Who better to officially start the Major Arcana than the Magician? This disco-dancing mage is a pro at making things happen and connecting the physical and spiritual worlds. The Magician knows how to use earth, air, fire, and water to create magic and transform things! This card encourages us to realize our own power and tap into the elements around us to make our dreams come true.

Numerology

Pythagorean Numerology: The number 1 is known as the Monad, symbolizing both unity and the origin of all things. According to Pythagoreans, the number 1 is not merely a number but an essential ingredient from which all other numbers derive. All numbers could be created by adding sufficient copies of 1.

Modern practitioners:Modern practitioners view the number 1 as a representation of beginnings, individuality, and the initiation of new cycles. The Magician embodies this transformative power of initiation and creation and signifies a fresh start and the capacity to shape one's destiny through conscious intent.

The Magician assumes the role of the architect of reality, skillfully weaving the elemental threads of earth, air, fire, and water into a tapestry of manifestation and magic. This card stands as a potent symbol of the creative forces at the genesis of existence, reflecting the ability to manifest and shape reality consciously.

The symbolism behind the card

Youthful Figure: The youthful figure on The Magician card is adorned in a magician's robe, sporting a beaming smile and radiant eyes. The Pictorial key to the tarot it says "having the countenance of divine Apollo". Apollo is the Greek god of music, light, poetry, and healing, and is thought to be eternaly young and beautiful.

Infinity Symbol: Above The Magician's head is a symbol that appears in many different cultures and religions.

Completeness and Perfection: In some cultures, like the ancient Greeks, the infinity symbol represents completeness or perfection due to its unending nature.

Balance and Duality: In certain spiritual traditions, the two loops of the symbol can represent the balance between opposing forces or the unity of masculine and feminine energies.

Eternal Return and Cycles: Similar to the Ouroboros, the infinity symbol can signify concepts of eternity, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and existence.

Serpent: A serpent around The Magician's waist appears to devour its own tail, representing the continuous cycle of spiritual growth and eternal life and appears in many different cultures and religions.

Egypt: The earliest known instance of the ouroboros is found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, the 14th century BCE Pharaoh of Egypt, and was used to denote the cyclical nature of time.

Norse Mythology: Jǫrmungandr is a sea serpent, the middle child of the giantess Angrboða and Loki. According to the Prose Edda, Odin took Jörmungandr and tossed it into the great ocean that encircles Midgard. The serpent grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail. When it releases its tail, Ragnarök will begin.

Hinduism & Buddhism: The cyclical nature of samsara, the endless cycle of rebirth, is often depicted as a serpent biting its tail.

As above, so below: In his right hand, The Magician holds a wand pointing to the heavens, receiving grace and divine virtue. His left hand gestures towards the earth, bringing spiritual gifts into our material world. The Magician isn't just a powerful figure, but a conduit.

The Emerald Tablet: The most famous link to the phrase "as above, so below" is the Emerald Tablet, a short Hermetic text believed to be written by Hermes Trismegistus. The exact date of the text is unknown, but estimates place it between 2nd and 8th centuries AD. The second verse, in some Latin translations, reads like this: "Quod est superius est sicut quod inferius, et quod inferius est sicut quod est superius" which translates to "What is above is like what is below, and what is below is like what is above." This is considered a key expression of the "As above, so below" principle.

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: where Waite learned much of his symbolism, heavily relied on the "As above, so below" principle. It permeated their understanding of magic, ritual, and the connections between the spiritual and material realms.

Table Symbols: Upon the table before The Magician lies the symbols of the four Tarot suits, denoting the elements of natural life. These symbols are at his command, showcasing mastery over the forces of existence.

Pentacle: The gold star on the top left of the table is the Pentacle. It represents the earth element, hinting at physical things like your body, material possesions, and finance.

Sword: The silver sword on the top right of the table is the Sword. It represents the air element, expressing the Magicians mastery over logic. It can represent the mind, thoughts, ideas, or conversations.

Wand: The stick on the bottom of the table is the Wand. It represents the fire element, representing passion, desire, and life.

Cup: In the middle of the table is the Cup. It represents the water element, hinting at intuition, feeling, and emotion.

Flowers: Beneath The Magician, roses and lilies transform into garden flowers, symbolizing the cultivation of aspirations and a journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary. In the Victorian era, the language of flowers, also known as "Floriography," each flower symbolizes something different. Arthur Waite studied Floriography prior to helping create the classic Rider Waite Tarot deck. On this card we have lillies, roses, and garden flowers.

Lillies: The lily of the valley or "Lilium Convallium" symbolize sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness.

Roses: The red roses or "Rosa rubra" Symbolize love and passion.

Garden flowers: The flower of the field or "Flos Campi" symbolize natural beauty, simplicity, and sometimes even freedom or untamed emotions.

Red Cloak: The red cloak worn by The Magician could symbolize passion, willpower, and the fiery energy needed to manifest desires.

Examples

Lets take a deep dive into what this card might mean in different spreads and positions

Relationship:

Upright:

Power couple: Heaven, Earth, and all the elements are sure to provide a magical experience. The Magician may imply this relationship has the potential to produce a power couple or dynamic duo.

Manifestation of Love: The Magician may indicate that the power to create a strong and fulfilling relationship lies within both partners. It suggests that with focused intent and communication, the relationship can flourish.

Taking Action: The card may also suggest that it's time for both partners to actively work on the relationship. This could involve clear communication, setting goals, or making positive changes together.

Unity and Connection: The Magician often symbolizes the connection between the spiritual and physical realms. In a relationship reading, it can signify a deep spiritual or emotional connection between partners.

Reversed:

Manipulation or Deception:Reversed, the Magician may indicate potential manipulation or deception within the relationship. It's essential for both partners to be honest and open to avoid misunderstandings.

Misuse of Power: It might suggest that one or both partners are not using their personal power wisely in the relationship. This could lead to conflicts or power struggles.

Lack of Manifestation: In a reversed position, the Magician may suggest a difficulty in manifesting positive changes or desires in the relationship. It could indicate a need for more focused effort or clarity in goals.

Obstacle:

Upright:

Overconfidence or Manipulation: The obstacle may involve issues related to overconfidence or a tendency to manipulate situations. The person might need to be mindful of how they wield their influence and power.

Skill Mismanagement: There could be a challenge in effectively managing or utilizing one's skills. The person may need to reassess their approach and ensure that they are using their talents in a constructive and balanced manner.

Manifestation Difficulties: The obstacle may be in the realm of manifesting goals. The person might face difficulties in bringing their desires into reality, possibly due to external factors or a need for more focused intention.

Reversed:

Lack of Confidence or Empowerment:The obstacle may involve a lack of confidence or a feeling of disempowerment. The person might struggle to assert themselves or may doubt their abilities, hindering their progress.

Creative Blocks: Reversed, the Magician may indicate creative blocks or a lack of inspiration. The person might find it challenging to come up with innovative solutions or may feel stuck in their current situation.

Misuse of Skills: There could be a risk of misusing skills or talents, either by the individual or by others around them. The person may need to be cautious of unethical practices and ensure that their abilities are used for positive purposes.

Health:

Upright:

Physical Vitality: The Magician may signify a period of increased energy and vitality. It could suggest that the individual has the power to take control of their physical well-being and make positive changes in their health.

Manifesting Healing: This card may indicate the ability to manifest healing energy or the power to overcome health challenges. It encourages the individual to focus on their well-being and take proactive steps toward recovery.

Holistic Health: The Magician is associated with the integration of different elements. In a health reading, it might suggest that a holistic approach to health, considering both physical and mental well-being, is crucial for overall wellness.

Reversed:

Lack of Control:The reversed Magician could indicate a feeling of being out of control regarding health matters. It may suggest the need to regain control through lifestyle changes, self-discipline, or seeking professional advice.

Avoiding Responsibilities: It might signal a tendency to avoid taking necessary steps for health improvement. This could involve neglecting healthy habits, avoiding medical advice, or refusing to address health issues.

Energy Drain: Reversed, the Magician may suggest a drain of vital energy or a struggle to manifest positive health changes. The individual may need to address underlying issues or seek support to regain balance.

Finance:

Upright:

Financial Mastery: The Magician in an upright position may suggest that the individual has the skills and resources to take control of their financial situation. It could indicate a time for strategic planning and making wise financial decisions.

Manifestation of Wealth: This card can symbolize the ability to manifest wealth and abundance. It may encourage the individual to leverage their talents, skills, and resources to create financial opportunities.

Resourcefulness: The Magician often represents resourcefulness. In a finance reading, it may suggest that the individual has the ability to find creative solutions to financial challenges or make the most of available resources.

Reversed:

Financial Mismanagement:Reversed, the Magician may indicate a lack of control or mismanagement of finances. It could be a warning to avoid risky financial decisions and to focus on creating a more stable and disciplined approach.

Deception or Manipulation: In a reversed position, the Magician may suggest potential deception or manipulation in financial matters. It's essential for the individual to be cautious in their dealings and to ensure transparency in financial transactions.

Lack of Planning: The reversed Magician could signify a lack of strategic planning or a failure to utilize available resources effectively. It may be a reminder to assess financial goals and develop a clear plan for achieving them.

Self:

Upright:

Confidence: With his upright stature and confident smile The Magician in the "Self" position is sure of what he's doing.

Resourcefulness: The Magician in the self position may indicate that the person or situation is resourceful and capable of using available tools and opportunities to their advantage.

Active Participation: This card suggests active participation and a hands-on approach to the matter at hand. The individual is not a passive observer but is taking charge and making things happen.

Reversed:

Loss of Control: The person or situation may be struggling to maintain control or influence in the circumstances. There could be lack mindset or lack of confidence hindering their ability to manifest their desires.

Manipulation or Misuse of Power: Reversed, the Magician may suggest a potential misuse of power or manipulation. The person could be facing consequences for unethical actions or a lack of transparency.

Ineffectiveness or Lack of Mastery: The reversed Magician may indicate a temporary setback or a period where the person is not effectively using their skills and resources. There may be a need to reassess strategies.

Hobby/Career:

Upright:

Skillful Pursuits: The Magician in an upright position suggests that the individual possesses a diverse set of skills and talents relevant to their chosen hobby or career. They have the ability to utilize these skills effectively.

Manifestation: This card indicates a creative and resourceful approach to the hobby or career. The person is likely to bring innovation and a unique perspective to their pursuits, making them stand out in their field.

Empowerment: The Magician signifies a sense of empowerment and control in the chosen area. The individual may be in a position where they can actively shape their hobby or career path and achieve their goals.

Reversed:

Skill Challenges:Reversed, the Magician may indicate challenges in utilizing one's skills effectively. The individual might face difficulties in showcasing their talents or may need to overcome obstacles hindering their progress.

Creativity Block: The reversed Magician could suggest a creative block or a lack of inspiration in the chosen hobby or career. The person may need to explore new approaches or seek fresh perspectives to overcome stagnation.

Misalignment with Goals: Reversed, the Magician warns of potential misalignment with goals and intentions. It's essential for the individual to reassess their objectives and take corrective actions to ensure they are on the right path.

Advice:

Upright:

Harness Your Power: The advice is to recognize and harness your personal power. You have the ability to influence and shape your reality. Take control of your life with confidence and assertiveness.

Be Resourceful: Reevalute your resources. The Magician implies you already have everything you need. Utilize your skills and talents to their fullest potential. This card encourages you to be resourceful and creative in finding solutions to challenges. Your abilities are valuable assets.

Set Clear Intentions: Be clear about your goals and intentions. Focus your energy on what you truly desire and take deliberate actions to manifest positive outcomes in various aspects of your life.

Be Proactive: The Magician advises being proactive in all areas of your life. Take the initiative, make decisions, and actively pursue your dreams. Your ability to influence your circumstances is significant.

Reversed:

Reflect on Skills:The advice is to reflect on your skills and areas where improvement may be needed. Take the time to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and consider acquiring new knowledge or honing existing abilities.

Missing Elements: The reversed Magician may be warning you of a missing essential component to your inquiry. Perhaps the timing is off, the resources aren't available, or there is a unfulfilled requirement.

Clarify Intentions: If there's confusion or lack of clarity in your goals, the advice is to take time to clarify your intentions. Ensure that your aspirations are aligned with your authentic self and that you're pursuing what truly matters to you.

Some brief ramblings from the author:

Card one of the Major Arcana. All numbers break down to one when divised far enough. All other cards have a little one in them. I consider The Magician to be both the fundamental elements of existence and the creator assembling them. The architect of reality. "God" if you will, but not like the judgy, burn you for your sins kinda God lol.

Arthur Waite talked about the infinity symbol above his head representing the Holy Spirit, and the snake representing "the eternity of attainment in the spirit". The Major Arcana in general is hinting at larger-than-life concepts. This is the origin of that and the first step of the Fool's Journey.

How has the Magician come up in your readings? Maybe he has encouraged you to join a disco dance competition? Maybe he inspired you to dress up as John Travolta for Halloween? I'd love to hear about it in the comments lol.

Yall Stay Magical.