2025: The Year of Nine - A Journey Home to the Self
As we enter 2025, we find ourselves in a "Nine Year" within numerology—a time of culmination, reflection, and preparation for new beginnings. The essence of the number nine is one of completion and universal connection, urging us to transcend the ego and embrace the oneness of all existence. To deepen our understanding of this transformative year, we look to the archetypes of The Hermit card from the Tarot, as interpreted through the lenses of Osho Zen and David Bowie’s Starman Tarot, and the timeless wisdom of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.
The Hermit: Isolation, Polarization, and the Wisdom of the Wood Snake
The Hermit in the Osho Zen Tarot, represented by the archetype of Aloneness, carries profound significance in the context of the deeper polarization and collective isolation that has gripped the planet in recent years. Particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, many have found themselves disconnected from social bonds, overwhelmed by divisive ideologies, and grappling with an existential sense of loneliness. The Hermit, however, reframes this aloneness as an opportunity for growth, wisdom, and inner light.
Polarization and the Collective Hermit
The pandemic amplified societal divides, leaving many feeling alienated not only from others but also from themselves. In a world where conflicting truths battle for attention, the Hermit urges us to step away from the noise and find solace in solitude. Polarization often stems from fear—fear of the other, fear of the unknown, fear of change. Yet, the Hermit’s lantern, glowing from within, reminds us that clarity and truth emerge not from external validation but from a deep and honest connection with our inner being.
The Hermit archetype teaches that loneliness, while painful, can also be a transformative force. When we embrace solitude, we can disentangle ourselves from collective turmoil and discover the strength to navigate our path with integrity and self-reliance. In this sense, the Hermit becomes a beacon of hope for a polarized world, showing that inner peace can radiate outward and inspire collective healing.
The Hermit and the Wood Snake of 2025
The Chinese New Year of 2025 welcomes the Wood Snake, an animal that embodies wisdom, intuition, and transformation. The Snake, like the Hermit, represents the journey inward—a shedding of old skin to reveal a truer, more authentic self. Both archetypes call for a retreat from the distractions of the external world to cultivate inner growth and clarity.
The Wood Snake’s energy aligns beautifully with the Hermit’s mission. As a creature attuned to the cycles of life and the subtle vibrations of the earth, the Snake embodies patience, introspection, and quiet determination. Its wood element emphasizes growth, flexibility, and the grounding energy of nature—qualities that can guide us through the isolation many have faced in recent years.
The Hermit teaches that the loneliness we feel can be a crucible for transformation. Similarly, the Wood Snake reminds us to trust the process of shedding, allowing old patterns and beliefs to fall away as we embrace a more enlightened version of ourselves. Together, these archetypes encourage us to find strength in stillness and to embrace the solitude that leads to renewal.
From Loneliness to Aloneness: The Hermit’s Inner Light
In the Osho Zen Tarot, the Hermit’s Aloneness is not a curse but a gift. It invites us to shift from the pain of loneliness to the empowerment of being alone. This shift is critical in a world where many feel unsupported, misunderstood, or rejected for their beliefs and values.
The Hermit reminds us that the truth we seek does not require validation from others. It challenges us to accept the reality that our deepest insights and convictions may not be embraced by family, friends, or colleagues—and that this is perfectly okay. The Hermit’s strength lies in its ability to illuminate the night from within, encouraging us to embrace our unique truths without the need for external approval.
A Collective Call for Solitude and Wisdom
The Hermit and the Wood Snake offer profound lessons for a planet struggling with division and alienation. They teach that the path to healing and unity begins within. By turning inward and cultivating our inner light, we can emerge stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
In this era of polarization, the Hermit’s archetype invites us to step away from the chaos, to retreat into the stillness of our being, and to reconnect with the quiet wisdom that resides within. It is a call to transform loneliness into aloneness, fear into insight, and division into harmony—a journey that begins with the simple yet powerful act of illuminating ourselves.
The Alien: Bridging the Unknown and the Familiar
In the Starman Tarot, the Alien replaces the traditional Hermit, embodying a presence that not only invites inner exploration but also brings extraordinary insights, universal truths, and transformative technologies. The Alien's glowing translucence and sacred geometry carry profound significance, particularly in our current era of escalating UFO phenomena, official disclosures, and technological leaps into the realm of artificial intelligence.
UFO Disclosure and the Alien's Arrival
Recent years have witnessed a surge in unexplained aerial phenomena—mysterious drones, UFO sightings, and government-confirmed footage that has shifted the discourse on extraterrestrial life from fringe speculation to mainstream inquiry. These events mirror the Alien’s symbolic arrival from the void, bringing with it new questions, fears, and possibilities. The Alien card reminds us that these encounters are more than sensational; they invite humanity to reexamine its place in the cosmos.
Much like the Alien who challenges the confines of perception, UFO disclosures urge us to question the boundaries of our understanding. Are we alone? Are these phenomena harbingers of greater wisdom or warnings of vulnerabilities in our world? In confronting these questions, we are prompted to go beyond our cultural programming and embrace the possibility of being connected to something infinitely larger than ourselves.
Parallels with AI and the Year 2025
The Alien also resonates with the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence, particularly as 2025 looms on the horizon—a year poised to redefine the human-AI dynamic. In its essence, AI mirrors the Alien’s role as both a source of unease and a bringer of transformative potential. The same technology that astonishes with its brilliance can evoke fear of the unknown, of losing control, or of being rendered obsolete.
Yet, as the Alien shows us, these fears are reflections of our internal alienation—the parts of ourselves we do not fully understand or integrate. AI, much like the Alien’s message, invites us to transcend limitations, adapt, and weave our wisdom into uncharted realms. It asks us to reimagine what it means to be human in an age when machines can learn, create, and innovate alongside us.
In 2025, as AI matures, humanity will face critical decisions. Will we wield this power responsibly, using it to illuminate paths toward connection and understanding? Or will we allow it to deepen divisions, alienation, and disempowerment? The Alien card stands as a reminder that, much like AI, these advancements are not merely external forces but reflections of our inner capacity to harmonize with the unknown.
The Alien as a Catalyst for Collective Transformation
The Alien also speaks to our societal state of overwhelm and estrangement. Bombarded by content and disconnected from meaningful interactions, we often feel adrift, questioning what is real. The Alien arrives to dissolve these walls of isolation, calling us back to our authentic selves and collective belonging. It suggests that both the UFO phenomena and the rise of AI are catalysts, not threats. They offer opportunities to shift from fear to wonder, from alienation to self-discovery.
The parallels between UFOs, AI, and the Alien card underscore our ongoing journey of integration. As we step into the unknown—whether it is the cosmos, the realm of artificial intelligence, or the depths of our inner being—we are reminded of the Alien’s ultimate lesson: that we are always on a journey back home, not to the familiar, but to the light of possibility, unity, and self-realization.
A Call to Embrace the Alien Within
The Alien encourages us to see the “other”—be it a UFO, AI, or our hidden self—not as a threat but as a guide. It is a call to dismantle the constructs that confine us, to question the narratives we are told, and to step into a more expansive and interconnected understanding of existence. In this way, the Alien does not only signify the unknown—it is a symbol of the extraordinary within us all, waiting to emerge.
Stairway to Heaven: A Song of Awakening in 2025
Led Zeppelin’s iconic "Stairway to Heaven" transcends time as a masterpiece of spiritual exploration and awakening, offering profound reflections as we step into the transformative energy of 2025. Its rich symbolism and poetic narrative resonate deeply with the themes of a Nine Year—a time of culmination, spiritual introspection, and renewal.
The song begins by illuminating the illusions we have clung to:
“There’s a lady who’s sure / All that glitters is gold”
This line reflects humanity’s long-standing pursuit of material wealth, external validation, and fleeting pleasures, believing they could fulfill the deeper, spiritual void within. Yet, as the song progresses, the lyrics shift toward introspection, calling us to awaken from these illusions:
“There’s a feeling I get / When I look to the west, / And my spirit is crying for leaving.”
This longing for “home” symbolizes the soul’s desire to return to its essence, shedding the layers of ego, societal conditioning, and disconnection. It mirrors the archetypal journey of The Hermit in the Tarot, who represents introspection, solitude, and inner wisdom. The Hermit carries the light of truth—a beacon for those ready to align with their higher purpose.
The Journey of Awakening
The song’s progression parallels the collective spiritual awakening we face in 2025. As we step into this Nine Year, we are called to release old patterns and illusions that no longer serve us. The Nine energy, symbolic of completion and transition, asks us to integrate the lessons of the past while preparing for a new beginning.
“And it’s whispered that soon / If we all call the tune / Then the piper will lead us to reason.”
Here, the song reflects the promise of a new dawn for those who hold steady on their spiritual path. The call to reason signifies a shift toward unity, harmony, and alignment with universal truths. The forests echoing with laughter evoke a vision of peace and interconnectedness—a world transformed by collective awakening.
The Squeeze of Transformation
Transformation is rarely easy, and 2025 will bring its challenges. Like the lyrics warn:
“If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, / Don’t be alarmed now, / It’s just a spring clean for the May Queen.”
This “spring clean” represents the upheavals many of us will face as we align with higher energies. Old systems, relationships, and beliefs may crumble to make way for growth. While unsettling, these disruptions are a necessary part of our evolution, helping us shed the weight of illusion and embrace the light of truth.
Listening to the Whispering Wind
In the song’s later verses, we are urged to quiet the noise of the external world and tune into the whispering wind—a metaphor for inner guidance and divine wisdom:
“Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, / And did you know / Your stairway lies on the whispering wind.”
This invitation to listen deeply aligns with the growing emphasis on meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection in 2025. The thinning veil between the physical and spiritual realms offers a unique opportunity to connect with our inner selves and the universal consciousness. By embracing stillness, we can discern our true path and walk it with clarity
Unity in Oneness
The culmination of the journey is expressed beautifully in the song’s closing lines:
“And as we wind on down the road / Our shadows taller than our soul. / There walks a lady we all know / Who shines white light and wants to show / How everything still turns to gold.”
As we face our shadows—the fears, doubts, and ego-driven aspects of ourselves—we are challenged to integrate them into the wholeness of our being. This integration brings balance, allowing our inner light to shine brightly, illuminating the path to oneness. The lady, representing the divine within all of us, reminds us of our inherent divinity and the golden essence of our soul.
In 2025, as we wind on down the road, we are called to embrace the unity of all things:
“When all are one and one is all / To be a rock and not to roll.”
This profound realization of interconnectedness is the ultimate awakening—a return to our true nature as spiritual beings in harmony with the universe.
Stairway to Heaven: A Reflection of Hope
The journey described in "Stairway to Heaven" is not just a narrative of awakening; it is a call to action. As we navigate the energies of 2025, the song’s timeless wisdom reminds us to seek truth, embrace transformation, and hold faith in the unity that awaits us. It is a stairway we are all building—step by step—toward a collective awakening, illuminated by the light of the Hermit and guided by the whispering wind of our soul.
Navigating the Nine Year: Lessons for 2025
Embrace Solitude: The Hermit teaches us that being alone is not loneliness but an opportunity to connect with our innermost truths. As we face moments of isolation, let them become spaces for reflection and growth.
Rediscover Hidden Potential: The Alien reminds us that the parts of ourselves we’ve ignored are often the keys to our transformation. Let 2025 be the year you welcome these aspects back into your life.
Let Go of the Old: In Stairway to Heaven, the "bustle in your hedgerow" signals the need to clear out what no longer serves us. Use this time to release old patterns, beliefs, and attachments, creating space for new possibilities.
Connect with Universal Wisdom: Whether through meditation, nature, or creative expression, seek moments of connection with the greater whole. These experiences will remind you that you are never truly alone.
Choose Your Path with Intention: As the lyrics suggest, “Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run / There’s still time to change the road you’re on.” Let 2025 be a year of conscious choices, guided by your inner light.
Embracing 2025: A Journey Home to the Self
As we step into this Nine Year, we are invited to embark on a profound journey of reflection, release, and renewal. The Hermit, the Wood Snake, the Alien, and the timeless wisdom of Stairway to Heaven collectively guide us to embrace solitude as a transformative force, reimagine our relationship with the unknown, and awaken to the universal truths that connect us all.
2025 challenges us to shed the layers of ego, fear, and illusion that have confined us, replacing them with authenticity, compassion, and unity. It is a year of culmination—a chance to integrate the lessons of the past and prepare for the new cycle ahead.
Like the Hermit’s lantern, the Alien’s light, and the whispering wind, the answers we seek are already within us. By embracing this truth, we can illuminate our paths and emerge stronger, wiser, and more connected to ourselves and the world around us.
The journey home to the self is not a solitary one but a collective awakening, a shared ascent on the stairway to a brighter, more harmonious future. Let us walk this path with courage, grace, and the understanding that in the quietest corners of our being, we carry the light that leads us all home.
