Taking care of someone else, particularly children, requires flexibility and creativity. Spur-of-the-moment projects, illness and injuries, hormones, personality differences, behavioral challenges... these can all throw a wrench in your daily routines and schedules. How we handle these upsets impacts the dynamics of everything and everyone around us. If we choose to allow things to unravel and fall into a chaotic mess, the energy will be aggressive and fiery. However, if we choose to ease into the flow and adjust, the situation will unfold in a more calm and controlled manner.
"Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business."
- Tom Robbins
The Magician, in Tarot, serves as a powerful reminder that, just like a skilled magician who adapts to unforeseen circumstances, we can harness our inner "magic" to navigate the unpredictabilities of life with a little bit more grace and composure. This card encourages us to embrace the qualities of adaptability, creativity, and resourcefulness, allowing us to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. By approaching caregiving with the spirit of The Magician, we can not only maintain a sense of equilibrium but also create an environment where everyone (kids, parents, and those who exist around us) can thrive amidst life's ever-changing magic.
About The Magician
The Magician, in Tarot, represents the grand Creator, the Great Alchemist, a being who is able to channel spiritual energy and divine it into existence in the physical realm. They are typically represented as a figure holding a wand in an upraised hand with the other hand pointing towards the ground, a representation of the phrase "As above, so below." They understand that attitude and perspective are key to making things happen. Many people also associate The Magician or its actions with the concept of manifestation.
As the first card in the Major Arcana, The Magician is often connected to the suit or Wands, seen perhaps as the "ruler" of the suit, as the fiery, active energy can be seen in each of the cards in the suit of Wands. They are the embodiment of The Wands and are referred to as the Divine Masculine, asserting an air of strength, resilience, assertiveness, and vigor (or what we sometimes joke as "big dick energy") that exceeds the binary boundaries of gender. However, as with all things fire, too much of these things can have resounding consequences... fire warms, but fire burns.
The Magician in Modern Decks
There are thousands of different representations of The Magician in Tarot. Below are a few examples of The Magician from various decks and art that show the variety and vastness of creative freedom within the Tarot community.
Decks in order of appearance:
- The Lord of the Rings Tarot Deck: Website | Amazon
- Asphodelon Mythos Tarot: Website
- Terra Volatile (Alternative Expansion Pack): Website | Store
- The Pasta Tarot: Website | Amazon
- Mystic Wonders Tarot: Website
- Tarot des Apocalypses: Website
Symbolism in The Magician
The Magician (Themselves)
The central figure of The Magician is typically depicted as a young individual standing behind a table or altar. They represent the conscious mind, willpower, and personal power. Their posture and demeanor convey confidence, mastery, and the ability to manifest their desires into reality.
In parenting, we embody the archetype of The Magician, representing our ability to manifest our intentions to the world and influence our children's upbringing through their actions, choices, and the day-to-day guidance we provide.
The Magician's Wand
The Magician raises a double-sided wand to the sky with their right hand. The wand represents the dual aspects of power and intentionality and the different qualities and energies The Magician works with to manifest their intention. These include:
- Active/Passive energies (understanding when to give and when to receive)
- Manifestation/Transformation (understanding when it's time to create versus time to transform or transmute what exists)
- Balance/Integration (understanding the need for harmony between opposing forces such as action/reflection; logic/intuition; and control/surrender)
As a parent, the Magician's wand represents the authority to take action and make decisions to shape their children's environment and experiences. It represents the ability of a parent to inspire creativity, exploration, and growth in their child's life.
The Magician's Belt (Ouroboros)
The Magician wears a belt that is made from the symbol of the Ouroboros, a snake forming a circle by eating its tail. This symbolizes the never-ending cycle of creation, destruction, and renewal and the cyclical nature of life itself.
To a parent, the Ouroboros is a reminder that childhood is a constant cycle of growth, learning, and development that will continue throughout their life. It also represents the parent's commitment to nurture and support their child through all the struggles and ups and downs of life.
The Lemniscate (∞)
The infinity symbol (∞) shown above The Magician's head represents infinite potential, eternal cycles, and the interconnectedness of all things. It signifies the limitless possibilities available to The Magician and serves as a reminder of the power of creation and manifestation.
As a parent, the lemniscate represents the parent's recognition of the interconnectedness of their actions and their child's well-being. It symbolizes the infinite bond between parent and child and the continual exchange of love, support, and guidance between them.
The Table/Altar
The table or altar before The Magician is adorned with various tools and symbols representing the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements correspond to the four suits of Tarot (Pentacles, Swords, Wands, and Cups) and symbolize the building blocks of creation and transformation. The table also represents the physical realm and the material world, where The Magician channels his energy to manifest his intentions.
In parenting, the table represents the parent's role as a provider and facilitator of opportunities for their child's growth and learning. It symbolizes the supportive environment that the parent creates to foster their child's development and exploration of their interests and talents.
Red Roses and White Lilies
The flowers shown surrounding The Magician symbolize growth, beauty, and the blossoming of potential. They represent the fertile ground from which new ideas and creations emerge. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and cultivating one's intentions and aspirations with care and attention.
As a parent, The red roses and white lilies represent the parent's ability to balance nurturing love and supportive guidance (white lilies) with passion, encouragement, and vitality (red roses) in their relationship with their child.
The Wand, The Cup, The Sword, and The Pentacle
- The Magician's table features symbols representing the four suits of the Tarot: Pentacles, Swords, Wands, and Cups. These symbols reinforce the idea of mastery over the four realms of existence—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—and the holistic approach to manifestation and transformation.
It is easy to see the correlation between these tools with parenting: - The Wand: Represents the parent's ability to inspire creativity, passion, and enthusiasm in their child's pursuits and interests.
- The Cup: Symbolizes the parent's capacity for emotional support, empathy, and nurturing care for their child's emotional well-being.
- The Sword: Represents the parent's role in providing guidance, discipline, and protection for their child, helping them navigate challenges and conflicts with clarity and strength.
- The Pentacle: Symbolizes the parent's focus on practical matters, such as providing for their child's material needs, instilling values, and fostering a sense of stability and security in their lives.
