PLANETS 
The magician
 The Magician The Magician has studied long and hard; his or her efforts have required willpower and creativity, and have been rewarded, for this figure is very much in control of his or her life. Traditionally the Magician wears the figure-eight symbol for eternity above his head, and is shown presiding over a table. On the table are a cup, pentacle or disc, sword and wand - the symbols of the four suits of the Minor Arcana. These symbols are found in a number of ancient mythologies; Nemesis, Greek goddess of Fate, had the wand, cup, wheel and sword as her symbolic possessions. The four magical treasures of Celtic mythology were the Cauldron of Regeneration, Stone of Sovereignty, Spear of Lug and the Sword of Nuada. Each represents an aspect of life, personality and knowledge. Like Nemesis, the
Magician has control over these elements, and can rearrange them or use them as it suits him or her. The Magician's designated planet, Mercury, serves to emphasise the magical ability to travel between two worlds. Hermes, as the Greeks knew Mercury, was called the Psychopomp, who conducted souls into the underworld. Unlike them he had the freedom to come and go as he pleased. Hermes/Mercury was a messenger god, moving swiftly with the aid of his winged sandals and helmet. He is the god of the alphabet, languages, magical knowledge, medicine, crossroads and tricksters. In medieval times he became the patron of alchemists, because of his ability to turn things into gold with his caduceus (wand). This is another obvious link with magic, which traditionally entails transformation through an effort of will. Astrologically, Mercury is the planet of communication, intellect, reason and teaching. Interpretation Initiating projects, having a sense of control over your destiny, and making creative ideas a reality are all possible when the Magician appears in a spread. The Fool's schemes and dreams can evaporate like morning mist without some practical, selfdisciplined action. The Magician helps you to work towards achieving goals. You may be called upon to organise a department in an office, find yourself in a teaching role, or feel especially clear-sighted and logical. This card also suggests an interest in languages, writing, public speaking or psychotherapy. When the Magician manifests in your life, he may be some kind of agent or entrepreneur who successfully brings together a number of different people or skills. He can represent someone who is witty, eloquent, and at home in the world. Physically, the Magician is associated with the central nervous system, lungs and the five senses. It is an unemotional card, sometimes suggesting someone who is not in touch with his or her feelings, or who over analyses everything. Nervous exhaustion and breathing difficulties are the forms of illness linked to the Magician. Like the Fool, this is an androgynous card. Sexually, this can indicate a perfect balance between male and female forces for it is a card of self-love, without which a relationship soon runs into difficulties. If you draw this card when you are interested in starting a relationship with someone, do not be afraid to make the first move. Reversed You are dithering about something, unable to make a choice. Perhaps positive and potentially successful plans have been abandoned, or you have been unwilling or unable to see things through to their conclusion. Sometimes these difficulties seem to have been caused by someone else. Certainly, some negative force or person is blocking your path and you may feel lacking in inspiration or energy. 0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician 2 - The High Priestess 3 - The Empress 4 - The Emperor 5 - The Hierophant or Pope 6 - The Lovers 7 - The Chariot 8 - Justice 9 - The Hermit 10 - The Wheel of Fortune 11 - Strength 12 - The Hanged Man 13 - Death 14 - Temperance 15 - The Devil 16 - The Tower 17 - The Star 18 - The Moon 19 - The Sun 20 - Judgment 21 - The World |
