The Magician
The Magician symbolizes action, self-confidence, and the ability to manifest one's desires through personal power and awareness. Surrounded by the tools of magic, he emphasizes that true magic comes from within, and his control over the elements suggests a mastery of one's skills. The card encourages self-love and confidence, breathing new life into pursuits, while its inverted meaning reflects the misuse of power and ethical failures.
Keywords
Affirmation
I am doing.
The Magician's Tools
The Magician has all of the magical tools in front of him—pentacle, wand, cup, and sword—but he’s not reaching for them. He has his own two hands, one usually pointing up and one down, which calls to the Wiccan prayer, “As above, so below.” He is in control of the elements. He is calling the shots. The Magician uses his own energy to make things happen. He is surrounded by growth and beauty and is adorned with an infinity symbol.
Awareness of Abilities
He’s looking straight ahead and is completely aware of his abilities. This card always reminds me that we are magic. Remember, the first chalice was a cupped hand, the first wand an outstretched finger, and the first pentacle an open hand. The first sword was probably a sword, but whatever. The point is we don’t have a need for trappings; we only need ourselves.
Symbolism of Growth
He is surrounded by growth—the bower over his head and the flowers at his feet. This is a card of action. The infinity symbol near his head also speaks of kinetic energy. He’s about to make things happen.
Self-Confidence
The Magician exudes self-confidence. One of the most telling parts of a stage magician is the level of hard work that goes into his expertise. He can spend hours and hours on a presentation or trick, but all of that will remain hidden, and he’ll pull off the presentation as if it were completely spontaneous.
Swagger and Success
That kind of swagger, the “I got this” energy—that’s the Magician. You see this card a lot with successful people or with people who’ve just found the correct path in their life and have just had that eureka moment. Just sit down, kiddo. He’s got this covered.
Charging the Reading
When the Magician shows up in a reading, the reading becomes charged with potential. It represents self-love, self-awareness, and confidence. It’s one thing to know for certain that you’re going to do something. It’s something altogether different to know for certain that you’re going to succeed. It changes the flavor of the reading and breathes new life and magic into whatever you’re working on.
The Magician Inverted
The Magician inverted is a jerk. It is power and swagger gone bad. Look over there! (While I’m a crazy bad guy over here.) Think of all the politicians who’ve been busted for having sexual escapades—the ones that were on all of the morality councils and then are caught in an adulterous scandal? The police chief busted for possession? This is that jerk.
Smith-Waite tarot
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