The Magus (I)

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Sun as a symbol of strength and warmth. Mercury as a symbol of flexibility and quick-wittedness.

THE MAGUS. The Magus signifies intellect, quick-wittedness, and an active approach to life. This is a period when difficult problems confront us, when we must endure a certain trial; however, complete clarity of consciousness and worldly shrewdness help us to cope with them successfully. Although the card points to the high potential of consciousness, this does not mean that the potential of intuition and other subconscious forces can be neglected at this time. On the contrary: our readiness for action and for success, indicated by the Magus, is grounded precisely in the harmony between consciousness and the subconscious. Only through the self-confidence arising from this harmony can we truly move mountains.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Publisher: Center for Astrological Research, 1999.

1 - THE MAGUS, Mercury. The first card of the deck is THE MAGUS (also known as THE JUGGLER, THE MAGICIAN); it indicates that all that has been created is nothing other than a dream, the existence of conjuringly created divine elements, and that life is a continuous game of chance. The seeming wonders of nature are simply the feats of the cosmic conjuror, and man is merely like a ball in his hands — the wizard waves his hand and behold — man has vanished. The world, watching this act, does not understand that the vanished thing has been skillfully concealed by the conjuror in his hand. The essence of the card lies in the fact that the wise man directs the phenomena of nature and can never be deceived. THE MAGUS, THE MAGICIAN stands behind a table on which several objects are laid out, among which the cup stands out — the Holy Grail — the cup placed by Joseph into Benjamin's sack, the coin — the tribute and payment of the Master Builder, and the sword — the weapon of Goliath, or the mystical edge of the philosopher, which separates truth from falsehood. The MAGICIAN's hat is in the form of the cosmic lemniscate, signifying the first movement of creation. His right hand points to the earth, while his left holds above the table a wand (rod), symbolizing his mastery in the sphere of the earthly universe. The wand is the staff of Jacob, and also the staff that put forth a shoot — the human spine, crowned with the dome of the creative mind. If the Fool, unconscious of himself, identifies with the Creator — then the Magus card presupposes a clear vision of oneself, and an extraordinary vision at that. This is the first card of the Tarot by number: any path begins with self-awareness and self-definition. On the TAROT card, THE MAGUS is depicted with his right hand raised, holding a wand with equal ends. This magical gesture, which enables consciousness to project itself into the world, symbolizes the principle: "as above, so below." Before THE MAGUS, upon the cube, are the attributes of the elements which he commands. The symbols of the primal Elements in the TAROT are WANDS (fire), SWORDS (air), CUPS (water), and DISKS (earth). Above THE MAGUS's head is the sign of infinity — a serpent biting its own tail. It symbolizes consciousness controlling the primal elements of the world. THE MAGUS makes the existence of the Universe possible, and with this ARCANUM is correlated the concept of "living nature," as that which constructs itself from the elements of consciousness. But within consciousness lies an element of play, and this play (of consciousness) is conducted according to strict, defined rules and instructions set "from above"; therefore, in the modern interpretation we may see the Magus playing with the primal elements. Manipulating objects, consciousness is reflected in them and defines the inner "I" of man, his true essence. THE MAGUS loses the absolute freedom of will of the FOOL, but adds to will the knowledge that makes him a master of his craft. THE MAGUS knows precisely and truly what he is doing.

Upright position: the MAGUS card signifies mastery, dexterity, and initiative. The ability to conduct affairs, to understand and "foresee" other people — all this is fully present in the person represented by this card. A breakthrough, self-expression, the imprinting of one's unique individuality upon everything one's hands touch — this is THE MAGUS. "I will" is his motto. He is both sage and tyrant. THE MAGUS is filled with creative masculine power. He can be associated with the Sun (on a lower level, with Mars). Another name for this ARCANUM is THE JUGGLER, and this is already a manifestation of Mercury. Mercury in his high aspect is the symbol of Will, Knowledge, and the Word-Logos that creates worlds. "Mercury," writes Crowley, "symbolizes action in all its forms and phases... He represents the infinite and continuous act of creation." The Magus may also signify initiation — the rite of consecration of the uninitiated. This is an unusually important threshold in the life of every person. Will, mastery, dexterity, eloquence, the willingness to take risks, to make use of one's powers — all this is THE MAGUS. He knows how to conduct affairs and understand people; he is inventive, flexible, not without grounds self-assured and witty, and is able to manipulate other people. At the present moment you have attained what you desired within the limits subject to you; further on, a "second wind" is required — a new infusion, both energetic and intellectual (do not be ashamed to learn at any age or in any station), and then you will be able to reach new heights and to manipulate even those people who are not yet within your sway.

Reversed position: the card may signal indecision and lack of confidence, a dismissive and groundless attitude both toward oneself (as a personality) and toward one's own abilities. The card may also signify the abuse of power and monstrous egotism. But do not be troubled — you are still in control of the situation. THE MAGUS card is always positive.

"The Magus proclaims to thee that a firm will to victory and faith in thyself, guided by reason and logic (the concept of justice being highly relative), shall lead thee to the goal thou hast set, and 'thy gods' shall preserve thee from danger upon thy path." Papus