Tarot Soul Card -- Magician (Number 1)

[Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot]

People whose soul card is the Magician are skilled communicators. They have analytical minds and think quickly on their feet. They speak well, write well and are very persuasive. Magicians can also be gifted craftspeople, especially with their hands, producing work of exquisite detail and accomplishment. Magicians tend to be self-motivated, focused, strong-willed and individualistic people. Often it is hard for Magicians to work for someone else; they much prefer to be their own boss, if possible.

If Magicians stray from a positive expression of their soul path, they become easily distracted by new ideas. Sometimes they refuse to grow up and take responsibility for their lives, preferring to live for immediate gratification in the moment. If Magicians really get lost in life, they can become glib grifters or con men, silver-tongued fast-talkers who play games and create illusions for their own personal gain.

There are two other major arcana cards in this constellation which influence a Magician's soul path: the Wheel of Fortune and the Sun.

[tarot art by SpaceTurtleStudios]

The Wheel of Fortune turns constantly, bringing both good and bad experiences to everyone's life. Whereas most people are scared of such changing fortunes, Magicians understand the Wheel's nature and are philosophical about its movement. Because of this, Magicians are more likely to gamble and take risks in life. Magicians learn through change. They are flexible and willing to grasp opportunities when other people simply cower in the face of the unknown.

[Tarot de Marseille]

As for the Sun's influence, some Magicians quite literally have sunny personalities. They are cheerful optimists and enthusiastic leaders who enjoy being in the limelight. They love having friends and partners who are equally as interested in the Magician's work and ideas -- someone who can be the Magician's Assistant, so to speak!

However, for other Magicians, the Sun's influence on their soul path can be a hidden factor (or, in Jungian terms, their Shadow). These Magicians lack confidence and keep their many talents hidden. They do not trust others easily and fear that if they show their true selves, others will hurt or punish them. The challenge of these Magicians' soul journey is to bring this hidden factor into the open, to learn to trust themselves and others, to let their true magnificence shine out for all to see. As Jung taught: when the Shadow is integrated, wholeness is achieved and a person will finally live their true life and reach their full potential.

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Next Week: the High Priestess Soul Card

[NOTE: If you haven't yet determined what your Soul Card is and would like to, please go to the introductory post of this series found here, do the calculation and play along!]