The Magician Tarot Card

The Magician tarot card is the first card we encounter in tarot after meeting the Fool. It is a card of energy, passion, skills, new beginnings, opportunity, power and manifestation. As we embark on our journey through Tarot the Magician card launches us into the world of tarot magic. Today we are exploring the Magician card meanings, imagery and associations.

The Magician Card

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The Magician Tarot Card is the first card of the Major Arcana. Yes, you may think of the Fool as the first card, but the Fool is card zero, while the Magician is card one.

When I think of the Magician card I reflect on skills, talent, and that energy and passion that comes from starting something new. You know those butterflies that fill you when you are about to embark on a new adventure, a new relationship, a new job, or a new path? It’s that feeling of hope, optimism and forward thinking that is so intrinsic to this card.

Think of our Fool, young and enthusiastic, embracing a new adventure as they travel through the world of tarot. Focused on new opportunities and their personal development as they grow and evolve as a person. They are vibrating with energy. As they take those first steps into action, the first person they encounter is the Magician. A magnificent, powerful figure.

“I am the Magician; I am master of my own destiny, and these are the tools of my trade.”

The Tales of Tarot by Alison Davies

The Magician Card Keywords

Keywords for the Magician upright:

• Manifestation
• Inspired action
• Creative impulses
• Power
• Consciousness
• Resourcefulness
• Action
• Creation
• Possibilities
• New beginnings
• Growth
• Confidence
• Create change

Keywords for the Magician inverted:

• Self doubt
• Lack of accountability
• Lacking self belief
• Poor planning and preparation
• Destruction
• Greed
• Manipulation
• Illusions
• Untapped potential
• Revolution

Magician Tarot Card Description and Imagery

In the traditional Rider-Waite Smith tarot deck, the Magician is depicted as a powerful, confident man standing at a table surrounded by symbolism.

He stands with one arm stretched upwards towards the divine or universe, and the other pointing down to the earth. Both receiving and directing energy and power. This stance represents a connection to both the spiritual and the material realms. It also corresponds to the saying, “As Above, So Below”.

The Magician’s robe is white, which symbolizes purity. Over top he wears a cloak in red, which represents passion, worldly experience, and knowledge.

On the table in front of him are a variety of tools including a cup, a sword, a wand and a pentacle. These are the symbols of the four Tarot suits, and also symbolize the four elements – water, air, fire and earth. These tools represent all the tools the Magician needs to manifest intentions and they also represent the different aspects of his power and abilities.

Above his head is the infinity symbol and around his waist is a silvery snake biting its own tail. These are symbols of unlimited potential, eternal life, and the cycles all humans go through. These also hint at the journey through Tarot, which is a never ending cycle of growth and development.

Along the top and bottom of the card in the foreground there is greenery with red and white flowers, which reflect the colours of the robes. Just as the flowers bloom and grow, so do your own powers and dreams.

More Imagery

I love comparing the imagery across various tarot decks. It provides some incredible insight into the card meanings, plus, some are just stunning artwork. Here are just a few Magician tarot cards from various other decks.

Numerology

In numerology, the Magician tarot card is associated with the number 1, which represents new beginnings, individuality, and leadership.

As the first card in the Major Arcana its number is often seen as a symbol of initiation or a fresh start. It represents the power of manifestation and transformation, as well as the ability to bring ideas into reality.

The number 1 is also associated with self-confidence, independence, and creativity, which are all qualities that the Magician embodies. This card is often interpreted as a call to action, encouraging the you to take charge of your life and use your skills and resources to achieve your goals.

Astrological Correspondence

In astrology, the Magician tarot card is associated with the planet Mercury. Mercury is the planet of communication, intellect, and creativity, and is often associated with the power of the mind. A perfect fit for our Magician.

The Magician also corresponds to the Zodiac sign, Gemini.

The association with Mercury reinforces the message from the Magician that there is a powerful connection between the power of the mind, the power of communication, and the ability to manifest one’s intentions through focused effort and willpower.

Elemental Association

The Magician is also associated with the element of air, which represents intellect, communication, and rational thinking. The element of air is often associated with the mind and with the power of thought, which is another reason why the Magician is associated with Mercury and Gemini.

The Magician Tarot Card Meanings

Upright

The Magician is a master of manifestation, personal power, and creativity. As the first Major Arcana card, it represents the start of a journey and new adventures.

Now is the time to take action on that idea that’s been bouncing around in your mind. Embrace the potential and the possibilities, and apply your focused intention to see what manifests.

You have everything you need within you to manifest your dreams and desires. You have the skills, talent and ability that you have grown over your lifetime. They have led you to this moment, this opportunity. Now is the time to focus and put in the time and effort to make things happen in your life.

Your journey will be smoother if you have a strong spiritual connection to your goals, desires and dreams. Focus on balancing the spiritual and the material when creating your goals. Yes, we all need money, but material needs can’t be the only driving force behind your intentions. By finding that perfect balance, you become a powerful conduit of the energy between the divine and the physical. Allowing you to act like a battery, powering up your dreams and goals. Manifesting them into existence.

By embracing your inner power and creativity, you have an opportunity to align with your Higher Self. When you discover your soul purpose and follow that path, magical things happen.

Working with this card, we are guided to take ideas, apply our own strengths, and turn them into reality. We are encouraged to embrace our power and the tools we carry within us, and put them into action. The Magician reminds us, that with focus and determination, you can achieve anything. Now is the time for doing!

The Magician Reversed

When the Magician card is reversed in a tarot reading, it can indicate a blockage or imbalance in the areas of manifestation, personal power, and creativity. There are a few different ways this may present.

It may indicate that you are struggling to take action and make things happen. Perhaps you are feeling stuck or powerless to create the outcomes you desire. Maybe there is something blocking your path that needs addressing. It could also be that your intentions and desires do not have a healthy balance between the spiritual and material. Identify the issue so you can start to find new paths to achieve your goals.

We all have power, but how we use that power is key. When reversed, it could indicate there is an abuse of power or misusing skills in a way that could be harming. It may be time to examine your intentions and process.

Perhaps it is revealing an inability to manifest desires. Negative beliefs, self-doubt, loss of confidence or a lack of clarity are creating a blockage that is preventing you from achieving your dreams. Consider doing some shadow work.

It may also indicate a breakdown in communication or a lack of clarity in expressing your ideas, thoughts and intentions to others or yourself. Find new ways to clarify your message and open the lines of communication.

When reversed, the Magician card in a tarot reading can indicate a need to address blockages or imbalances in personal power, creativity, and ability. By bringing your attention to these issues, you can clear those blockages so you may begin the work to manifest your desires. This may mean it is time to reassess your goals, beliefs, and values and make necessary changes to overcome any obstacles and move forward towards your higher self.

The Magician Card in a Reading

Like all Tarot cards, the meaning of the Magician card in a spread depends on the question, the surrounding cards, the placement in the spread and the interpretation by the reader.

Here are some key themes to consider when interpreting the card.

New beginnings

The Magician is often associated with the start of a new journey, a new project, or a new chapter in one’s life. The card suggests that the person has the tools, skills, and resources needed to manifest their desires and make things happen. Now is the time to put in the work.

Action and initiative

The Magician represents the power of the will and the ability to take action. The card suggests that the person needs to be proactive and use their abilities to create the outcomes they desire.

Creativity and imagination

The Magician is a symbol of creativity and innovation. The card suggests that the person should think outside the box and use their imagination to come up with new ideas and solutions.

Manifestation

The Magician is associated with manifestation techniques such as visualization, affirmations, and intention setting. The card suggests that the person has the ability to create their reality and manifest their desires through these techniques.

Communication

The Magician is a master of communication and persuasion. The card suggests that the person should use their words and influence to achieve their goals.

When the Magician card turns up in a spread it represents the power of will, creativity and the ability to manifest desires. It encourages the person to take action, use their skills and resources, and think outside the box to achieve their goals.

The Magician Yes or No

When doing a simple Yes or No tarot reading, the Magician card can be a bit ambiguous, however in most cases I see Magician as a Yes… with a “but”.

It may indicate that you have the skills and tools needed to achieve your goals, but you need to take action, and apply focus and determination to make things happen. Taking a passive approach will not be enough to manifest your desires.

If you are asking if your desired outcome will occur, the Magician says Yes… but you will need to put in the time and effort to obtain the goals you seek. If you are not willing to put in the energy, the answer is no.

In the end, it will really come down to the question and your interpretation of the card.

Daily Affirmations

Use daily affirmations to harness the energy of the Magician card, and bring that into your daily life.

I am doing. – Kitchen Table Tarot
I am called to step into my power. – Tales of Tarot
Everything I need to make my dreams come true is within me.
Now is the time to manifest.
I am enough.
I have the tools within me.
Confidence and self belief is my super power.
I manifest my desires.
I use my power for the greater good.
Willpower, drive and ambition will bring my goals into alignment.
My dreams are possible.
What I need is at my fingertips waiting to be unleashed.
I am the connection between the divine and earthly realms.

The Magician Tarot

The Magician tarot card is a powerful card that leads us to take action and use the tools we already have to manifest our dreams and desires. It is all within us. The time for excuses is over. The time for taking action is now. With your talents, skills, determination, focus and energy, you can manifest your goals. The Magician is telling you to start doing!

Next we meet the High Priestess Tarot Card.