Tarot Layouts - The Magician

Tarot Layouts/Tarot Card Meanings for The Magician:

This card represents a conscious desire to act as a mediator between the higher and lower worlds, also known as the spiritual and the mundane.

The figure in the card stands in perfect balance, like a lightning rod able to bear the current.

In the right hand is the double crystal wand of wisdom, which some alternatively see as a scroll of wisdom. The left hand points to the ground, illustrating the phrase ‘As Above So Below’.

This card is ruled by Mercury and conveys swiftness of mind.

If this is in your tarot layouts, you will see above the Magician’s heard is a symbol of eternity.

Around his waist is a belt of a snake clasping its own tail, like an ouroborus.

Both these symbols speak of universal wisdom and of understanding the hidden cycles of life.

On the table (which some might say is also an altar) the sword, wand, cup and pentacle that represent the four mundane elements –Fire, Air, Water and Earth.

Thus, The Magician is demonstrating mastery of the elements within his own nature.

The red and white flowers symbolize the blending of masculine and feminine energies, showing that this card is also one of synthesis, of bringing together different ideas and energies in harmony.

As the card of Mercury, The Magician relates to writers, lawyers, teachers and students.

It also relates to the world of ideas, but unlike The Fool, here the figure is consciously aware of their consequences of their actions.

This is very much a card of someone comfortable with self-responsibility.

The white and red robes are a reminder that the outer (red) cover is necessary to keep our spiritual intent (white) free from undue influence.

And, like the flowers, the colors also remind us that it is the balance of masculine and feminine energies coming together that produce creative force to give life (on all levels).

This card in your tarot layouts can sometimes be a caution not to run before you can walk.

To stop and take stock of your resources – inner and outer – before you proceed.

The Magician has obtained mastery of self and environment through self-discipline and dedication, and through the development and exercising of the Will.

Once the Will is developed, we are left to rely on our own judgment and values to decide whether we serve the universe or ourselves.

The Magician shows us all that we need to know about the preparation and balance we need to attain in order to make conscious and appropriate choices in all aspects of life.

If this card shows up in your tarot layous, one final point to note is the calm upon the Magician’s face.

He knows he is working in accordance with – and under the direction of Universal Will (the infinity symbol above him) and beyond of this, the environment he operates in flourishes.

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