The Magician

Card I
Ruled By Mercury

This figure represents a traveling entertainer and show-man, a common enough character in medieval Europe. Part Mountebank, Part Wiseman and possibly also a Pick-Pocket, the magician lived on a fringes of the Law and was regarded with a mixture of fascination and suspicion by both the authorities and the people. Whenever he appears in the card, you can be sure that the old adage of 'the quickness of the hand' deceives the eyes' is coming into play! The Magician is always Number One - at center stage and in the spot light. This apparent forthrightness is misleading, because there is always something going on behind the scene. This image exudes originality and confidence. The Card is associated with positive actions, individuality and creativity.

Meaning: Generally, the card shows new beginners, the start of a new cycle, essence of purpose, will power and initiative. The Magician is a card of potential showing the importance of a new enterprise.

Reversed Meaning: Trickery and deception are the negative phase of the magician. Be careful in whom you place your trust.