Magician archetypal image (Tarot)

The encounter of the psyche with the emblem or image of a magician is one of the most powerfully felt archetypes that express themselves in conscious awareness. The power or force of the magus is represented in the Tarot by the emblem of the Magician (number 1) depicted with the tokens and talismans of the extent of his powers and domains. These are the symbols of four elements of the material world. Above the abyss, the Magician is related with male but virginal purity, but having his being in a dimension seeking manifestation in nature. The world, or plane of manifestation, is represented by his table. Some tarot systems call him the Juggler. Since the only things depicted that he can juggle are the symbols of the four elements, his magic is transmutation, or transformation. On his table is a book which may lead him to the lady of books, wisdom, the High Priestess (Tarot emblem 2).

In the Tree of Sephiroth the path of the Magician is from the crown (Kether) to intelligence or understanding (Binah).