The Magician, the second card of the Major Arcana, is the first one that is numbered. One is the active, male principle that is able to tap universal power and use it for creative purposes. The Magician is the first step that brings the symbolism of The Fool into manifestation. He is depicted as a highly skilled and powerful adept, a master of circumstances and the archetype of the achiever. The second clue about this card is the nature of the action being performed. The Magician is not afraid to act, because the roots of his action are in the higher realm. Above his head, a figure eight lying horizontally symbolizes the eternal, infinite, spiritual roots of the Magician's actions. That position enables him to shift events in his favour, to make the world change around him according to his will. He is depicted as a young man, resembling the sun god Apollo. All in all, we can say that The Magician stands for personal power, action, focus, determination, manifestation, self-confidence, movement, energy and creativity.
On the card
The Magician's right hand stretches up to the sky, holding a wand, and the other points to the ground below. His stance implies "as above, so below", the ability to channel divine creativity into the material world below. There is a table in front of him. On it lie a wand, a cup, a sword and a pentacle, representing all the suits of the tarot. They symbolize the elements needed for manifestation: fire, water, air and earth. We can say that these are gifts of the Spirit handed to The Magician by The Fool. His robe is white, telling us about his pure intention and wisdom. The outer garment is red and has no belt, showing desire and passion that can be put aside if necessary. The flowers above his head show us his desires that are yet to be manifested. Below him, in the garden of life, there are red flowers, symbolizing desires, but also white ones, symbolizing pure thought uncontaminated by desire. There are five red flowers, telling us about the five senses that we employ in fulfilling our desires. The four lilies tell us about the laws of nature we need to follow to obtain healthy and proper fulfilment. The Magician wears a headband. In order to make magic he needs to focus his mental capacity on the object of manifestation. Mental discipline is the tool for transforming the Garden of Life beneath him. The wand in his right hand points both ways, so energy flows consciously upwards and downwards, bringing Heaven to Earth. The Magician's Hebrew letter is Beth. Beth means "house". It is the first letter of the Torah, although it is the second letter of the alphabet. The first word of the beginning, like a primordial cosmic egg, starts with Beth. We can say that if The Fool is the universe before manifestation, then The Magician is the first creative force that comes into manifestation. The Fool holds his belongings in a bag; we cannot see them, they are unmanifested. The Magician holds his tools in his hand and on the table before him: they are visible and ready to use. But only half of the table is visible. One part is still in the subconscious, because although The Magician is initiated, he is not yet fully aware of his own self. Many associate this card with the planet Mercury, the god who carries messages between the other gods and humans. So he is a channel, not the source itself.
Upright
In readings, The Magician symbolizes action and true originality. In its positive meaning, this card certainly encourages swift action and an active attitude towards life. It is a call to tap into one's full potential. This person is capable of accomplishing many things that seem impossible to others. The Magician implies creativity in its primal stage. You can act now and use this force for your highest good. But be warned: the trick here is to use these tools of manifestation wisely. Practise the art of clean thought and clarity of desire, heart and purpose. After that you will be able to manifest your thoughts like a true magician.
Reversed
The negative side of this card implies ego attachment, greed, ineptitude, someone who copies others. You must ask yourself whether you are manipulating the power of the word for selfish ends. Attachment leads to suffering and fear.