Rider Waite Major Arcana - The Magician

The Magician is numbered ‘1’ within the Major Arcana suit, despite being the second Major Arcana card after The Fool.

At some point in our lives, we understand that we’re in the middle; progression is something we put on ourselves. You can improve but there will always be those better and worse than you. Realising this is one of the first steps to truly improving our lives.

The Magician symbolises the phrase “As Above, so Below”, and represents the first steps on a journey. A phrase you have likely heard, As Above, So Below shows tat there is always a greater and less, a bigger and smaller, a macro and micro.

The Magician shows that we begin to understand how different elements of life are expressed around us, like the square is an expression of the cube, a shadow is an expression of the object casting the shadow.

The Magician symbolises all this; seeing behind the veil, and understanding the bigger picture. There is always something greater, and what we see and experience is sometimes a shadow of the real thing.

At a glance

The Magician is a tarot card that is associated with creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to turn your ideas into reality. It typically depicts a figure, dressed in colorful robes and holding a staff, standing in front of a table. On the table are the four suits of the tarot deck, representing the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water.

The Magician card suggests that you are a powerful and creative force, and that you have the ability to manifest your ideas and make them a reality. It indicates that you are resourceful and able to use the tools and resources at your disposal to create the life you want. The Magician card can also represent the power of intention, and the ability to focus your energy and attention in order to manifest your goals and desires.

In some readings, the Magician card can indicate that you are being guided by a higher power or spiritual guide who is helping you to manifest your dreams and goals. This guide may be a teacher, mentor, or trusted friend who can help you to navigate through challenges and obstacles. The Magician card can also suggest that you are being called to use your unique skills and abilities to help others, and to make a positive impact in the world.

Overall, the Magician card is a reminder of your own inherent power and creativity. It suggests that you have the ability to manifest your ideas and goals, and that you are being supported and guided on your journey.

Card meanings

Past

You’ve come far with your talents and skills. It is good to work hard to put ourselves in a better position for later life, but be careful, make sure you aren’t relaxing too much.

You have had the ability to do well for yourself, so try to bring that energy back into your life now if you need it. Don’t belittle your own achievements, use them as fuel for your mind and set some new, bigger goals. Make your past self proud.

The past is a good indicator of our future. We can change our path in life but many of us do not. The Magician in the past position can highlight this. Maybe you are not proud of your past and your achievements. You can always improve and change things, but it will take a little more willpower than usual. The future is not set in stone.

Present

The Magician in the present position asks you; “Are you happy with your current life?” Usually, most people are generally content, but there are things we would like to change. Look to your past for inspiration, and envisage your future self.

If you have just started something new; a job, or perhaps a relationship, then it is worth continuing no matter how difficult it seems.

The Magician in the present position is a good card to draw, a good omen. The Magician is always in the present, always in the middle. If something in your life is ending, then it is for the best. If something begins, then it is the right path to follow.

Future

The Magician is well placed in the future. Though only the second card in the Major Arcana, he represents a type of completion, at least in theory.

The Magician seems to understand how the world works. If you’re currently struggling with life, remember your vision as a younger person or child. try to maintain what your goals used to be and work towards them. You have the potential to achieve much.

The Magician in the future position can represent your potential for greatness. You are much more able and capable than you think you are. Push your own boundaries if you want to achieve mastery.

Work, careers and education

Good news if you’ve been out of a job, or are struggling with school; The Magician represents a new step towards the right direction.

Consider education if you’re struggling with work; you may be in the right place to learn skills, but not yet experienced enough to apply them.

The Magician is a good card to draw when it comes to career, in general. You may feel as though you desire more challenges. Do not rest on a plateau. You can achieve a lot in life by putting in a little effort.

If you’re struggling to find a future in your career, then you should look to change paths. What makes you happy and fulfilled? How can you improve your own life, and the lives of others? A career is more than just making a lot of money.

You spend a lot of time, and much of your life, at work. The Magician reminds us that we need to take control of our lives, and therefore our careers. Do not browse through your life, take the lead.

Love and Relationships

Branch out into new groups if you can, especially a hobby you are already interested in or experienced with. The Magician can show that your focus right now is not on romantic love, but a greater understanding in life.

Find others to look onto as mentors. Romance can blossom here, especially if your chosen partner is somebody much more experienced than you, somebody you can look up to.

The Magician reminds us to learn from our past relationships, and put these lessons into place for the future. If you do not learn from your mistakes, then you will repeat them.

Your next relationship will be a memorable one, if you are single. Most relationships, no matter how small, teach us something about ourselves. Take these lessons to heart.

Wealth

It’s likely that a money making opportunity will come into your life if you draw The Magician in relation to wealth. Money isn’t everything in this world, but it can certainly help us achieve our goals.

Do you actually need a lot of money to achieve your goals? Consider the balance of the card; The Magician is pictured with each Minor Arcana symbol; we need to have balance in our lives if we want to be happy.

The Magician realises that money is not everything, and certainly cannot buy happiness or satisfaction.

Health and well-being

Meeting new people and experiencing new things is closely linked to a healthy mind. See ‘Relationships’ above; look for others to help, and others who can help you.

If you’re spiritually lacking, try some sort of spiritual exercise; Tai-chi or Yoga for instance. It may give you the balance you need.

The Magician asks us to look at the causes of our illnesses; both physical and mental. If you are unhappy in life, then look to your environment, friends, family, activities.

We may feel as though we are stuck in a rut sometimes, with no escape. The Magician represents the middle, things will improve if we want them to, or get worse if we do not try.

Other associations

Element : Air

Astrological sign: Mercury

As a Yes or No question: Yes

Crystal: Topaz

Keywords

Power, action, manifestation, understanding, middle, macrocosm and microcosm