Take one look at The Magician card (number 1), and it is easy to see the personal power this character possesses. Clothed in a red cape with one hand stretching to the sky and the other to the ground, his calm demeanor underscores the energy of this confident and capable individual. Actually, everything about this card suggests The Magician is a person who has not only developed his skills, but utilizes these talents for the betterment of himself and those around him.
The Magician is confident but not arrogant. He is independent but not selfish or out of touch. He is decisive but not dictatorial. He is communicative and intelligent, but not a braggart. Basically, he is a person who has claimed his personal power, and uses it responsibly, and for its highest good.
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As we step into 2014, this is the person we should strive to become – a person who works to develop our unique talent, skills and power so that we can improve the quality of our life and the lives of those around us.
Many times when I do a reading, I will see The Magician come up in areas such as “advice from the Universe” or in a “negative” or “challenge” spot. Depending upon the cards around it, I will often deliver the same message of: “It is time to (re)claim your personal power.”
When I say this, it’s not uncommon for the client to confess that they had been involved in a situation where they were giving their power away to another by refusing to make a decision they knew they should make, by refraining from expressing an opinion or idea that should be expressed, or by refusing to act when action was needed.
The truth is, when we don’t embrace our power, or when we give it away to another, we help no one. We certainly don’t help ourselves, because we are not using the gifts given to us by the Universe. When you look at the Magician’s table, you will see examples of all four elements. The pentacle stands for earth (finances and gifts of the earth). The sword stands for air (thoughts and ideas). The wand is fire (spirit, desire, dreams/plans, action) and the cup is water (emotion). The Magician is a person with proficient understanding and use of these elements.
This card also suggests the Magician is in the process of mastering the fifth element of ether. Ether represents the spiritual plane – the dimension where the physical mind attempts to connect with the higher mind of the Authentic Self. The Magician is a person who seeks balance in his life (as indicted by the infinity sign above his head and at his throat). His thoughts and words are in sync. In addition, he attempts to use his accomplishments and talents (represented by the red rose) with the purest of intention (represented by the white lilies). His actions here on earth are not without positive end result (represented by his stance). He truly attempts to actualize his life purpose.
The Magician, when realized in our life, is representative of our Authentic Self manifested on earth. He sits solidly between The Fool (who stands for our quest for our Authenticity) and the High Priestess (who possesses many of the qualities of our Higher Self in spiritual form).
If you refuse to claim your power or allow another to take it from you because you are afraid to stand up for what you know if right, you will never connect with your Authentic Self. It really is that simple.
In addition, when you hand over your power to another person, you hurt the person you are allowing to dominate you. Your inaction teaches that person that it is okay to throw their weight around to get what they want. They learn that gain on this earth plane comes from subjugating the needs of others and from inconsiderate and narrow-minded actions. Because you don’t stand up to them, they will continue this behavior with others. They will spread discontent and injury to others through the selfishness of their actions, and they will definitely hurt themselves because they will never have learned to develop their own skills, talent and power. They too will never realize their Authentic Selves if they continue to act in this manner.
The truth is you are actually helping yourself, the other person, and the Universe when you decide to develop the attributes of The Magician. Be like The Magician and really connect with your talents. Make 2014 a magical year for yourself and others. By doing this, you will be a grounded, intelligent, communicative and forward-thinking individual who is closer to connecting with your Authentic Self, and brings this world closer to becoming a much more peaceful place to live.
