I. The Magician
Reading The Magician Tarot Card
What is depicted
The figure of a young man in a white tunic and a red cloak stands before an altar (or table). One of his hands is raised upward, pointing to the sky (“as above, so below”), while the other points a wand (staff) toward the earth. Above his head floats the symbol of infinity (the lemniscate), and flowers (roses and lilies) entwine around his head and robe. Laid out on the table are the attributes of the four suits of the Tarot: a cup, a sword, a pentacle, and a wand. Lush gardens bloom all around.
Semantic meaning of the elements
The hand gesture (“heaven-earth”) denotes the Magician’s ability to be a conduit for divine energy into the material world.
The tools on the table symbolize complete control over all elements (feelings, thoughts, resources, actions), ready for use.
The sign of infinity emphasizes the inexhaustible potential of consciousness and the infinity of mastery.
The white rose signifies spiritual purity of intent and an absence of karmic baggage.
General meaning in divination
Upright position: Active manifestation of will, mastery, self-confidence, concentration of all resources to achieve a goal, eloquence, influence over others, the start of a successful endeavor. The Magician says: “You have absolutely everything necessary to embody what you have conceived into reality. Act!”.
Reversed position: Abuse of power, manipulation, charlatanism, self-doubt regarding one’s talents, lack of concentration, blockage of energy when a person wastes potential in vain or uses it to their detriment.
