CONSCIOUS AWARENESS
CONCENTRATION
POWER
The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle – the ultimate achiever. He symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes.
Note his stance in the picture. He acts as a lightning rod – one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy.
His abilities appear magical at times because his will helps him achieve what seems to be miracles. In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration.
This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.
What makes the Magician so powerful?
First, he is not afraid to act. He believes in himself and is willing to put that belief on the line. He also knows what he intends to do and why. He doesn’t hesitate because he understands his situation exactly. The Magician can focus with single-minded determination. As long as he remembers the divine source of his power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles.
taking action
- doing what needs to be done
- realizing your potential
- making what’s possible real
- practicing what you preach
- carrying out plans
- producing magical results
- using your talents
acting consciously
- knowing what you are doing and why
- acknowledging your motivations
- understanding your intentions
- examining the known situation
concentrating
- having a singleness of purpose
- being committed
- applying the force of your will
- feeling centered
- setting aside distractions
- focusing on a goal
experiencing power
- making a strong impact
- having vitality
- creating miracles
- becoming energized
Some possibilities
- High Priestess – nonaction, intuition, accessing the unconscious
- Hanged Man – suspending action, not doing
- Seven of Cups – lacking focus and commitment
- Four of Swords – resting quietly, storing energy
- Eight of Swords – confused and uncertain, powerless
Some possibilities
- Chariot – focusing, concentrating, being forceful
- Two of Wands – personal power, wielding a strong force
- Eight of Wands – quick action, making your move
- Eight of Pentacles – focus and concentration
There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card’s energy is present but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot be expressed freely, normally, or completely. It may be:
- still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
See Lesson 17 for more information on reversed cards.