The Magician Tarot card represents the pre-disposition to action; the exercise of will; and an aspiration toward mastery of the material elements of life. Representing the first numbered card in the Major Arcana, The Magician card represents the first step in the Fool’s journey – the point at which the abstract, act of possibility becomes the concrete, act of actualisation. Whether you are an experienced Tarot reader or only just embarking on your journey with the Major Arcana cards, The Magician can open up new horizons and possibilities of insight and inspiration.
The Magician Tarot Card Overview
It is numbered one (I) in the Tarot’s Major Arcana, and signifies a renewed beginning; the ability to channel talent and use it to transform thoughts into action; the act of magic. It depicts a figure standing before a table on which lie the four symbols of the elements: a cup (Water); a sword (Air); a pentacle (Earth); a wand (Fire). These represent the four horizons of human possibility: feeling, thinking, material and creative.
Key Symbols of The Magician Tarot Card
The figure: The Magician holds a fully extended arm that points to the heavens with one hand, to the earth with the other, echoing the axiom ‘As above, so below’. Highlighting the Magician’s function as a spiritual conduit between heaven and earth.
The infinity Symbol: An infinity symbol hovers over the Magician’s head, showing that his power is limitless and endless.
At right is a diagram of characters. These figures represent the artist using the tools identified at left. The tools match with the suits of the Tarot:
- Cup (Water): Emotional power and intuition.
- Sword (Air): Mental clarity and communication.
- Pentacle (Earth): Physical resources and material wealth.
- Wand (Fire): Creative energy and inspiration.
The outer robe is red, to denote action, lust, or desire, and also control and willpower, while the tunic or grooming coat underneath is white, to signify purity, truth, and wisdom.
Upright Meaning of The Magician Tarot Card
If The Magician appears upright in a Tarot reading, it’s a strong sign of manifestation – you’ve got all the resources you need to advance your goals. Get to work and make it happen. You have what you need to pull off your vision. Be bold; use the gifts at your disposal to bring your plans to fruition. Trust yourself. Trust that you can make things happen.
Interpretations of The Upright Magician:
Manifestation: You have the ability to turn your thoughts into things. The universe is lining up with your desires.
You have the mindset and equipment you require to bring about transformational change. Let’s get started. Skill and Resourcefulness: YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO DO WHAT YOU WANT. IT’S TIME TO USE IT.
Focus and Willpower: Your focused energy and determination will lead to success.
Fresh Start: The Magician is almost always a signal that it’s time for a new journey in some way, or to take on a new project, in which case you’re working with the Magician to make it what you want it to be.
Reversed Meaning of The Magician Tarot Card
Reversed, The Magician suggests blockage of power or a toxic use of it, a lack of self-confidence and missed chances, a turn towards manipulation, trickery and deceit of others. The reversed Magician might indicate that you’re not using your powers to their fullest, or that you’re allowing outside forces to subvert your energies.
Interpretations of The Reversed Magician:
Missed Opportunities: You seem to be missing out on what’s in front of you.
Lack of Confidence: Self-doubt could be preventing you from moving forward.
Manipulation: Be wary of deceit, either from yourself or others.
Scattered Energy: You could be all over the place, casting wide nets, but falling short of achieving your objectives.
The Magician Tarot Card in Love and Relationships
In relationship readings (but also in love readings), The Magician symbolises attraction, and refers to the possible dynamism of the courted connection: in both senses, you have magical power to create the kind of relationship you want. If The Magician is upright, you are presented as able to attract a partner who is on the same wavelength as you. If it appears reversed, it might be interpreted as meaning you find yourself in a relationship where someone is manipulating (it could be negative about relationships or the connection concerned).
Upright Magician in Love:
Attraction: A magnetic connection, full of potential.
New Relationships: The beginning of a new and exciting romantic chapter.
Mutual Understanding: Both partners have the tools to create a fulfilling relationship.
Reversed Magician in Love:
Manipulation: Beware of deceit or hidden motives in the relationship.
Unrealized Potential: A relationship that isn’t living up to its potential.
Communication Issues: Miscommunication or lack of clarity could be causing problems.
The Magician Tarot Card in Career and Finance
For career and financial readings, The Magician is a very positive card. It may mean that you have everything you need in this life to get to where you want to be, in terms of professional goals (skills, knowledge, resources, so forth). The card advises you to take charge. Don’t be afraid to use your powers. It may suggest a creative show of force. If you get this card reversed, it means that you might be underutilising your skills. You might not be getting very far because something’s missing.
Upright Magician in Career:
Impulse: Are you ready to break free from your current life? Take the reins and craft your own destiny.
Innovation: Use your creativity to find new solutions to problems.
Success: Your skills and resourcefulness will lead to professional growth and financial gain.
Reversed Magician in Career:
You might feel ungrounded. You might even feel some constraints on what you can do. You might not have found your purpose in life. You might be lacking purpose altogether.
Underutilization: Not making the most of your skills and talents.
Ethical Concerns: Beware of unethical practices that could harm your reputation or career.
The Magician Tarot Card in Spirituality
The Magician spiritually asks you to pay attention to your alignment, questions to see if you have the tools you need to work spiritual magic in the material world, and encourages you to bring your spiritual will to bear upon the material world.
Upright Magician in Spirituality:
Alignment: You are in harmony with the spiritual energies of the universe.
Empowerment: You have the power to manifest your spiritual goals.
Awakening: A period of spiritual growth and discovery.
Reversed Magician in Spirituality:
Disconnection: You may feel out of sync with your spiritual path.
Avoid misuse of power: Do not seek to use your spiritual knowledge to advance selfish purpose or further harm.
Spiritual Confusion: A lack of clarity or direction in your spiritual journey.
Working with The Magician Tarot Card
To capitalise on The Magician’s energy, here are some daily practices to help you along:
Meditation: Meditate on The Magician card to connect with your inner power and potential.
Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your ability to create and manifest.
Visualization: Visualize yourself achieving your goals with the tools and resources at your disposal.
Journal: Reflect on your goals, and identify what you need to do in order to achieve them, illustrating the advice offered by The Magician.
Conclusion
Tarot of the Founders: Broken Mirror Edition, Illustrated by Anna Homler, The Magician Tarot card is all about potential, creativity and manifestation. When this card shows up in an upright position in a tarot reading, it’s telling you to own the magic within you. It’s a reminder to be proactive and take responsibility for your life and its direction. If The Magician shows up in reverse position, it might be time to consider other interpretations. Maybe you’re wasting your power or letting others put you in a box. The Magician invites you to explore and develop other potentials outside of your comfort zone. You are encouraged to reach further and transcend limitations. If you really want to manifest all your dreams or powers, then it’s time to start working with the energy of The Magician.
And, whatever is happening in your personal life – whether you are dealing with matters of the heart, facing the challenges of the working world, or seeking to fulfil your spiritual or psychological potential – The Magician urges you to realise that you in possession of all the power and the magic you need in order to make things happen, to bring your dreams and desires to fruition. radiant questionmark-cutout©@TheAlchemicalTarot by Robert Place and Roberta Ann Streit Published by US Games Inc Stamford, CT Copyright © 2012.