I was seen for a very long time as a very strong and even arrogant person, but not because I was so—it was because I was very scared of letting go and being vulnerable.
This deeply personal reflection sets the stage for understanding the tension we often hold in our bodies and lives. The warrior posture—both physical and emotional—can feel like a protective armor, shielding us from vulnerability. Yet, over time, this constant readiness for battle drains our energy, stifles our voice, and isolates us from our true selves.
As we step into 2025, a Hermit year in the tarot system, we are invited to shift our focus inward. The Hermit symbolizes introspection, self-discovery, and the quiet wisdom that comes from letting go of external defenses. In contrast, 2024, the year of Strength, encouraged us to cultivate resilience and courage. Now, it’s time to use that strength not to brace ourselves, but to soften, reflect, and reconnect.
What is Warrior Posture?
Warrior posture refers to a state of physical and emotional tension, where the body and mind are constantly braced for conflict or challenge. Physically, it manifests as:
Tense shoulders and neck.
A clenched jaw or rigid facial expressions.
A stiff spine and locked knees.
A tight, guarded core.
Emotionally, it is a protective mechanism—a way of saying, "I’m in control; I won’t let anything hurt me." However, this posture often reflects fear rather than strength.
The Shift from Strength to Hermit Energy
In the tarot, Strength teaches us to harness our inner power, face challenges, and develop courage. It’s about taming the lion within, finding a balance between force and compassion.
The Hermit year invites a different kind of strength: the courage to step back, reflect, and explore our inner world. It’s about putting down the armor and discovering the wisdom in vulnerability. Releasing the warrior posture aligns perfectly with this energy, allowing us to transition from constant readiness to mindful introspection.
The Cost of Holding the Warrior Posture
While the warrior posture may feel empowering, it comes at a significant cost:
Physical Strain: Chronic tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw leads to discomfort, restricted breathing, and fatigue.
Emotional Isolation: Constant bracing makes it difficult to express vulnerability or connect authentically with others.
Vocal Limitations: Tension restricts the voice, limiting resonance, breath flow, and vocal expression.
Energy Drain: Maintaining this posture requires effort, leaving little energy for creativity, relaxation, or introspection.
Releasing the Warrior: Steps Toward Balance
1. Acknowledge Your Fear of Letting Go
Releasing the warrior posture begins with recognizing the fear that holds it in place. Ask yourself:
What am I protecting myself from?
How might letting go serve me better than holding on?
2. Practice Gentle Breathing
Breath is a powerful tool for releasing tension and signaling safety to the nervous system.
3. Embrace Movement
Gentle, flowing movements such as yoga or somatic exercises can help release physical tension and bring awareness to how your body holds stress.
4. Connect with Hermit Energy
The Hermit year is an invitation to introspection. Take time for quiet reflection. Journaling, meditation, or spending time in nature can help you explore what lies beneath your warrior posture.
5. Redefine Strength
True strength is not about constant readiness but about adaptability and balance. It’s the ability to move fluidly between effort and ease, power and vulnerability. Trust that letting go doesn’t diminish your strength—it deepens it.
Living Beyond the Warrior
Releasing the warrior posture is not about abandoning strength but transforming it. The Hermit year invites us to use the resilience cultivated in 2024 to embrace a softer, more introspective power. By letting go of unnecessary tension, we create space for authentic self-expression and a deeper connection with ourselves and others.
As you move through this year, remember: vulnerability is not weakness. It is the courage to be seen as you truly are—without armor, without pretense, and with all the strength that comes from within.
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