The Magician Tarot Card Meaning

A young magician stands with the infinity symbol above his head, showing energy flowing between worlds. A second symbol of infinity circles his waist: a snake biting its own tail. His red and white robes stand for action and purity of spirit.

His right hand raises a wand to the sky; his left points down. He draws power from above and puts it to work here on earth. His whole bearing is focused, strong, and determined. The yellow background suggests a day just dawning, with new things to do. On the table before him sit the symbols of Tarot's four suits, representing the elements he has brought under his command.

The upright Magician announces a busy, rewarding new chapter. This is where ideas become action! Expect quick progress and success. You have the strength and energy to shape events and bring even your boldest dreams to life.

Shake off the cobwebs. Don't let new ideas, change, other people's opinions, or a few difficulties scare you. Your life is full of opportunities; you just have to reach for them. You're at the helm now, with everything you need close at hand. The Magician promises that even when circumstances are against you, your own strength and determination can bring good results. The waiting is over. Time to act!

Upright keywords

• Willpower, taking charge of your life, decisive action, shaping events.
• Intelligence, quick thinking, inspiration, courage, diplomacy, a way with words.
• Initiative, skill, imagination, insight, a deft touch.
• Determination, useful connections, progress, fulfilling your potential.

Turn the Magician upside down and the picture is less rosy. You're either overestimating what you can do or selling yourself short. A lack of strength is making it hard to stay in control and carry out your plans.

The reversed Magician can also conceal a trickster who puts their talents to work on schemes, deception, and mischief. Have you chosen the wrong use for your abilities? Or is self-doubt stifling your creativity while the right moment slips away? Take a good look at your situation and your attitude toward it. That's how you'll find what this reversed card means for you.

You can turn things around. Take the initiative at the right moment and make a real effort to move forward. Stop pushing your plans onto tomorrow's to-do list: the time to act is now. Don't bury your talents. Put them to good use. Dare to try, and you'll get more than you ever dared to dream of!

Reversed keywords

• Scattered thoughts and unfinished business, inconsistency, fussing, indecision.
• Inexperience or pretending to know more than you do, acting blindly, cunning, self-interest.
• Unrealistic goals, wasted money, delays.
• Vanity, hollow ambitions, mental illness, depression.
• Dashed hopes, mistakes, setbacks, losing control.

When the Magician appears in a love reading, it's your cue to do something. Believe in yourself and make the first move. Your relationship is in for a complete transformation!

Upright, the card says real love magic is already happening, or is just about to: both of you feel spellbound by the other. But you need to take the initiative to make it happen. Just try to remember that the person you love has feelings and wishes of their own!

Reversed, the Magician can point to two people who keep waiting, letting their chance of happiness together slip away. It can also describe an obsessive admirer willing to use dirty tricks to get rivals out of the way and win at any cost.

What are they like in love?

Upright, the Magician describes someone passionate, bold, and full of energy. Once they've set their heart on someone, nothing stands in their way!

Reversed, this person is far too sure of themselves. In their love life, "me" comes first. They're absolutely convinced you couldn't possibly find a better catch!

In a reading about work or money, the Magician says skill and initiative can take you a long way: a promotion, a growing nest egg, or a profitable project brought to completion. Good opportunities are all around you. Now is the time to grab them and change your life.

Creative work, fresh ideas, and a sensible risk are the bets guaranteed to pay off now. Enough dreaming. It's time to get moving! You have the enthusiasm, boundless energy, and hunger for success. The key is choosing where to aim them.

Reversed, the Magician warns that you're wasting time with no clear goal ahead. Fear, a lack of resolve, and hesitation are letting life pass you by. Money, time, and energy slip through your fingers without bringing any satisfaction. Or perhaps you've picked the wrong goal and are abusing your power or playing dirty.

Upright, the Magician represents someone decisive, confident, and determined. They know exactly what they want and how to get it.

Reversed, this person tends to embellish things, spin fantasies, and build castles in the air. Real life can be a little harder to manage as a result.

Upright, the Magician urges you to act decisively. You've waited long enough. Go for it!

Reversed, it asks you to come back down to earth. Your plans are grand, but unfortunately, they aren't workable.

Upright, the outlook is very bright! Your energy and enthusiasm will help you achieve everything you're aiming for, perhaps even more.

Reversed, the outcome is still uncertain. Overconfidence could get in your way.

Mercury working with Pluto, and Mercury in Scorpio: inspiration, hidden knowledge, and the drive to lead.

The Fool — Not thinking ahead, acting rashly, a decision made without enough thought.

The High Priestess — Hidden knowledge waiting to be discovered.

The Empress — A promising idea brought to life.

The Emperor — Strong will, a manipulator, putting career ambitions above all else.

The Hierophant — A divine revelation, a message from above.

The Lovers — Ready for a serious relationship.

The Chariot — A starting point, the beginning of a difficult road.

Strength — Solving a problem, finding a way around an obstacle.

The Hermit — Keeping to yourself, deliberately withdrawing from others.

Wheel of Fortune — Choosing to make a change, stepping outside your comfort zone.

Justice — Using the law to your advantage, connections in legal circles or the courts.

The Hanged Man — An obstacle in work, business, or love.

Death — The end of a romance or business relationship.

Temperance — Calm, confidence in what you're doing.

The Devil — A setback in business, your career, or love.

The Tower — Dashed hopes, trouble at work or with your studies.

The Star — Popularity with friends and colleagues.

The Moon — An unexpected obstacle, feeling unprepared and thrown off balance.

The Sun — A positive influence on events, someone looking out for you, being on the right track.

Judgment — Looking back, taking stock of your abilities.

The World — Public recognition, honors, awards.

Ace of Wands — A special mission, extra motivation, confidence in your abilities.

Ace of Wands (reversed) — Abandoning your plans, choosing a different goal, failure.

Two of Wands — Plans coming together, promising career prospects, firm intentions.

Two of Wands (reversed) — Confusion, choosing a career, an argument at work.

Three of Wands — Making a good impression, a strong start to your career, knowing your job.

Three of Wands (reversed) — A steady job, stagnation, steering clear of trouble.

Four of Wands — A firm footing in business, your first earnings, plans to start a family.

Four of Wands (reversed) — Unstable circumstances, danger for a business, disappointment in love.

Five of Wands — Taking things seriously, being ready to fight, rivalry.

Five of Wands (reversed) — Hidden hostility, a legal dispute, beating the competition.

Six of Wands — A successful deal, a good reputation, a close-knit team, leadership.

Six of Wands (reversed) — Distrusting colleagues, trying to gain respect, failing to take action.

Seven of Wands — An open confrontation, selfishness, putting your own interests first.

Seven of Wands (reversed) — Going on the defensive, losing ground, doubts.

Eight of Wands — The way is clear, a good opportunity, luck in business.

Eight of Wands (reversed) — Attention from management, a business obstacle, a rival.

Nine of Wands — The risk of bankruptcy, an audit, a legal dispute.

Nine of Wands (reversed) — A breather, getting things under control, resolving problems.

Ten of Wands — Not enough effort or ability, needing support.

Ten of Wands (reversed) — False hopes, disappointment, no profit.

Page of Wands — Market research, a reliable partner, good connections.

Page of Wands (reversed) — Breaking off a business relationship, reorganization.

Knight of Wands — Rapid progress, a business trip, an investor from abroad.

Knight of Wands (reversed) — A change of plans, not enough energy or determination to follow through.

Queen of Wands — A secure position, growing professional skills, authority.

Queen of Wands (reversed) — Further training, losing respect or influence.

King of Wands — A well-run business, company expansion, divine favor, talent.

King of Wands (reversed) — Ambition, a missed opportunity, vague plans.

Ace of Swords — Triumph, useful knowledge, a brilliant idea, working online.

Ace of Swords (reversed) — A sudden threat, plans falling through, a business or idea that fails.

Two of Swords — Misreading the situation, uncertainty, poor professional skills, a choice forced on you.

Two of Swords (reversed) — A blocked path, small setbacks, hassles, not thinking far enough ahead.

Three of Swords — Fierce competition in love or work, a miscalculation, betrayal.

Three of Swords (reversed) — A nervous breakdown, trying to get things under control.

Four of Swords — Needing rest, isolation, a sudden illness.

Four of Swords (reversed) — Acting without thinking, a poor outlook, low spirits.

Five of Swords — Events beyond your control, profiting at someone else's expense, foul play, spite.

Five of Swords (reversed) — Scheming, cruelty, a dangerous bargain with your conscience.

Six of Swords — Travel you can't avoid, business trips, moving home.

Six of Swords (reversed) — Planning, discussing the prospects, gathering information.

Seven of Swords — Cunning in business, playing politics, shirking work, easy money.

Seven of Swords (reversed) — Harsh criticism, no profit, hurt feelings.

Eight of Swords — Limited options, a shortage of money or information, red tape, interference from the authorities.

Eight of Swords (reversed) — Danger, an injury or accident, a sense that trouble is coming.

Nine of Swords — Losing your peace of mind, learning something painful, a crisis, the threat of bankruptcy.

Nine of Swords (reversed) — Living through a loss, a relative's illness, a funeral.

Ten of Swords — Terrible news, a complete collapse, a guilty conscience, a loss that can't be undone, death.

Ten of Swords (reversed) — A milestone anniversary, fond remembrance, finding a way through grief.

Page of Swords — Originality, a bad influence, a hasty decision, a troublemaker.

Page of Swords (reversed) — Getting nowhere, idle thoughts, an unfortunate oversight.

Knight of Swords — Decisiveness, a knowledgeable ally, a flash of inspiration.

Knight of Swords (reversed) — Recognition in the arts, strained relationships, arguments.

Queen of Swords — An opportunity with risks attached, support from the authorities, a powerful rival or mentor, widowhood.

Queen of Swords (reversed) — Someone trying to lead you astray, forgery, foul play, a plan to get around problems.

King of Swords — A tax audit, a court summons, legal advice, an attempt to become independent.

King of Swords (reversed) — Getting away with it, a cleverly planned crime, an illegal business.

Ace of Cups — New feelings stirring, conception, divine providence.

Ace of Cups (reversed) — A change in how you see the world, rejecting emotion, keeping feelings in check.

Two of Cups — An unexpected meeting, passion, an eager courtship, growing attachment.

Two of Cups (reversed) — Turning away from love or a relationship, having other priorities.

Three of Cups — Organizing a celebration, bringing a team together, a love of fun.

Three of Cups (reversed) — Wild living, needing a break, an all-or-nothing attitude.

Four of Cups — Absentmindedness, a lie, a new acquaintance, emotional burnout.

Four of Cups (reversed) — Breaking a bad habit, getting yourself together, intuition.

Five of Cups — Disappointed hopes, a relative's death, an inheritance.

Five of Cups (reversed) — A win, good news, fortune smiling on you.

Six of Cups — Charity, helping loved ones, childhood dreams, sentimentality.

Six of Cups (reversed) — Thinking practically, adding up your savings, holding back affection, past experience coming in handy.

Seven of Cups — Unfounded ambitions, too much daydreaming, a bitter lesson.

Seven of Cups (reversed) — Learning from mistakes, leaving the fantasy world behind.

Eight of Cups — A bad idea, a creative block, frayed nerves.

Eight of Cups (reversed) — Resolving a difficult situation, delight, high spirits.

Nine of Cups — Enjoying what you've achieved, an emotional lift, the restaurant business.

Nine of Cups (reversed) — A conspiracy, false testimony, an unpleasant person, envy.

Ten of Cups — A thriving business, a close family, home improvements.

Ten of Cups (reversed) — An argument at work, family trouble, major world events.

Page of Cups — A tempting offer, a good upbringing, a courteous or dreamy person.

Page of Cups (reversed) — An emotional breakdown, nervousness, fanaticism.

Knight of Cups — Sensing that success is near, a good job interview, a contract.

Knight of Cups (reversed) — Keeping emotions in check, attention from management, an important event.

Queen of Cups — Successful studies, a woman in charge, glowing feedback or a strong reference.

Queen of Cups (reversed) — Pressure from management, fear of losing your position.

King of Cups — Expert advice, emotional steadiness, a gift for influencing the mood around you.

King of Cups (reversed) — Conservative views, a predictable reaction, an impulse buy.

Ace of Pentacles — A nose for profitable ventures, a valuable find, a useful mineral deposit.

Ace of Pentacles (reversed) — Dreams of wealth, looking for a profitable investment, a bonus.

Two of Pentacles — Seeking funding, a loan, expanding production, light manufacturing.

Two of Pentacles (reversed) — Business at a standstill, absentmindedness, choosing an employer or industry.

Three of Pentacles — Building a client base, honing your skills, contributing to production, criticism.

Three of Pentacles (reversed) — A bad investment, an incompetent employee, talks with clients, laziness.

Four of Pentacles — A careful budget, thrift, modest pay.

Four of Pentacles (reversed) — Squandering money, late payments, taxes, small debts.

Five of Pentacles — A business losing money, loss of property, an unhappy marriage.

Five of Pentacles (reversed) — Looking for solutions, tax trouble, red tape, a mortgage.

Six of Pentacles — Lending money, a bank deposit, helping relatives.

Six of Pentacles (reversed) — A loan application turned down, greed, denying yourself things.

Seven of Pentacles — Earning interest on an investment, a long-delayed construction project, hopes of profit.

Seven of Pentacles (reversed) — Pulling money out of a business, penalties and fines.

Eight of Pentacles — Staying focused at work, financial success, the daily grind.

Eight of Pentacles (reversed) — Overwork, a frantic rush to get things done, becoming unable to work.

Nine of Pentacles — Respect, a steady income, building savings or keeping money in reserve.

Nine of Pentacles (reversed) — Worrying about the future, losing a deposit or investment, losing your job.

Ten of Pentacles — Carrying on the family business, wealth, high status.

Ten of Pentacles (reversed) — The risk of losing a business or property, wasting money, quitting a job without thinking it through.

Page of Pentacles — Learning something new, putting knowledge to good use, a wealthy female friend, a profitable line of work.

Page of Pentacles (reversed) — The risk of losing money, envy, poor financial luck.

Knight of Pentacles — A successful venture abroad, expanding production, stability, promising opportunities.

Knight of Pentacles (reversed) — Refusing to cooperate, no motivation, being content with things as they are, a drawn-out conflict.

Queen of Pentacles — A head for money, prosperity, careful spending, a wealthy backer.

Queen of Pentacles (reversed) — No support, a chronic illness, money continually draining away.

King of Pentacles — Control over the money, a powerful tycoon, getting what you wished for.

King of Pentacles (reversed) — An urge to hoard, a sudden financial downturn, pettiness.