EMBODYING THE MAJOR ARCANA - THE MAGICIAN CARD
The Magician card represents manifestation. It asks us to trust that we have everything we need to turn our dreams into reality. With one hand pointing at the ground beneath our feet and the other reaching towards the sky - we pull on heaven and earth to create the life we desire.
The magician is depicted as a skillful and masterful creator, able to channel all the information and energy needed to see his plan through to completion. Instead of waiting for life to lead him, he creates a life worth living. He is strong-willed with a narrow focus and steady gaze. He is also full of confidence and not afraid to take up space.
This archetype encourages us to own our power and remember that WE ARE MAGIC! It pushes us to take the first step and move ahead with the ideas that were birthed in the energy of the previous card (0 - The Fool). The magician wants us to take informed action and begin the process utilizing our will and intention and take full advantage of all the elemental resources we have at our fingertips. On a practical level that means making sure your thoughts (air/swords), emotions (water/cups), energy (earth/pentacles), and actions (fire/wands) are in alignment with our end goals.
The infinity sign on this card represents the notion that the possibilities are endless. With faith in Spirit and belief in ourselves, we are able to turn vision into reality and create abundance for ourselves and others. Be sure that your plan matches your desires at a soul level (versus one that is ego driven). A popular phrase that is commonly associated with this card is “as above, so below, as within, so without.”
Some reflection questions to consider when working with The Magician card:
- What are your beliefs about and/or your relationship with manifestation?
- What goals do you have for yourself that you feel ready to put energy towards?
- Have you taken the time to gather the information and resources needed to reach those goals?
Below are some common associations and a movement exercise to help you better understand and embody the energy of the magician card. To see these properties in action, click on the YouTube video image below to watch my own channeled movement for this archetype.
Element: Earth & Air
The earth element is connected to our physical needs for survival such as security, nourishment, foundation, structure, health, and fertility. This element can be expressed through movement that is slow, steady, weighted, and strong. Often, this movement has a “down and out” quality to it. One might also feel led towards floor work or being low to the floor so that one can make an intentional connection with the ground beneath their feet.
The air element rules our thoughts and mental processes. In dance and movement practices, air energy is often intricate, fast-moving, and is typically expressed in the upper body. It often activates the arms and hands to create a multitude of unique shapes and dynamics that are ever-evolving.
Planetary Influence: Mercury
The planetary influence of the Magician card is Mercury - ruler of communication. Mercury encourages us to take that which lives inside of us and birth it out into our external world using our will and intention. Movements depicting this planet could look like a pulling or opening motion from the heart and/or throat chakra and spreading that energy to whatever is around you. It could also look like lifting from the crown chakra and expanding towards the sky. The goal is to allow your inner world to come alive before your eyes and share that message with the world around you. 
Movement Exercise for The Magician Card
This particular exercise was created with the intention of helping us focus on the connection between heaven and earth.
Before you begin, make sure you're moving in a safe space with plenty of vertical and horizontal room. Air energy can have you reaching for the sky - watch out for ceiling fans and anything else that might be hanging from the ceiling. You’ll also want to make sure the floor is free of any debris that could cut or scrape your body.
- Start this practice lying on the ground in whatever manner feels good to you. Notice how the ground feels against your skin and how it supports your entire being.
- Begin moving your hands, arms, and legs around - maintaining contact with the floor. You may even want to explore rolling in different directions. Move slowly - tuning in to the force of gravity pressing down upon you.
- Next, slowly make your way into an upright position (seated or on your knees) - remaining aware of the strong, unwavering foundation that supports you as you begin to rise from the ground.
- Begin to explore the idea of being anchored to the ground but reaching toward the sky - much like a tree. Continue to rise from the floor until you’ve reached a standing position.
- Imagine pulling earth energy up from the ground, through your spinal column, and then out of your crown and fingertips. Allow your “branches” to grow and expand and then move freely and swiftly with some imaginary wind.
- From here, you will reverse this entire process pulling air energy in through your crown and fingertips, sending it down the spine, through the feet, and finally returning to the earth.
Approach this entire process with curiosity and an open mind. Be careful not to let yourself judge any movements as right or wrong. Be brave and move with courageous intention - you cannot mess this up! While you’re moving, try and make mental notes of any feelings or sensations you might have experienced. Take time to journal your thoughts and experiences before ending this practice.
Learn more about working with the tarot in conjunction with your dance and movement practices in episode 10 of my Spiritual Dance Podcast titled “Tarot for Dancers.” CLICK HERE to listen.
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