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JULY 2009

Key 1, THE MAGICIAN

by Peggy Firth, Certified Tarot Master

The Magician, following the Major Arcana Fool card, stands before a table containing symbols of the four Minor Arcana suites which represent the four inherent powers of man. The Magician has powers over these symbols and what they represent and is able to rearrange and transform these elements or energies. The Magician does not seek personal gain but acts as a vehicle of transformation.

In the Rider Waite deck the figure of infinity or lemniscate over the Magician’s head represents the symbol of the holy spirit or dominion on the earth plane of the material. The Magician holds a wand in his right hand with its two end points symbolizing “that which is above, so below”. The Magician’s down pointing left hand symbolizes the direction of power to the lower plane of existence. The Magician’s white inner garment has the same meaning as the Fool with the serpent belt signifying the eternity of spirit.

The table before the Magician signifies the alter of life potential. The four Minor Arcana implements, the sword (air), pentagram (earth), wand ( fire) and cups (water) are used in combinations to provide for every life-giving essential.

The sword represents making sense out of every life experience and knowing the truth. This “air” element requires that one deal with social issues that require discernment, order and right action.

The cup represents emotional or physical nurturance and fulfillment.

The wand represents power and authority, special skills and abilities. The wand or stick is an instrument that extends the powers of humans.

The pentagram or pentacle is linked with the element of earth or the material. Called coins or disks in some decks it signifies the physical work which brings things into manifestation.

The Magician is surrounded by red roses and lilies in an outdoor scene. Tradition links red roses with desire and romantic love and white lilies represent abstract thought.

Almost all decks based on the traditional Rider Waite deck depict the Magician before the four implements of personal power. I have included three decks, all with these symbols yet contain much more to consider.

	The Robin Wood Magician (left) shows a close up of a masculine figure wearing deer antlers and holding a glowing figure of eight (lumniscate) in his right hand. Large black and white lit candles flank the Magician that carry the association of enlightenment and representing both the illumination of good and seeming opposite. The embroidery on the Magician’s stole have all white lilies and roses representing purity and spiritual light.
	The Magician of the Tarot of the New Vision card (left) shows the back of the Magician standing before the table holding the pentagram and cup. The wand and sword have been placed on the grass. A trained monkey squats behind the Magician holding onto his red cape. The monkey not only symbolizes agility, mind chatter, and frantic activity but also the instinctual and companion of light and shadow. We see what the Magician sees, a crowd of peasants who seem captivated with all that the Magician is capable of doing. We are all capable of magic and creative powers and have to be reminded of these inherent powers.
	The Magician card of the Lover’s Path deck (left) shows Merlin, the legendary magician with roots in British culture. He is shown with the mystical Vivianne, the original “Lady of the Lake” who became Merlin’s mistress late in life. We see that Merlin is incased within a tree which takes the place of the wooden wand. Trees symbolize the inexhaustible life process. Branches grow from the fingers of Merlin. The pentagram nor lumniscate are not shown in this card.

The Major Arcana Key 1 Magician images of each deck contain most of the symbols of the Rider Waite Key 1, such as a man wearing a red cape, a garden theme with lilies and roses, yellow sky, and table with the four symbols of the Minor Arcana. When other symbols are shown you have the opportunity to create your own story based on universal meanings of the symbols. I like to think that my subconscious mind is capable of choosing the right symbol or meaning it immediately zeros in on.

Reading the Magician card within a spread magnifies the creative powers of the querent (client) and the cards surrounding it.
By itself, the card represents inherent abilities along with the confidence and initiative to make things happen. The Magician is also the simultaneous expression of energy and information.

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