The Man of Knowledge
Mercury
“Mental Development”
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
The Magician depicts a young man with long, dark hair standing against a golden yellow background in a garden setting and dressed in a white one piece garment covered by a red robe that is open in the front. Tied around his waist is a snake that is in the act of consuming its own tail. Before him stands a wooden table upon which rests his four magical tools symbolizing the four ancient elements, the four aspects of man’s being, (Spirit, Soul, Mind and Body) the four Jungian psychological functions of human consciousness (Intuition, Feeling, Thinking and Sensation) and the four minor suits of the Tarot. A garden blooms beneath his work table in which grows both red roses and white lilies. His right hand is raised above his head and in it he holds a short, white, double pointed magical staff one end of which points up towards the heavens and the other end of which points downwards towards the table upon which rests his magical tools. Above his head floats a figure eight, the symbol of eternity, that has been turned on its side. Across his brow stretches a white headband and there is a trellis built above his work area from which hangs a fruitful bounty of growing flowers and greenery. The Magician invokes an atmosphere of clarity and mental development acquired by the mind and creatively applied by it in a disciplined and focused manner.
Mercury signifies the mental energies of the psyche as they relate to thought and its expression, most specifically the logical mind, intellect and rational intelligence. This planet represents the constant activity of thought in our minds, as well as the expression of our thought processes through communication. Through the use and development of our minds we acquire the knowledge through which we attain true power- the power to master our self and our environment and forge a purposeful life that is directed towards a meaningful end.
ORACLES
When Appearing Upright in a Reading
You must develop your intellect, knowledge, willpower and creative potential and apply your innate abilities towards constructive and meaningful ends. Success will follow if you strive to actualize your creative powers and realize your fullest potential. Now is the time to make your dreams become reality.
When Appearing Reversed in a Reading
You demonstrate a lack of imagination and your life is being crippled by weakness of will and the pursuit of ineffectual schemes. Your mental development is at a standstill and your human potential is going to waste. Think twice about neglecting your talents and applying your will towards manipulative or destructive ends as misfortune will surely come upon you. Unless you regain your perspective and change your way of life your hopes and dreams may become ashes in the wind.
THE TREE OF LIFE
“The Path of the Transparent Intelligence”
The Path of the Transparent Intelligence is as a window through which the Divine Light shines within Nature, illuminating and transforming the physical universe. Only when our self consciousness has become as still and transparent as glass can this Inner Light be revealed shining within us, nourishing our spirit, guiding our growth and giving us the spiritual vision that leads us to the discovery of our true destiny.