The Magician Tarot Card Meaning
The Fool |
The Magician |
The High Priestess |
General Meaning
The Magician card, marked as "1", is a symbol of the Divine spark within you, the boundless potential of inner resources and possibilities that allow you to fully command and control everything that occurs in the material world. You receive power, energy, inspiration, a blessing from above, and you become the Creator of your own life!
Card Motto
Belief in oneself and one's abilities works wonders!
by Marta Winter
Core Card Meanings The Magician
Description and Symbols of the Card The Magician
The Magician card of the Tarot depicts a youthful wizard with the sign of infinity above his head — an embodiment of energy exchange between worlds. Another sign of infinity — a snake biting its own tail — serves as his belt. He is dressed in red and white — the colors of action and inner purity.
The positioning of his hands — with the right one holding a wand upwards and the left pointing downwards — suggests that the Magician draws energy from above and uses it on earth. The Magician is focused, his entire demeanor expressing strength and will. The card features a yellow background — as a symbol of the dawning day, filled with new tasks awaiting the wizard. Laid out before the Magician on the table are the four symbols of the Tarot cards, representing the elements he has tamed.
Meaning in Upright Position
The Magician Tarot card in the upright position heralds an active and fruitful phase in one's destiny. It's a moment of transforming ideas into actions! The Magician card promises rapid progress and success in affairs. You have enough strength and energy to steer the course of events, making your boldest dreams and fantasies a reality.
Shake things up, don't fear innovation, changes, the opinions of those around you, or difficulties. Opportunities surround you; your life is literally filled with them, all that is required is the desire to seize them. Now you are the rightful master of your life, its helmsman, and everything necessary is at hand. The Magician card promises that even under unfavorable conditions, you can achieve good results by relying on your own strength and will. The time for waiting has passed—it's time to act!
Key meanings of the upright Magician card:
- Willpower, an active life stance, decisive actions, power over events.
- Intelligence, quick-wittedness, inspiration, courage, diplomacy, eloquence.
- Initiative, skill, imagination, insight, agility.
- Goal-orientation, good connections, advancement, self-realization.
Reversed Position
In the reversed position, the Tarot card, the Magician, becomes less positive. This arcana is a warning that you're overestimating or underestimating your own abilities; weakness prevents you from keeping the situation under control and realizing your plans.
Also, a con artist hiding behind the reversed Magician card may be using their skills and abilities for intrigues, deception, and misdeeds. Have you chosen the wrong path for applying your abilities? Or is your self-doubt blocking your creative energy, causing you to miss the right moment to act? A deep analysis of the current situation and your relation to it will help you understand the meaning of the reversed Magician tarot card.
You can overcome the negative tendencies of the reversed Magician card. Simply show initiative at the right time and make an effort for real progress forward. Don't push aside or postpone plans and tasks for later — you need to act now. Don't bury your skills and talents, use them for good. Dare to act — and you will receive what you have not even dared to dream of!
Key meanings of the reversed Magician card:
- Disorder in thoughts and deeds, inconsistency, restlessness, indecision.
- Inexperience or pretended expertise, random actions, cunning, greed.
- Unrealistic goals, wasteful spending, procrastination.
- Vanity, hollow ambitions, mental illness, depression.
- Crushed hopes, mistakes, failures, loss of control over the situation.
Meaning in Love Readings
If the Tarot card, the Magician, appears in a love relationship spread, it's a call to action. Be more confident in yourself, make the first move – and expect a complete transformation in your relationship!
The upright position of the Magician card suggests that real love magic is already happening, or about to happen, in your relationship. Both partners feel bewitched by each other. However, for this to happen, you need to take the initiative and seize control. But remember to consider your partner's feelings and desires along the way!
In the reversed position, the Magician may suggest inaction from the partners, who hesitate too much and thereby miss their chance at happiness together. It could also mean an overbearing suitor who is ready to use deceit and underhanded tactics to eliminate rivals and achieve his goals at any cost.
When reading for a suitor, a loved one
In a reading for a suitor or partner, the upright card suggests that your chosen one is passionate, persistent, and energetic in love. If he has made his choice, there are no barriers for him!
The reversed card indicates that in love, your chosen one is overly confident: his "self" comes first. He is blindly convinced that there couldn't possibly be a better match than him!
Reading for Money, Career
In Tarot spreads focused on money and work, the Magician card indicates that by showcasing skill and initiative, you can achieve significant success—career advancement, increased capital, and the completion of a profitable project. Favorable opportunities surround you, and now is the time to seize them and completely transform your life.
Creativity, innovation, and calculated risk-taking are the strategies that will undoubtedly pay off. The period of dreaming has passed; it's time to take action! You possess enthusiasm, unwavering energy, and a desire for success; the key is to choose the right direction.
In a reversed position, the Magician warns that you are wasting time, unable to see the goal ahead. Fear, lack of willpower, and procrastination result in life passing you by. Money, time, and energy slip through your fingers without bringing satisfaction. Alternatively, your goal may be misguided, and you may abuse your power, engaging in dishonest games.
Reading for a Person
When interpreting this card in a direct position during a reading for an individual, it signifies a highly determined, self-assured, and goal-oriented person who knows exactly what they want and how to achieve it.
In a reversed position, this card represents someone inclined to embellish and fantasize, building castles in the air. As a result, they may encounter difficulties in real life.
Reading for Advice
In an upright position, the card advises you to start acting decisively. The waiting time is over, so boldly move forward!
When appearing in a reversed position in the spread, the card advises you to come down from the clouds to the ground: you are building grandiose, but unfortunately, unattainable plans.
Reading for Outcome
If the card appears in an upright position, the forecast for your situation is highly favorable! As a result, your energy and enthusiasm will help you achieve everything you strive for, and perhaps even more!
When the card is reversed, the forecast for your situation remains uncertain. Your own self-assurance may hinder you in achieving the desired outcome.
Meanings In Combination with All Tarot Cards
Major Arcana Combinations
With the Fool card - Lack of foresight, impulsiveness, hasty decision.
With the High Priestess card - Secret knowledge that can be acquired.
With the Empress card - Fruitful idea brought to life.
With the Emperor card - Strong will, manipulator, careerism.
With the Hierophant card - Divine revelation, message from above.
With the Lovers card - Readiness for serious relationships.
With the Chariot card - Starting point, the beginning of a challenging path.
With the Strength card - Problem-solving, maneuvering around obstacles.
With the Hermit card - Self-isolation, conscious withdrawal from social interactions.
With the Wheel of Fortune card - Conscious changes, stepping out of the comfort zone.
With the Justice card - Manipulating the law for one's own interests, connections in the legal and judicial field.
With the Hanged Man card - Obstacle in affairs, business, or love.
With the Death card - Termination of romantic or business relationships.
With the Temperance card - Calmness, confidence in one's actions.
With the Devil card - Failure in business, career, or love.
With the Tower card - Collapse of hopes, disruptions at work or in studies.
With the Star card - Popularity among colleagues and friends.
With the Moon card - Unexpected obstacles, moral unpreparedness, confusion.
With the Sun card - Positive influence on the situation, patronage, the right path.
With the Judgment card - Reflection on the past, evaluation of one's own abilities.
With the World card - Public recognition, honor, rewards.
Wands Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Wands - Special mission, additional motivation, confidence in one's own abilities.
With the Reversed Ace of Wands - Abandonment of plans, change of goal, failure.
With the Two of Wands - Successful planning, prospects in work, firm intentions.
With the Reversed Two of Wands - Confusion, career choice, work conflict.
In combination with the Three of Wands - Good impression, successful career start, competence.
With the Reversed Three of Wands - Work stability, stagnation, avoiding troubles.
With the Four of Wands - Stable position in affairs, first income, intention to start a family.
With the Reversed Four of Wands - Instability, business risk, failure in love.
With the Five of Wands - Serious determination, readiness for competition, rivalry.
With the Reversed Five of Wands - Hidden hostility, legal dispute, victory over competitors.
With the Six of Wands - Successful deal, good reputation, cohesive team, leadership.
With the Reversed Six of Wands - Distrust of colleagues, attempting to enhance authority, passivity.
With the Seven of Wands - Open confrontation, selfishness, self-interest.
With the Reversed Seven of Wands - Defensive stance, loss of positions, doubts.
With the Eight of Wands - Open path, good opportunity, success in affairs.
With the Reversed Eight of Wands - Attention from management, obstacle in business, rival.
With the Nine of Wands - Risk of bankruptcy, auditing, legal dispute.
With the Reversed Nine of Wands - Breather, control over the situation, resolution of problems.
With the Ten of Wands - Lack of effort or abilities, need for support.
With the Reversed Ten of Wands - Empty hopes, disappointment, lack of profit.
With the Page of Wands - Market research, reliable partner, good connections.
With the Reversed Page of Wands - Business relationship breakdown, reorganization.
With the Knight of Wands - Rapid advancement, business travel, foreign investor.
With the Reversed Knight of Wands - Change of plans, lack of strength or determination in affairs.
With the Queen of Wands - Confident position, professional growth, authority.
With the Reversed Queen of Wands - Skill improvement, loss of authority, loss of influence.
With the King of Wands - Established business, company expansion, divine patronage, talent.
With the Reversed King of Wands - Ambition, missed opportunity, vague plans.
Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Swords - Triumph, valuable knowledge, brilliant idea, internet work.
With the Reversed Ace of Swords - Sudden threat, plan disruption, failed business or idea.
With the Two of Swords - Misunderstanding of the situation, uncertainty, lack of professionalism, imposed choice or decision.
With the Reversed Two of Swords - Blocked path, minor troubles, hassle, shortsightedness.
In combination with the Three of Swords - Fierce competition in love or career, miscalculation, betrayal.
With the Reversed Three of Swords - Nervous breakdown, attempting to regain control of the situation.
With the Four of Swords - Need for rest, isolation, sudden illness.
With the Reversed Four of Swords - Impulsive action, poor prospects, despondency.
With the Five of Swords - Force majeure, profiting at someone else's expense, unfair play, derision.
With the Reversed Five of Swords - Intrigue, heartlessness, dangerous deal with one's conscience.
With the Six of Swords - Forced trips, business travel, relocation.
With the Reversed Six of Swords - Planning, discussing prospects, gathering information.
With the Seven of Swords - Cunning in affairs, politics, slacking off from work, easy money.
With the Reversed Seven of Swords - Harsh criticism, lack of profit, resentments.
With the Eight of Swords - Limited opportunities, lack of resources or information, bureaucracy, interference from authorities.
With the Reversed Eight of Swords - Danger, injury or accident, foreboding of trouble.
With the Nine of Swords - Loss of spiritual balance, heavy knowledge, crisis, threat of bankruptcy.
With the Reversed Nine of Swords - Coping with loss, relative's illness, funerals.
With the Ten of Swords - Terrible news, complete collapse, torment of conscience, irreparable loss, death.
With the Reversed Ten of Swords - Anniversary, fond memories, overcoming grief.
With the Page of Swords - Originality, negative influence, hasty decision, troublemaker.
With the Reversed Page of Swords - Futility, idle thoughts, regrettable omission.
With the Knight of Swords - Determination, knowledgeable ally, lightning-fast idea.
With the Reversed Knight of Swords - Recognition in the arts, strained relationships, quarrels.
With the Queen of Swords - Risky opportunities, patronage from authorities, strong competitor or mentor, widowhood.
With the Reversed Queen of Swords - Attempt to deviate from the right path, treachery, unfair play, circumventing problems.
With the King of Swords - Tax audit, summons to court, legal consultation, attempt to become independent.
With the Reversed King of Swords - Impunity, cunning crime, illegal business.
The Magician and Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Cups - The birth of feelings, conception, divine guidance.
With the Reversed Ace of Cups - Change of worldview, emotional detachment, subordination of emotions.
With the Two of Cups - Sudden encounter, passion, active courtship, attachment.
With the Reversed Two of Cups - Rejection of love or relationships, different priorities.
In combination with the Three of Cups - Organizing a celebration, team building, passion for merriment.
With the Reversed Three of Cups - A carefree life, the need for rest, maximalism.
With the Four of Cups - Distraction, deceit, new acquaintance, emotional burnout.
With the Reversed Four of Cups - Victory over a harmful habit, composure, intuition.
With the Five of Cups - Disappointed hopes, the death of a relative, inheritance.
With the Reversed Five of Cups - Winning, good news, favorable fate.
With the Six of Cups - Charity, help to loved ones, childhood dreams, sentimentality.
With the Reversed Six of Cups - Rationality, calculating savings, emotional frugality, drawing on past experience.
With the Seven of Cups - Unjustified ambitions, excessive daydreaming, bitter experience.
With the Reversed Seven of Cups - Working on one's mistakes, moving away from a world of fantasies.
With the Eight of Cups - Bad idea, creative crisis, anxiety.
With the Reversed Eight of Cups - Resolving a difficult situation, enthusiasm, good mood.
With the Nine of Cups - Joy of accomplishment, emotional uplift, restaurant business.
With the Reversed Nine of Cups - Conspiracy, false testimony, unpleasant person, envy.
With the Ten of Cups - Thriving business, close-knit family, home improvement.
With the Reversed Ten of Cups - Work conflict, family problems, significant global events.
With the Page of Cups - Tempting offer, good upbringing, considerate or dreamy person.
With the Reversed Page of Cups - Emotional breakdown, nervousness, fanaticism.
With the Knight of Cups - Premonition of success, successful interview, contract.
With the Reversed Knight of Cups - Emotional restraint, attention from management, significant event.
With the Queen of Cups - Successful learning, female leader, excellent reviews or recommendations.
With the Reversed Queen of Cups - Pressure from management, fear of losing position.
With the King of Cups - Expert advice, emotional stability, the ability to influence the moods of others.
With the Reversed King of Cups - Conservatism, expected reaction, impulsive purchase.
Pentacles Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Pentacles - Intuition for profitable ventures, valuable discovery, a fruitful deposit.
With the Reversed Ace of Pentacles - Dreams of wealth, searching for a profitable investment, a reward.
With the Two of Pentacles - Seeking financing, credit, industrial development, light industry.
With the Reversed Two of Pentacles - Stagnation in affairs, scatterbrained, choosing a place of work or industry.
In combination with the Three of Pentacles - Accumulating a clientele, skill enhancement, contribution to production, criticism.
With the Reversed Three of Pentacles - Unfortunate investment, incompetent worker, conversation with clients, laziness.
With the Four of Pentacles - Clear expense planning, frugality, low salary.
With the Reversed Four of Pentacles - Squandering, delayed payments, taxes, small debts.
With the Five of Pentacles - Unprofitable business, loss of property, unsuccessful marriage.
With the Reversed Five of Pentacles - Seeking solutions to problems, tax difficulties, bureaucratic hassle, mortgage.
With the Six of Pentacles - Lending money, a bank deposit, assisting relatives.
With the Reversed Six of Pentacles - Denied credit, greed, self-restriction.
With the Seven of Pentacles - Investing for interest, construction delays, hopes for profit.
With the Reversed Seven of Pentacles - Withdrawing funds from circulation, collections and fines.
With the Eight of Pentacles - Focus on affairs, achieving financial success, workdays.
With the Reversed Eight of Pentacles - Overtime work, emergency mode, loss of work capacity.
With the Nine of Pentacles - Respect, income stability, accumulation of funds or their reserves.
With the Reversed Nine of Pentacles - Uncertainty about the future, loss of investment, job loss.
With the Ten of Pentacles - Continuing a family business, high prosperity, elevated position.
With the Reversed Ten of Pentacles - Risk of losing business or property, frivolous spending, impulsive departure from service.
With the Page of Pentacles - Studying something new, applying useful knowledge, a prosperous companion, a profitable direction.
With the Reversed Page of Pentacles - Risk of losing funds, envy, lack of financial luck.
With the Knight of Pentacles - Successful overseas business, expanding production, stability, promising opportunities.
With the Reversed Knight of Pentacles - Refusal of cooperation, lack of motivation, contentment, prolonged conflict.
With the Queen of Pentacles - Financial talent, prosperity, prudence in expenses, a wealthy benefactor.
With the Reversed Queen of Pentacles - Lack of support, chronic illness, constant outflow of funds.
With the King of Pentacles - Control over financial flows, oligarch, fulfilling desires.
With the Reversed King of Pentacles - Obsession with accumulation, sharp deterioration in financial situation, pettiness.
Example Interpretation In a Daily Spread
A Card Has Fallen for You The Magician? This Signifies:
Today, everything is within your grasp! You have the power to move mountains, let alone tackle everyday problems. Harness the mighty potential bestowed upon you by this day and direct all your energies towards achieving a truly significant and worthy goal. It may not be attainable in one leap, but you will certainly be able to get closer to it today.