The Magician

All four tools are already on the table. The Magician is about turning intention into action and using what is to hand with focus and skill.

Upright

• skill
• willpower
• resourcefulness
• action

All four tools are already on the table. The Magician is about turning intention into action and using what is to hand with focus and skill.

Reversed

• manipulation
• untapped talent
• poor planning
• trickery

Talent that is not being used, effort scattered over too many things, or skill used to mislead. Reversed, the card questions whether the plan is as solid as it sounds.

Not every reader uses reversals. Many treat a reversed card as the same theme, blocked, delayed or turned inward.

In the picture

A figure with one hand raised and one pointing down stands behind a table that holds a cup, a sword, a wand and a pentacle, with roses and lilies growing around him and an infinity sign above his head.

Astrology and numerology

The Golden Dawn, the Victorian magical order whose scheme most modern decks follow, linked The Magician with Mercury. Read about Mercury and the element air, which the card shares.

Its number reduces to 1, which numerology associates with new beginnings, leadership, independence. See every card that reduces to 1.

Yes or no

In yes or no tarot, The Magician counts as a yes when upright, and as a no when reversed. This follows a common convention and not a rule from the deck's makers.

Tarot is a tradition of symbolism. This page says what readers traditionally associate with the card. It does not predict anything and it is not advice.