The Magician

What does the word ‘Magician’ bring to mind? A man holding a wand performing magic tricks to entertain and amuse? Perhaps it brings to mind conjurers that we have seen in theatres and performances, in which they dazzle us with their amazing feats of conjuration and slight of hand. In the Tarot, the Magician is something similiar but not entirely the same.

The second card of the Major Arcanna ( or greater secrets ) is known as the Magician. Sometimes it is the first card, depending on how creators of the decks chose to number the cards but in the Rider Waite Deck (one of the most popular decks in the world today), it is the second card but numbered 1. Regardless of whether it is the first or second card, it is always numbered 1. The Magician is also sometimes known as the Mage, the Juggler, the Minstrel, Sorcerer, Mountebank, Bagad or Pagad.

This card, like all the cards in the Tarot, has numerous meanings. It speaks of building of new houses, originations of inventions or perhaps new forms of art. It could indicate that the Seeker is active in his domestic life. The ability to organize is also suggested. It also symbolizes youth, action and diplomatic ability and the ability to influence others.

When reversed, this card can symbolize the failure of a project, plans that are poorly constructed or power is used for destructive ends.

The Magician is a card of Creation and Creativity, a stage of life that we must ultimately pass through for at some point or other in our lives, we are the Magician, creating new things and share the energy that this card represents.

Due to the number of different decks today, I will describe serveral Magician Cards from the various decks that I have in my collection rather than just describe a single card. Here are a few Magician Cards that I felt were interesting. Those that have interesting cards of the Magician are welcome to contribute their descriptions.


The Tarot of Love

The Magician here is a man younger than usual, practically a child. He stands in a heart shaped frame with two storks above him, their beaks meeting. He sits cross legged with an air of bliss and content as he holds two tear shaped objects, obviously part of a full disc or circle but was drawn apart by the magician. A Cosmic Lemniscate drawn in a faint rainbow of lines link the two symbols together. His seat appears to grow from a heart in the ground. Lush plants grow around his seat.


The Tarot of the Old Path

The Magician is a man wearing only a piece of fur drapped over his shoulder. He sits on the ground, holding a sword, its pointing aimed downwards. To his left is a roaring fire and a wolf, both drawn in such a way as if the wolf was emarging from the fire itself. Beside the fire is a stone tablet or table on which rests a small chalice. The Magician stares at a set of Rune Stones which he has just thrown. Behind him are rolling hills and a starry sky. A full moon lits up the entire scene. On top of a hill are a set of stones resembling Stonehedge. A bolt of lightning issues from the skies and strikes the centre. Beside the set of stones and directly underneath the full moon is a Unicorn, gazing into the distance, towards the left of the card.


The Rider Waite Deck

The Magician in the Rider Waite Deck is a young man. He is dressed in a simple red and white robe. Hovering above his head is the Cosmic Lemniscate ( a figure 8 lying on its side ), the Symbol of Infinity. Around his waist, serving as a belt, is a snake with its tail in its mouth, another Symbol of Infinity. His right hand holds a wand and points upwards while his other hand, empty, points downwards. Before him, on a table, are the 4 symbols of the Minor Arcanna, a Wand, a Cup, a Sword & a Pentacle. Overhead, near the top of the cards, lush vines grow. Lilies and roses grow around the table.


The Unicorn Tarot

The Magician of the Unicorn Tarot is an old man dressed in purple Wizardly robes. He holds a the horn of a Unicorn in one hand, his arms outstretched to his side, as if casting some great spell. This is possibly so for a Cup, a Pentacle and a Sword levitate in front of him, surrounding by a glowing aura. Beside him, to his left, a Unicorn watches.


The Wonderland Tarot Deck

The Magician here is dressed in an old fashioned suit, perhaps worn in the 1960s. As in the Rider Waite Deck, a plant of some sort ( though not resembling a vine ) grows above his head, liliies and roses grow around the table, though not as thickly. In his right hand, he holds a Rabbit and his other hand points downwards. On the table are the four suits, Peppermills, Hats, Clams and a Flamingo.