The next step on our journey to awakening is The Magician. He stands alone and confident, his magic wand held aloft, the symbols of the Tarot arrayed before him. This is card number 1, which stands for positive action, individuality and creativity.

The Magician represents the archetype of the Trickster, one of the earliest figures in mythology – a divine messenger and provocateur. He is Prometheus, stealing fire from the gods and gifting it to mankind.

That fire is the first spark of consciousness and this is the power the Magician seeks to wield. The Tarot symbols on the table represent how he tries to manifest his divine consciousness in the physical world, directed by his will (the wand in his hand). The symbols are the Four Elements: fire (baton), earth (pentacle or coin), air (sword), and water (cup). The figure of eight above the Magician’s head represents the inspiration to act coming from his True Self – the spark of divinity within. The white of his clothes shows the purity of his intention, while the red shows his purposive will. He is ready to teach the Fool the hidden ways of the spirit.

This stage of the journey is the dawning of self-awareness and the emergence of the individual ego. Here we must learn how to live in the world and how to use our senses to understand the world and ourselves. The different elements of our character must be combined and our creative energy focused so we can manifest our desires and make our way in the world.

Now the Magician is self-aware he is responsible for his actions. The rest of the journey will be about the dangers and temptations inherent in wielding the sacred fire of consciousness. The Magician will discover the consequences of his actions in due course.

Keywords for The Magician:

• Willpower
• Special knowledge
• Creative power
• Self-determination
• Focused energy
• Alchemist

Next step on the journey to awakening: The High Priestess

>Catch up with the rest of the series here