The Magician Tarot Card Meanings

In most cultures, The Magician is someone who is able to perform hands-on magic, such as healing, rituals of transformation, alchemical transmutations, charging talismans, and other similar tasks. Any person who completes the circuit between heaven and Earth, or who strives to bring forth the divine gold that resides within herself or himself, can be considered a modern-day magician.

If you're looking for a tarot card that's loaded with symbolism, go no further than The Magician. The main figure appears to be saying "as above, so below" with one hand raised to the heavens and the other pointing to the ground. While this is a mouthful, it all boils down to this: the earth is a reflection of heaven; the outer world is a reflection of the inner world; the microcosm is a reflection of the macrocosm; the earth is a reflection of God. Another possible interpretation is that the magician represents an intermediary between the supernatural and the everyday human world.

The magician has the complete set of tarot suits spread out on his table. This represents the magician's ability to bring together the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. The infinity symbol over his head represents the boundless potential of the human impulse to create.

Magician Keywords

Upright Keywords

willpower, desire, being resourceful, skill, ability, concentration, manifestation

Reversed Keywords

manipulation, cunning, trickery, wasted talent, illusion, deception

The Magician Upright Meaning 

In this deck, the Magician stands for unadulterated determination. He harnesses the energies of nature and the suits to shape the possibilities latent in the knucklehead. He is the link between the spiritual realm and the material world, for he knows the truth of the adage "as above, so below": that the human mind and the physical world are merely mirror images of one another. Keep in mind that you have the ability to shape your own reality, both within and outside.

It's important to keep in mind that you have the ability to shape your own reality, both internally and externally.

When the Magician appears in a reading, it may be time to dive in headfirst and use all the tools at your disposal. It could be in a new position at work, a new business venture, a new romantic relationship, or somewhere else entirely. It demonstrates that you must act immediately to avoid missing the chance to develop into your full potential. There will be decisions to make, and they could have far-reaching consequences. Tap into the Magician's resources and create the world you've always wanted.

Upright Love Meaning

creating opportunities for love, being proactive in love

Upright Career Meaning

harnessing career opportunities, determination and drive

Upright Finances Meaning

pursuing financial opportunity, making use of skills

Upright Magician Tarot Meaning: Love

It's no surprise that the Magician's tarot meaning in love is "making things manifest," as this card's general meaning suggests. The key to happiness in a relationship is to apply your knowledge, imagination, drive, and resolve. The Magician advises that if you are single and looking for love, you should go out and make it happen. Even if the Magician in tarot might be a symbol of ingenuity and talent, it is still crucial to check that there is no trickery or illusion at play. The Magician inspires adventure and a thirst for new experiences in both singles and couples.

Career Meaning - Upright Magician

Opportunity may be lurking around every corner, and if you're quick on your feet, you might be able to seize it. As the card of manifestation, The Magician suggests that you will achieve your professional goals if you set your mind to them and work hard toward them. Find the motivational force behind any achiever, and you'll find the seed of ambition. Similarly, if you're hoping to launch a business, you should channel your ambition and stay motivated. When this card appears in a reading, it can signify a person who needs to be approached with caution since they may not be what they seem to be, such as a coworker or business partner.

Finances Meaning - Upright Magician

Increased financial chances may be available today; to take advantage of them, you may need to be aggressive. The magician uses a wide variety of apparatuses to bring about his desired effects. Now is the time to examine your resources, as they may prove to be the deciding factor. What are some of your qualifications? Which of your skills are you now neglecting to use? Success can be achieved through inventive thinking.

Reversed Magician Meaning

If the Magician is reversed in your reading, it may be time to make some adjustments. While when upright the Magician is a symbol of legitimate authority, when flipped over he becomes an expert deceiver. His magic is a sort of cunning and deception. The charisma of his performance may draw you in, but he may be manipulating you for his own ends. If you receive this card, it could be a sign that someone is acting in your purported best interest when in reality they are acting in their own.

Think about whether or not a reversed magician is already in your inner circle, or if it could be a symbol of your current emotional state. It could imply you develop an unhealthy fixation on power, which in turn could cause you to make poor choices that ultimately bring about your collapse.

Reversed Love Meaning

romantic illusion, romantic trickery, low willpower for love

Reversed Career Meaning

wasted talent, unwillingness to take chances, workplace deception

Reversed Finances Meaning

missed financial opportunity, not using skills for financial gain

Reversed Magician Tarot Meaning: Love

When read backwards, the Magician's tarot interpretation in love suggests that things aren't always what they seem to be. It's important to get to know a new partner well before committing to a serious relationship. It's possible that appearances are deceiving and that this person is not as flawless as they look. If the Magician is reversed in your love reading, it may be a sign that you lack self-assurance, lack willpower, or are unable to generate the connections you desire.

Career Meaning - Reversed Magician

Is it true that you are now making the most of your abilities? Ask yourself whether there are any abilities that you're not using in your current job. If you employ your full abilities, you will likely be presented with several possibilities for promotion. You probably already feel this way, but you might be too scared to act on it because of the potential downsides. You need to do some research into the actual dangers to determine if your worries are rational or based on something else. This card can be a warning that coworkers aren't always being honest or may be hiding something. Those instincts are probably right, so try to limit how much personal information you disclose with them.

Finances Meaning - Reversed Magician

If your current financial situation isn't ideal, it could be because you're not making the most of the opportunities available to you. It's possible that you're sitting on a wealth of untapped potential or ability; all it takes is a little more courage to finally put yourself out there. The motivation to turn your skills into cash may be lacking. Be wary of opening up about your financial status around other people.