The Hermit and Nine of Cups

Withdrawal and contentment, which the tradition reads as fitting together better than expected. The Nine of Cups is a man alone in front of nine cups, arms folded, satisfied. The Hermit is alone by design. Together they describe someone who is genuinely happy and genuinely by themselves.

Associated with contentment outside a relationship rather than inside one. Read as real rather than as consolation.

Satisfaction in solitary work. Frequently read for people who have arranged their lives deliberately.

Both figures are sitting alone and only one of them is looking for anything. The pair is worth reading as a question about whether the lamp is still being carried.