The Magician
The Magician symbolizes the union of spiritual and material power, depicted by two snakes entwined around a sword and wand, with lilies and roses representing purity and worldly knowledge. It emphasizes resourcefulness, logic, and the tools you already possess to manifest opportunities. Upright, the card signals overflowing creative potential, confidence, and the arrival of favorable outcomes or influential people who can teach you. Reversed, it warns of self-doubt, manipulation by others, and advises slowing down, keeping a level head, and waiting for the truth to emerge.
Keywords
Card Name
The Magician
Animal
Spiny Bush Viper
Fun fact
Spiny bush vipers are native to central Africa and are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, southwest Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. They tend to inhabit rainforests, swamps, and woodlands where they can use their prehensile tail to hold onto branches or hang upside down.
Keywords
Resourcefulness, Logic, Influence
Reversed Keywords
Uncertainty, Conniving, Trickery
Imagery
A pair of snakes wind together tightly, forming a complex knot around a sword and wand, with one head pointing up and the other pointing down, connecting the spiritual and material realm. The white lilies above symbolize purity and the red roses below reflect knowledge that comes from worldly experience. Though typically regarded as duplicitous creatures, snakes are symbols of opportunity, necessary transitions, and healing. They are also seen as guides that encourage us to fuel positive change in ourselves. The sword and wand they're wrapped around represent the physical and spiritual ways to utilize our potential. The Magician reminds us that we are well armed to tackle new opportunities, and with our notable intellect and logic, we can use these tools to shape our destiny.
Upright Meaning
When upright, the Magician signifies that the user is about to experience a wave of positive outcomes. You're at a point in your life where you're overflowing with creative potential. If you're in need of change or if you're looking to make some improvements in your life, you're already equipped with the tools, and/or abilities you need to make things happen. Use your keen mind and intense willpower to help manifest the change you want to see in your life. You could also be introduced to someone whose own skill and intellect will impress you. It could be someone you know or someone you meet for the first time. Never turn down an opportunity to learn more and gain a better understanding of the world and people around you.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Magician represents doubts weighing heavy on the user's mind. You might be feeling less than your stellar self, or you're second guessing your own abilities. These thoughts could put a damper on your drive and make you feel cynical about what your future might be or where you're headed. In spite of the heaviness you feel, you can still craft positive outcomes for yourself. But while you're under this dark cloud of doubt, be wary of seemingly trustworthy people who might try to manipulate you for their own gain. Keep a level head and allow yourself to move at a slower pace with those who you're getting odd vibes from. The truth will eventually come to light.
Visual Description
A large sword thrusts vertically through the center of the composition while a long wand or staff rests diagonally behind it. Two snakes, one red and one dark green/black, are coiled tightly around the sword and staff; one head appears at the top left, the other toward the lower right. Two roses lie at the base near the staff, and a ringed circle and small golden diamond stars float against a deep purple, star-speckled background.
Oriens tarot
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