(Tarot Prompts for Writers)
Here’s a compilation of my notes on reading The Magician as a card of the day or in a spread.
If you’re just learning tarot, use the deck that most appeals to you, and spend some time looking at your card. What does it say to you? (See my description of The Magician as I see it.)
Tarot is personal and open-ended. There are traditional meanings — and yes, you should know them if you want to read tarot cards — but it really only “works” if you follow what the cards mean to you personally. Your Magician and my Magician may not mean quite the same thing.
Number
The Magician has the number 1, signifying beginnings, unity, creative power and energy. This is a very positive number for those with initiative. You are in a position of great potential. Focused action will be rewarded.
Name
The name “Magician” suggests that all their power and skill might be an illusion — but the illusion may be enough to get started on action that will build well-founded confidence. There’s a secretiveness about magicians, a special knowledge, a calm wielding of tools and toys that not everyone understands or sees clearly. The name can suggest deceptive simplicity, or skill attained by disciplined practice.
In the Tarot of Marseilles, the card is called the Juggler. The Juggler keeps aloft all aspects of life and self, making it seem so easy. But “Juggler” has a cheap and jokey air to it now, so they are called the Magician — but they can control all of their tools at once, just as a juggler could. They have in hand all the elements that comprise a whole person, and they can manipulate them all, understanding each particular use and application, with a mastery that surprises and delights those who watch them. But of course there are tricks involved. It might not be as hard as it looks to the rest of us.
Placement
The Magician follows the Fool and begins our journey. There’s a suggestion of naivite at the start of things — we think we have everything we need but we don’t know what’s out there — but this is an important and auspicious card and there’s no reason to view it cynically. This is the first numbered card of the major arcana. Some say it represents the first stage of a heightened consciousness and the divine spark in humans. The Magician is at the start of a quest to discover who they truly are and what life is all about; they have all the tools they need for this, and their journey will be amazing.
Traditional interpretations
The card can indicate the beginning of an important cycle in worldly affairs. You are likely to succeed at whatever you begin at this time – but you must begin. Don’t just stand there looking at your gifts.
The Magician is all about self-mastery. It symbolizes worldly knowledge, self-awareness, willpower, and confidence. The card advises you to expand your life and your personality. Think bigger, go farther. Be willing to face risks. Align your motives with the highest and you will go far.
The card represents the unity of the individual on all planes, spirit and body, reason and emotion, self and society. It is all about exploring and transforming the world, seeking wisdom (not status or stuff). It’s a card of good fortune. Take things on.
It has been said to warn of the “snares of one’s enemies.” (I’ve never read it that way, but it might fit your fortune.)
Reverse interpretations
Waste or abuse of power. Laziness and timidity hold you back; failure of nerve will cost you. Stop staring at your stuff. Look at the world and do something with your gifts. Don’t flaunt your cleverness; use your skills for something good. Don’t mistake the tools for the goal: apply your skills or they don’t matter.
The card reversed can also warn of disgrace or mental illness. Discuss plans with trusted friends. Face reality.
Thematic readings
- In love, the card suggests that you will have a love that can amplify your potential, a like-mindedness and strong attraction that will be good for you and your development.
- In work, the card suggests that this is a great time for action and initiative in a new venture. Use your creative power constructively. A great omen. Your individuality will shine. Get to work.
- In general life, the card suggests that taking the initiative will lead to triumph. Be willing to face risks. The answer is in the path less travelled. Be strong in character and wield your skills rightly. Use your powers for good. Be disciplined and constructive and all will go your way.
Specific positions
- Current situation: You are in balance and can take on anything. There is great potential to begin a project; it’s a lucky time for new undertakings. Don’t squander your gifts. Do something. Now. It’s a good time to travel.
- Past influence: You may have let parts of your self and your life take precedence over others, favouring one side while neglecting another. Now is the time to rebalance yourself. Have confidence; you’ve cultivated strong abilities and gathered what you need, and put yourself in a good position to progress.
- Outcome: You will be inspired to solve your problems. Have confidence that you are heading in the right direction. You have everything you need to handle what you must do – so go for it. Apply yourself with willpower and concentration, and you’ll succeed. Now is the time to tap into your greatness. There is a time and place for everything; use the right tool to the situation at hand. As long as you are aware of your motivations, and your motivations are good, you’ll succeed.
- Blocked: You need to be adaptable and versatile. Use your skills in the world, not just in your head. You may be self-absorbed to your own detriment. You must learn to live with your environment; find a way to thrive. Attend to all the aspects of a well-rounded life; don’t let some die on the table untouched.
Questions for the Querent
- Do you believe the Magician will reach their goals? Can you relate to their confidence and skill?
- Have you ever felt like this, strong and excited, about to take on the world, in such a sunny position?
- Do you have any reaction at first sight of this card? What do you focus on?
- Is there some project you’d like to begin now, something you aren’t sure you’re up to? (You are.)
- What do you feel timid or unconfident about? Are you looking at it realistically? Are you standing in your own way?
- Are your emotional/social, material/physical, intellectual/mental, and spiritual/creative sides in balance? Have you got a few tools to help you deal with all aspects of life?
- Which tool would you pick up? Which is needed to get where you want to go?
- Do you take time to step back and think about what you want to achieve and how to go about it? Are your goals deeper than stuff and imagery?
- Do you feel you have your life in hand? What’s missing? Are you just overlooking it?
- If you could speak to your self as you were at the beginning of your journey, what would you tell them? What advice would they give you now?
Keywords to aid Memory
- Self-mastery
- Confidence
- Initiative
- Versatility
- Potential
Images on this page are by the following artists: Banner, left to right: Marseilles deck engraved by Nicolas Conver; Dragon Tarot illustrated by Roger and Linda Garland (also shown alone in the box); Tarot Balbi by Domenico Balbi; Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti; Radiant Rider-Waitedeck illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; Druid Craft deck illustrated by Will Worthington.
Catherine Austen 