving inner tension
• Change of direction

The elements of these cards are Earth (the Hermit) and Air (Six of Swords). The Earth card (Hermit) will attempt to give shape to the Air card (Six of Swords), so we should expect that the Hermit will be the one to determine the quality of the change, rather than blindly follow the lead of the Six of Swords. The Hermit, being a major arcana card, displays considerably more power than the Six of Swords and in most cases he will make conscious use of that power.