The Magician
☽ ☾
The Magician ☽ ☾
The Magician
Key Meanings
Upright: willpower, manifestation, resourcefulness, creation, self-confidence, go-getter
Reversed: trickery, cunning, manipulation, disempowerment, detached/aloof, deception, illusion, hedonist
The Magician:
Archetypes
The Magician, The Trickster, The Mad Scientist
Examples: Coyote (Native American mythology), Loki (Thor, The Avengers), Viktor Frankenstein (Frankenstein)
The Magician:
Description
The infinity symbol hovers above the Magician’s head, revealing this figure’s access to unlimited power. They stand with confidence facing the viewer, one arm held high to the heavens, and the other pointed down toward the earth, hinting at the connection between Earth and the Cosmos (“As Above, So Below”). All four elemental symbols lie on the table and all corners are adorned in flowers: white lilies to represent purity and spirituality, roses to represent emotions and transformation, and general foliage to represent abundance. The yellow or “golden” background imbues the overall energy with a bright promise of good things to come.
The Magician:
Upright Meaning
The Magician (1) represents the power of harnessing Tarot’s four elements and bending them to one’s will. The card calls on you to realize your own infinite power to manifest your desires into reality. Your fingertips are bursting with magical potential, and you have everything you need to create what you wish to see in the world. Heed your creative impulses and move confidently in their direction.
All of life requires balance, so be sure to stay grounded in reality as your creative mind wanders high in the clouds. Remember that what you think becomes who you are and, eventually, what you do. Try to turn your thoughts to the good and pure as much as possible, and you will see this energy manifest in your own life. Whether you exercise your talents in writing, business, engineering, or politics, responsibility always accompanies power. The Magician upright asks that you find ways to use your powers for good.
The Magician:
Reversed Meaning
Associated with Mercury, The Magician’s energy can be shifty or “mercurial.” When drawn reversed, The Magician warns of an abuse of power, especially one that upsets the natural balance of the cosmos. If you are thinking of casting a spell on someone or manipulating others to get what you want, this card wants you to reflect on what illusions may have led you here. Do you believe yourself more deserving of resources? Have you convinced yourself that your perspective or vision holds more truth than another’s?
Remember that many powerful characters, such as Loki or Sauron, known as tricksters, have duped themselves into believing they know what’s best for everyone else and exert their will regardless of the repercussions. This self-deception ultimately leads to their downfall. Likewise, be wary of others who try to convince you to go against your morals or gut feeling. Do not fall for the shiny prize or what feels too good to be true.