The lighthouse.
The lighthouse is regarded by most, and for my purpose more specifically cited to Joe Panek, as a symbol of strength, guidance and safe harbor. Generally speaking, lighthouses reside close to the sea, on high outcroppings of land in order to make them most visible to travelers. Panek draws connections between the lighthouse and The Hermit; one of many cards contained in the Tarot deck. The Hermit is depicted as a single hooded figure on the top of a mountain, holding a lantern. And, by nature, The Hermit is a symbol of isolation and wisdom. These two parallel symbols, constructed in times quite separate from each other, share not only a physical resemblance - the tall, slender figure only made distinguishable by the light it bears - but also in their meaning. The isolation of The Hermit parallels the need for the guiding nature of the lighthouse to those that are lost - those that are themselves, alone - those that are given the wisdom of where they must travel next. Between the two they, figuratively and literally, embody the cliche and “show people the light”. Most importantly, they are only able to do so because of their isolated and solitary nature. It’s no wonder that the lighthouse becomes a focus of much intrigue for many people. Some kind of sympathetic attraction to the idea. Perhaps even a romantic attachment to the notion.