The Magician begins his journey
through life with supreme confidence

The Magician follows on from The Fool emerging
as the adolescent and self-awareness of the Child

Following on from The Fool, the Magician signifies the first stage of conscious existence, the emerging self-awareness of the child and the beginning of his journey through life.  His first task will be to learn how to live in his environment; he must come to wield his elemental weatpons - his physical senses - with power and authority before he can proceed.

Traditionally the Magician is the adept who has brought all facets of his being into conscious equilibrium, from the physical to the divine, and is therefore able to manifest divine power on the material plane.  The sceptre he holds on high represents his flaming will, with which he controls the Four Elements - symbolised by the four devices that lie on the altar before him - the sword (air), the cup (water), the baton (fire) and the coin (earth).

The symbol above his head signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit, therefore his inspiration is seen to

Beginner's Guide to Tarot with Cards

The Magician's inner garments are white to signify his inward purity and equilibrium; his outer robe and girdle are scarlet to show the fire of his pruposeful activity.  The lilies around his feet symbolise his aspiration, the roses his achievement.

He is the teacher who appears when the pupil is ready, the master of wisdowm who will instruct the Fool in the hidden ways of the soul.

In mundale terms he is the man who uses his intellect and energy to explore and transform the world around himself, who is not satisfied with things the way they are but most ceaselessly search for meanings and alternatives.

Being unable to accept the explanations that are given him concerning the nature and goal of life, he must strive to uncover the secrets of existence for himself.  In this aspect he is the hero who has embarked on the quest for wisdom, the seeker at the door of the hidden temple.

When reversed, the Magician becomes the Juggler, the trickster who conjures with life, delighting to observe the effect his clever sleight-of-hand has on lesser mortals.  The object of his quest is not then wisdom, but power.  If he succeeds in invoking real elemental forces, then he becomes a wizard - the instrument of those demonic powers he sought to control.

Upright:  Points to strength of will, the expansion of the personality, a willingness to face risks, initiative that will lead to success and triumph.  Also adaptability and versatality, diplomacy and self-confidence.  Can indicate the commencement of an important new cycle in the querent's affairs.

Reversed: Weakness of will, failure of nerve, timidity and hesitation resulting in further problems; an inability to face reality.