The Hermit and Nine of Wands

Solitude and a guarded position. The Hermit stands alone with a lamp; the Nine of Wands is bandaged, leaning on a staff, watching. The tradition reads the pair as withdrawal by somebody who has taken real damage, and distinguishes carefully between choosing solitude and being driven into it.

Associated with pulling back after being hurt. Read as protective and as worth examining.

Working alone after a bad experience of not doing so. Frequently read where the isolation is presented as preference.

The Hermit carries a lamp so others can find him. This pair asks whether the current solitude is lit or simply closed.