Keywords
Upright: Power, ability, concentration, action, ingenuity.
Reversed: Manipulation, failure to plan, unused talents.
Archetype: Wizard, Merlin.
Astrological Association: Mercury
Overview
The Magician is the ultimate achiever. He is the archetype of the dynamic, masculine principle. He represents the ability to harness universal energy for creative ends. Notice his pose. He is like a lightning rod, with one arm reaching up to the Divine for inspiration and the other pointing down to the Earth to ground this powerful energy. His talents can appear supernatural at times because they allow him to accomplish seemingly impossible feats.
What gives the Magician his extraordinary strength? To begin with, he is unafraid to take action. He is confident in himself. He understands why he is doing what he is doing and he is fully aware of his circumstances. The Magician is the ideal conduit for miracles as long as he can recall his divine source of power.
The Magician usually shows up when you are gathering the creative force and energy to start a new cycle of life.
A Closer Look at The Magician
Description
Mercury is the planet associated with The Magician, and it is connected with skill, rationality, and intellect. The Magician’s number is one, which represents the start of anything new. The Magician serves as a link between the spiritual and earthly realms. His right hand raises a staff (or a wand) up to the heavens, while his left hand points to the ground. He harnesses the Universe’s power through his body and directs it to control manifestation in the physical world.
The lemniscate, the emblem of eternity, floats above the Magician’s head. The Ouroboros, a snake biting its tail, another symbol of forever, hangs around his waist. The table in front of him holds the elemental weapons, related to the four Tarot suits, and representing the four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These indicate the proper application of the mind, heart, body, and soul during the manifestation process.
The Magician wears a white robe, which represents the Fool’s purity and innocence, but his cloak is scarlet, which represents worldly experience and knowledge. The contrast of immaculate white lilies and thorny red roses in the flower garden at his feet echoes his attire.
Meaning
The Magician is the card of the Intellect, indicating that Reason, Logic, and Rationality will triumph over adversity.
Upright
This card is number one. One signifies creation and the beginning of things. It grows outward from the zero of The Fool and employs its abilities and willpower to produce something magnificent. The Magician is about using hard work and determination to bring your will into being.
The process of devoting your skills, mind, and body to a task is described here. The Magician indicates that we have a task ahead of us and that we must take action to achieve our objective. It’s a very good card, and it reminds us that we are competent people who can accomplish anything if we put our mind to it.
Reversed
The Magician reversed is an unlucky card that indicates a lack of understanding and competence. It could mean that the person is in danger of making rash, ill-informed judgments and that additional planning is required.
Lack of preparation is the theme of The Magician reversed. Maybe our project is destined for failure, or maybe we are unsuited to it. Look for clarification in the surrounding cards. We should exercise caution and not act rashly. We should always act with integrity and remember what we stand for.
The Symbolism of The Magician
The Magician makes something out of nothing. This card is about showcasing your unique qualities and making them known to others.
- Magic wand: One wand, two ends. The two poles combine to form one. The wand is a metaphor in itself.
- Red mantle: Vitality, zeal, and determination.
- White robe: A new beginning and completeness, achievement. White contains all the colors of the rainbow.
- Wand, Sword, Cup, and Pentacle: The Magician’s tools. The four elements. The suits of the tarot.
- Roses and lilies: The red and white elements (as seen in the figure’s clothes) are repeated.
- Lemniscate: The symbol of infinity. Spirit, the fifth element.
- The Magician’s pose: As above, so below. He is a link between the Heavens and the Earth. The human being as a conduit. The interaction of possibility and reality. The successful joining together of intellect and action.
- The serpentine girdle: The Ouroboros, another symbol of infinity, but also of repetition, reincarnation and Eternal Return.
What The Magician Means in a Reading
Meaning for Love and Relationships
Upright
In love, the Magician can be a trickster. Even so, this is a great card for passionate relationships. It suggests strong physical chemistry as well as sheer animal attraction.
If you want to find or start a new relationship, you’ll have to put in the effort. This is a working card. You are in charge of your own life. Reach out and make your dreams a reality.
If you’re in a relationship, you can’t overlook your issues any longer. You should actively communicate your needs and desires, and be open and honest about what is and is not working. Together you can fix your problems provided you’re both willing to put in the effort.
If you want to find or start a new relationship, you’ll have to put in the effort. This is a working card. You are in charge of your own life.
Reversed
In a love reading the Magician reversed can imply that you need to be more open and honest with your partner. If you’re tempted to use your partner to acquire what you want, resist the temptation. Honesty will get you a long way, whereas deception will only get you so far.
It could also mean that a seemingly trustworthy partner or lover is using their power over you to exploit you for personal gain.
If you’re single, The Magician reversed suggests that you have become cynical about love. Are you convinced that you’ll never find the right person? Don’t give up on your dreams. If you maintain a happy attitude and project love and light into the world, you will eventually attract the same.
Meaning for Career
Upright
When you see this card, you’re being advised to make the most of your innate abilities. This isn’t the time to hide your light under a bushel.
Stop working for someone else’s agenda. Your passion and power are waiting to be fully expressed. Set up the structures, rituals, habits, and support systems you need to be your brightest, bravest, and most creative self.
Reversed
In terms of career, The Magician reversed indicates that you are not making the most of the opportunities available to you. You are not truly using your skills and talents.
Do you feel like you’re not living up to your full potential, and yet feel terrified of trying something new.?Take the time to seek out and address why change is so tough. What is preventing you from moving forward? Is it simply fear of failure? Or is it fear of success?
If you’re putting off starting a new business because you’re not sure if you can trust the other people involved, the Magician reversed could be a sign that your concerns are justified.
Meaning for Health and Well-Being
Upright
You’re going to be OK! This is an excellent card for everything to do with health. If you are embarking on a new fitness journey, The Magician suggests that you will be successful. With hard work and determination, you will achieve your goal.
If you’re embarking on a new fitness journey, The Magician suggests that you will be successful.
Reversed
In terms of health, The reversed Magician Tarot card is still quite positive, signifying that in order to materialize healing, you must believe in your capacity to heal. On the other hand, you should definitely seek professional help as quickly as possible.
Meaning for Finances
Upright
Money, abundance, and wealth are all infinite. There is always more. You already have everything you need to get what you desire.
It’s time to manifest your best reality. Combine your unique talents with focused creativity to bring tangible things into the world. Money will come to you when you get extremely clear about pouring your you-ness into what you create and share. Don’t copy or model your actions on anyone else. Create what only you can create.
It is your responsibility to share your unique talents and gifts with the world. You can’t hide and expect to be successful. In return, the Universe will support and reward your creativity, integrity, and generosity.
Reversed
When the reversed Magician emerges, it can represent emotions of helplessness and feeling “stuck” financially. The truth is that if you work hard enough, you can improve your situation.
On the other hand, if you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’ll continue to get what you’ve always got.
Timing
The Magician predicts a significant occurrence during the next 30 days.
Yes or No
The Magician represents activity and strength. This card advises you to make a move, take action, and exercise your willpower. The answer you are seeking is Yes.
In a reading, the Magician suggests that if you can claim your power and act with awareness, you can access your capacity for creativity. This card is a call to action. If you know what you want and are dedicated to achieving it, now is the time to act.
