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Tarot Symbolism
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The Magician
Tarot Card Number 1 of the Major Arcana
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This card shows a rather youthful figure in the robe of a magician. He has the countenance of divine Apollo, a smile of confidence and shining eyes. Above his head is the mysterious sign of life and infinity, like an endless cord, forming the figure 8 in a horizontal position. Around his waist is a belt made from a serpent that is eating its own tail – yet another symbol of eternity, especially the eternity of the spirit.
In the Magician's right hand is a wand raised towards heaven, while the left hand is pointing to the earth. This dual sign shows the descent of grace, virtue and light, drawn from things above and delivered to things below. The suggestion throughout is therefore the possession and communication of higher powers and the gifts of the spirit.
On the table in front of the Magician are the symbols of the four Tarot suits, signifying the elements of natural life, which lie like counters before him as he adapts them to his purposes. Beneath are roses and lilies, the flos campi and lilium convallium, changed into garden flowers and representing aspiration. This card signifies the divine motive in man and connection to all planes of being. |
| The Magician card represents skill, subtlety, self-confidence and diplomacy but also the snares of enemies, loss, and disaster. |
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