1 - The Magician ( I )
Keywords:Mastery, The Middle, Understanding, Adapting Power, influence, willpower, resourcefulness, skill, ability, logic, intellect, concentration and psychic powers
Skill, diplomacy, address, subtlety; sickness, pain, loss, disaster, snares of enemies; self-confidence, will; the Querent, if male. Additional meaning: Being with the one
Astrology: Mercury. Magician is connected to the planet Mercury. Mercury is the planet of communication, short distance travel, quick-moving connections (phones, the internet, computers). Mercury is the planet of the intellect, it is linked with cleverness, dexterity, and wittiness. It speaks of how we learn, how the mind works and how we communicate. Mercury governs the senses. Mercury is easily swayed by emotions, and there might be problems seeing the truth of the matter. Mercury also rules Gemini, the sign of The Lovers, and Virgo, the sign of The Hermit.
The Magician in a sentence: “As Above, so below”.
The Magician symbolises potentiality, concentration and becoming more than yourself, as well as glimpsing into the structure and mechanics of the bigger picture.
Element: Air Archetype: Wizard: surpassing the plausible.
Timing: Wednesday or 88 days As a Yes or No question: Yes
in a nutshell: A sudden solution, as if by magic- but it may be just an illusion.
The Meaning and Symbology of The Magician
The Rider-Waite tarot deck beautifully illustrates the Magician in regards to ‘The Fools Journey’. He is surrounded by the symbols of the Tarot and holds high to heaven a Wand while pointing downwards. This is a representation of ‘As Above, So Below’, a mantra in Hermetic thought. As an observer, you are always in the middle. The Magician realises this as a core foundation of the universe. There are always greater and lesser, better and worse, microcosm and macrocosm. You achieve and reach for new heights, you fail and there are new lows. You can always keep achieving, or always keep failing.
Among devoted Tarot users, the Magician is often the favorite card. That's because already using the Tarot is a kind of magic - opening the door to a reality yet to be explained in scientific terms, if that's ever going to be possible.
The Tarot Magician seems to have everything in control, like a master of fate, but that might just as well be an illusion.
In our days, most magicians are illusionists, but the one of the Tarot Magician card is the first to fall for the illusion. That's particularly true for those who favor the Magician card. They want the illusion.
In the picture of this Tarot card, the Magician has gathered the symbols of all four suits on his table, as if the whole Tarot and thereby everything in the world is at his disposal. Hardly.
If the Tarot Magician believes it, he's more of a fool than the card with that name - because the real Tarot Fool knows he's a fool. That makes all the difference in the world, and it's precisely the weakness of the Tarot Magician.
The Tarot Magician card indicates things being solved as if by magic. It can be a person making big problems disappear or splendid solutions appear as if out of nowhere. But life doesn't work like that. If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't.
The Magician's solutions will by time prove to be somewhat lacking. Either they don't last or they don't solve everything, so new problems will emerge - this time more difficult to handle.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, since the initial solution was probably urgent and beneficial. Without it, who knows what would have happened? It's just important to understand that the Magician's solution is rarely the final one. The problem is not really dealt with, but just made to disappear for a while. Still, that can be a blessing.
The Magician's weakness is to be overly confident. Just look at the sign for eternity like a halo above his head. So, we tend to be overly confident about solutions of that kind. When this Tarot card appears in your reading, expect a fantastic turn of events, but also watch out for what remains to be done - that which is at first invisible in the dazzle.
But who doesn't want to be dazzled, now and then?
The infinity symbol above the Magician’s head symbolises being connected to Source and the timeless. The belt forms an ouroboros, a circular symbol of time formed by a snake biting its tail. The Magician stands in a garden of roses and lilies a symbol derived from the Songs of Songs ‘I’m the Rose of Sharon, the lily of valleys’. The red flowers are equated to the masculine and the white flowers the feminine. This card has the number 1. Number 1 means being in charge (being number 1) and new beginnings. His wand is raised to the heavens and his finger is pointing to earth which symbolises the Magician using his spiritual powers in conjunction with his practical abilities to create. His pose symbolises the Hermetic axiom ‘as above, so below’, meaning Heaven should be manifested on Earth. His table represents being able to sell and putting an offer on the table. The four elements represented by a pentacle, a cup, a sword and a wand represent the resources the Magician has at his disposal. The yellow background symbolises that this is an intellectual card, and using your wit, mind and communication skills is going to be favorable. This card represents will, initiations and beginnings.
A youthful figure in the robe of a magician, having the countenance of divine Apollo, with smile of confidence and shining eyes. Above his head is the mysterious sign of the Holy Spirit, the sign of life, like an endless cord, forming the figure 8 in a horizontal position. About his waist is a serpent-cincture, the serpent appearing to devour its own tail.
This is familiar to most as a conventional symbol of eternity, but here it indicates more especially the eternity of attainment in the spirit. In the Magician's right hand is a wand raised towards heaven, while the left hand is pointing to the earth.
This dual sign is known in very high grades of the Instituted Mysteries; it shews the descent of grace, virtue and light, drawn from things above and derived to things below. The suggestion throughout is therefore the possession and communication of the Powers and Gifts of the Spirit.
On the table in front of the Magician are the symbols of the four Tarot suits, signifying the elements of natural life, which lie like counters before the adept, and he adapts them as he wills.
General meaning and interpretation (Upright)
When The Magician appears in a Tarot card reading it is a sign that you have all the skills and abilities you need to be successful. The universe is aligning to bring positive changes your way. This Major Arcana trump card shows you that you must use your intellect, concentration and willpower to make things happen. The Magician usually signifies a time in your life when you have the power to manifest the outcome you want. If it is referring to other people in your life it usually refers to someone you can learn from whose ability and wisdom will impress you.
Magician represents your ability to communicate clearly, to ‘sell’ yourself and to be innovative. The Magician has all the tools and resources available to manifest his desired outcome, so it is a good card to get if you want to create. The Magician is skillful and confident in his abilities, and he has the gift of the gab, able to pull the people in that he needs for his desired outcome to take place.
The Magician in a time-based positionPast – The Magician in the past position shows you have achieved something in the past, whether you feel the achievement or not doesn’t matter, but you are still benefiting from it. The past is the best predictor of the future, are you have set yourself up well through a possible number of means; good grades, good relationships, or good experience.
Present – The Magician in the present position represents your ambition and confidence. You might have just started a project or a new job. You may have new ways to help people, through either learning from your elders, or helping those that you can. Consider this transfer of knowledge.
Future – The Magician in the future position represents your potential. As said above, The Magician is a good card to draw. Maintain your vision and see it through. Don’t get distracted by side projects, and don’t think you know everything just because you’ve started.
The Magician Card as an Event
If the Tarot Magician card in your divination spread refers to an event, which is not that likely, it suggests a situation where the solution comes as if by magic. Inexplicably. No logical approach would solve matters, but the absurd just might. Something totally irrelevant may prove to be the only relevant course of action. It is not altogether trustworthy, even if it seems to do the trick, but it may be the only remaining option.
The Magician Card as a Person
If the Tarot Magician card refers to a person, and that's usually the case, then that person is one who trusts the so to speak magical solutions. It is not the realistic approach, but the daring and the imagination of it may still actually work - at least for a while. This person may be impressive and seems to accomplish the impossible, but you probably have your doubts. You should.
If the Tarot Magician card refers to a person, and that's usually the case, then that person is one who trusts the so to speak magical solutions. It is not the realistic approach, but the daring and the imagination of it may still actually work - at least for a while. This person may be impressive and seems to accomplish the impossible, but you probably have your doubts. You should.
Personality types in Magician tarot card
Magician people can manifest and create almost anything they put their minds to. This is the mind over matter tarot card and it indicates people who have amazing abilities to use their skill and knowledge in ways that serve them. They believe anything is possible. They are often very creative people who are used to take the initiative. They are great at selling themselves. They can sell sand in the desert if they had to. They dream big and successfully move in any direction they choose. This card speaks of your mind and your intellect, to use your intelligence to create and manifest. Play smart or don’t play at all is the energy of this card. It also tells you to remember your spirit, and that your actions have consequences for your spirit and soul, as well as your physical body. It is a very innovative card. If you draw this card it often means your spirit is pushing you in a direction that is exciting and stimulating. You might find yourself inventing something completely new or doing something in a new way. Whatever you do you’ll be quite the trendsetter as you seem to have magical abilities and everything you touch turns to gold.
Magician people can manifest and create almost anything they put their minds to. This is the mind over matter tarot card and it indicates people who have amazing abilities to use their skill and knowledge in ways that serve them. They believe anything is possible. They are often very creative people who are used to take the initiative. They are great at selling themselves. They can sell sand in the desert if they had to. They dream big and successfully move in any direction they choose. This card speaks of your mind and your intellect, to use your intelligence to create and manifest. Play smart or don’t play at all is the energy of this card. It also tells you to remember your spirit, and that your actions have consequences for your spirit and soul, as well as your physical body. It is a very innovative card. If you draw this card it often means your spirit is pushing you in a direction that is exciting and stimulating. You might find yourself inventing something completely new or doing something in a new way. Whatever you do you’ll be quite the trendsetter as you seem to have magical abilities and everything you touch turns to gold.
The Magician Card as You
If the Tarot Magician card has a position in the divination spread referring to you, then you are the one attracted to actions that may seem both irrelevant and a bit absurd. Your approach is unconventional, to say the least, but that's exactly why it might work - to everyone's surprise. But you should avoid applying that approach to things as a matter of routine. That just won't work. Know the time and the place for it. And stay wary of what it might lead to at length. The world of magic is not predicted.
If the Tarot Magician card has a position in the divination spread referring to you, then you are the one attracted to actions that may seem both irrelevant and a bit absurd. Your approach is unconventional, to say the least, but that's exactly why it might work - to everyone's surprise. But you should avoid applying that approach to things as a matter of routine. That just won't work. Know the time and the place for it. And stay wary of what it might lead to at length. The world of magic is not predicted.
The Magician as feelings
The Magician denotes someone who ‘gets’ you. This is the person you will feel you can talk to about everything and you can have great laughs with as well as stimulating exchange. The Magician speaks of being satisfied on all levels: Spiritually, Materialistic, Emotionally, and Intellectually.
If you are asking about how someone is feeling about you and you get the Magician, this person most likely feels you are a very special person, and a very interesting person. They feel stimulated by you and they feel you understand them. They might put you on a pedestal and you might feel they have very high expectations of you.
The Magician in regards to life issues
Work / Education – The Magician in regards to Work means that you’ve started a new job, are looking for a new job, or a new path will present itself in your current job. Things can only get better. This is especially good if to draw if you wish to transfer from a long period of unemployment
Money & Career terms of money and career, The Magician Tarot points to a new opportunities presenting themselves. They will require you to make a brave move and to put your original ideas into practice. Play your cards close to your chest with certain people as The Magicians never give away their secrets. It’s a good time for promotions or starting a new business venture, you will be feeling powerful and self-assured. Big things are coming your way! You might be presented with an opportunity to mentor someone or be mentored by someone who will give you the benefit of their experience. Your finances will be improving or you will have a great opportunity to make extra money when this card appears.
In a career question, the Magician tarot card signifies careers in sales and communications. The Magician denotes being on the right career path. The Seeker will be able to use their talents in their jobs.
Money – The Magician brings wealth and the drive to create wealth. There are more important things, but a money-making opportunity will present itself. It might be unexpected, like a craft you didn’t realise would be profitable or some sort of creative endeavour.
Love & Relationships a positive card. For those in relationships, The Magician Tarot signifies the relationship moving to new and deeper level where you can expect stronger commitment and happiness. If you are single The Magician indicates that now is great time to meet someone new. Your partner will be serious about you, has good intentions and will treat you well.
In a love reading, the Magician tarot card often denotes your most compatible soul mate. This is someone who gets you and knows how to make your day exciting no matter what. If single, Magician often shows up just before the Seeker meets the One.
Romance – The Magician in regards to romance means that you might find somebody new. Meet new people, now is the time.
Friends – Much like The Fool, The Magician means branching out into new groups. The positive energy of the Magician knows no bounds. You might meet lots of new interesting people through a new hobby or interest.
Health – Don’t worry about your health, but look for ways to eat better and exercise more. Maybe join a gym or workout group or go for more regular walks. Try a new exercise activity. In all aspects of your life, look to group up with others who are better than you, and help those whom you are better than. An over-active mind, watch for illnesses with thinking, communication, learning difficulties, memory problems. Magician is ruled by Mercury which governs the senses, our respiration, and warns against issues with breathing. The Magician speaks of the mental states and how it affect the body. Your strength and good health may be making a comeback if you have been ill recently or feeling drained. If your illness or ill health is not improving you may benefit from trying alternative therapies. In a health context The Magician Tarot can indicate that an experienced, powerful healer may be needed to give you the healing boost you need.
Spirituality and Mentality – The Magician, as you’d expect, is tied to spirituality. Now is a good time to look into systems of religion or beliefs that interest you. Are there any Yoga or meditation groups near you? They might be worth checking out if you’re interested in those. Meeting new people interested in these things is important. In the context of spirituality indicates that now is a good time to begin some form of spiritual development. If you’ve had an interest in a spiritual subject but never made the time to pursue it, you would do well to concentrate on this pursuit in the near future as your ability to channel magical energy will be increasing dramatically. You will be surprised at how much you will benefit from this spiritual development if you concentrate your energy. For those interested in psychic development, The Magician is an excellent card to get as it points to strong latent psychic abilities coming to the fore.
Card combinations upright magician
Magician next to Wheel of fortune often means luck in meeting someone significant when you least expect it.
Magician next to Emperor often means self-employment.
Magician next to Temperance means the Seeker will meet someone who will bring out the best in them. It can also be a workplace that is exactly what you need. This card combination can also signify a wellness industry.
Magician next to the Devil card can mean being pulled into a bad situation leading to trouble.
Magician next to World can mean using your talent to teach others.
The Magician(I) + The Lovers: Your ideal partner. A Soul Mate.
The Magician(I) + The Hermit: A brilliant teacher.
The Magician(I) + The Hanged Man: Inventing something.
The Magician(I) + Judgement: Multimedia, tv/radio, fame.
The Magician(I) + Five of wands: Standing out from the crowd.
The Magician(I) + Knight of wands: A talented competitor.
The Magician(I) + Queen of wands: A skillful entrepreneur.
The Magician(I) + King of wands: A successful salesperson.
The Magician(I) + Ace of cups: Selling art. Selling inspirations.
The Magician(I) + Two of cups: Romance and friendship combined.
The Magician(I) + Queen of cups: A successful artist.
The Magician(I) + Six of swords: A successful move. Selling online.
The Magician(I) + Seven of swords: A marketing expert. Telling people what they want to hear.
The Magician(I) + Eight of pentacles: Mastering an internship, study or new skill.
The Magician(I) + Queen of pentacles: Home renovation. Buying/selling property.
The Magician(I) + King of pentacles: Mastering the financial world of sales.
The Magician in reverse can suggest that something is seriously wrong with the nature of your universe. You will need to make changes as soon as you can. The flow of above to below has been interrupted, through external influences that are causing illusions. Think about your life and the problems you are facing. Do you have the means to solve your own problems right now?
General meaning and interpretation (Reversed)
When The Magician reversed Tarot card appears in a Tarot reading it is a sign that you will need to be careful not to miss the opportunities coming your way. Don’t allow self-doubt to stop you from seizing the moment. If it refers to a person, The Magician reversed can mean that a person in your life who presents themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy may actually be trying to use you or manipulate you. Watch out for deceitful and greedy people and be careful who you trust with this Major Arcana card in reverse!
Magician reversed indicates empty promises, false possibilities, a con man, misunderstandings and a lack of substance to make possibilities become a reality. The possible is becoming impossible when the Magician is upside down. You might find that no one is taking you seriously when this card shows up reversed, or that the people and situations in your life are confusing and unreliable.
Love & Relationships (Reversed)
Magician reversed in the context of a love Tarot reading for those in relationships, can indicate that you need to be more open and honest with your partner about your needs and desires. If you are tempted to try and manipulate your partner to get what you want, don’t. Honesty will get you much further than trickery. It can also indicate that partner/lover who appears to be trustworthy, may be using their influence over you to manipulate you for their own selfish reasons. If you are single The Magician indicates that you may be becoming cynical about love and your future love life and feeling like you will never attract anyone good to your life. Don’t lose faith. If you stay positive and send love and light out into the world you will eventually attract the same back to you!
Money & Career (Reversed)
terms of money and career, The Magician Tarot reversed suggests that you are not using the skills and abilities you have to make the best of the opportunities available to you. Again you may be experiencing feelings of self-doubt. You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential but feel afraid of the risks involved in giving a new venture a go. Take the time to figure out and resolve why you are finding change so difficult, what is holding you back? It is just fear of disappointing? The Magician reversed can indicate deceitful people around you so if you are holding back on a new venture because you are unsure you can trust the other people involved, this may be an indicator that you are right to be concerned. If you are stuck in a financial rut you will need to take a proactive approach to change your circumstances.
Health (Reversed)
In a health context The Magician Tarot card reversed is still generally a positive card indicating that you need to believe in your ability to heal in order to manifest that healing. However, for mental health issues involving any sort of hallucinations, psychosis or paranoia, The Magician reversed indicates that you should seek the help of an experienced professional sooner rather than later.
Spirituality (Reversed)
Magician Tarot card reversed in the context of spirituality indicates that your old spiritual path may not be suitable for you anymore. Now may be the time to explore a new spiritual path and clear out any old belief systems or practices that no longer work for you. You may have a particular spiritual skill that you have yet to discover/explore. It is also a warning to only use your spiritual power for good.
Personality types in the reversed Magician tarot card
This is the audacious con man. They don’t believe they can have what they want and use manipulation to try to get their way. They are lacking in confidence and are either misunderstood or they misunderstand others. They can have problems with learning and are burying their heads in the sand. They procrastinate and are often overly critical of both themselves and others. They are quite messy people and their ideas live and die in their heads. When they contact you it is only because they want something from you, and it usually is your money.
Magician reversed next to Empress can mean adultery.
Magician reversed next to Lovers can mean difficulties committing in relationships. Magician reversed next to Hierophant can mean spiritual crisis.
Magician reversed next to World can mean Seeker being out of alignment geographically. They might feel out of place and have difficulties connecting with people in their community, can also be an indication of a language barrier.
Magician next to the Devil card can mean being pulled into a bad situation leading to trouble.
Magician next to World can mean using your talent to teach others.
The Magician(I) + The Lovers: Your ideal partner. A Soul Mate.
The Magician(I) + The Hermit: A brilliant teacher.
The Magician(I) + The Hanged Man: Inventing something.
The Magician(I) + Judgement: Multimedia, tv/radio, fame.
The Magician(I) + Five of wands: Standing out from the crowd.
The Magician(I) + Knight of wands: A talented competitor.
The Magician(I) + Queen of wands: A skillful entrepreneur.
The Magician(I) + King of wands: A successful salesperson.
The Magician(I) + Ace of cups: Selling art. Selling inspirations.
The Magician(I) + Two of cups: Romance and friendship combined.
The Magician(I) + Queen of cups: A successful artist.
The Magician(I) + Six of swords: A successful move. Selling online.
The Magician(I) + Seven of swords: A marketing expert. Telling people what they want to hear.
The Magician(I) + Eight of pentacles: Mastering an internship, study or new skill.
The Magician(I) + Queen of pentacles: Home renovation. Buying/selling property.
The Magician(I) + King of pentacles: Mastering the financial world of sales.
Reversed Meaning Guide
The Magician Reversed Tarot Card Key Meanings:
Physician, Magus, mental disease, disgrace, disquiet, Manipulation, greed, unused ability, untrustworthiness, trickery, conniving, cunning, lack of mental clarityThe Magician in reverse can suggest that something is seriously wrong with the nature of your universe. You will need to make changes as soon as you can. The flow of above to below has been interrupted, through external influences that are causing illusions. Think about your life and the problems you are facing. Do you have the means to solve your own problems right now?
General meaning and interpretation (Reversed)
When The Magician reversed Tarot card appears in a Tarot reading it is a sign that you will need to be careful not to miss the opportunities coming your way. Don’t allow self-doubt to stop you from seizing the moment. If it refers to a person, The Magician reversed can mean that a person in your life who presents themselves as knowledgeable and trustworthy may actually be trying to use you or manipulate you. Watch out for deceitful and greedy people and be careful who you trust with this Major Arcana card in reverse!
Magician reversed indicates empty promises, false possibilities, a con man, misunderstandings and a lack of substance to make possibilities become a reality. The possible is becoming impossible when the Magician is upside down. You might find that no one is taking you seriously when this card shows up reversed, or that the people and situations in your life are confusing and unreliable.
Love & Relationships (Reversed)
Magician reversed in the context of a love Tarot reading for those in relationships, can indicate that you need to be more open and honest with your partner about your needs and desires. If you are tempted to try and manipulate your partner to get what you want, don’t. Honesty will get you much further than trickery. It can also indicate that partner/lover who appears to be trustworthy, may be using their influence over you to manipulate you for their own selfish reasons. If you are single The Magician indicates that you may be becoming cynical about love and your future love life and feeling like you will never attract anyone good to your life. Don’t lose faith. If you stay positive and send love and light out into the world you will eventually attract the same back to you!
Money & Career (Reversed)
terms of money and career, The Magician Tarot reversed suggests that you are not using the skills and abilities you have to make the best of the opportunities available to you. Again you may be experiencing feelings of self-doubt. You may feel like you are not living up to your full potential but feel afraid of the risks involved in giving a new venture a go. Take the time to figure out and resolve why you are finding change so difficult, what is holding you back? It is just fear of disappointing? The Magician reversed can indicate deceitful people around you so if you are holding back on a new venture because you are unsure you can trust the other people involved, this may be an indicator that you are right to be concerned. If you are stuck in a financial rut you will need to take a proactive approach to change your circumstances.
Health (Reversed)
In a health context The Magician Tarot card reversed is still generally a positive card indicating that you need to believe in your ability to heal in order to manifest that healing. However, for mental health issues involving any sort of hallucinations, psychosis or paranoia, The Magician reversed indicates that you should seek the help of an experienced professional sooner rather than later.
Spirituality (Reversed)
Magician Tarot card reversed in the context of spirituality indicates that your old spiritual path may not be suitable for you anymore. Now may be the time to explore a new spiritual path and clear out any old belief systems or practices that no longer work for you. You may have a particular spiritual skill that you have yet to discover/explore. It is also a warning to only use your spiritual power for good.
Personality types in the reversed Magician tarot card
This is the audacious con man. They don’t believe they can have what they want and use manipulation to try to get their way. They are lacking in confidence and are either misunderstood or they misunderstand others. They can have problems with learning and are burying their heads in the sand. They procrastinate and are often overly critical of both themselves and others. They are quite messy people and their ideas live and die in their heads. When they contact you it is only because they want something from you, and it usually is your money.
Card combinations reversed magician
Magician reversed next to Empress can mean adultery.Magician reversed next to Lovers can mean difficulties committing in relationships. Magician reversed next to Hierophant can mean spiritual crisis.
Magician reversed next to World can mean Seeker being out of alignment geographically. They might feel out of place and have difficulties connecting with people in their community, can also be an indication of a language barrier.