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Although I use the Thoth Tarot in my professional Tarot readings and Teach Master Tarot Classes using the Thoth Tarot (It is the most informative Western Hermetic Qaballah deck). I began my readings using the B.O.T.A. (Builders of the Adytum) tarot cards and the Rider-Waite-Smith Traditional Tarot Decks. . This Tarot philosophy is based on the premise that the True Universal Collective Mind doesn't use language to communicate; rather it communicates in image and/or symbolism. Since it is the True Parent of your Soul, it behooves one to use proper communication techniques to make their life more "magic" and less tragic" than the common herd. In other words, aids one in claiming their Universal Inheritance as a Celestial Being.

The imagery in both the Rider-Waite-Smith and The Prophet Tarot, is the same, although the Prophet Tarot is only Silver and Black. The title of Magician, refers to humankind's ability to direct the force by which one transforms their consciousness, thereby, reaching the stage Metaphysicians, Parapsychologist, Occultist call initiation. The number 1, which is often symbolized as "the point", which means concentration, will , attention and/or a limiting of the field of activity. Simply put, this is an activity of focus that every aspirant absolutely must learn if they wish to seek the "Truth of Self". Until one learns to concentrate and focus their Vital Life Force, they cannot perform the Great Work of "As above so below" and thereby turn dreams of Self into reality.

In both the Rider-Waite-Smith and the Prophet Tarot, the red roses (silver roses)of the arbor symbolize desire. The wise know that desire is the motivation of evolution. One can clearly see that the central figure, draws his/her power from the above, through their raised wand. This is the central doctrine of Western Hermetic Magic, since each of us are the "bridge between" the above and below." That is, a bridge between the Macrocosmic Mind and the Microcosmic mind. A person cannot even begin to use the subtle forces of nature until they realize they can do nothing of themselves but simply act as the Channel of the Primal Will of "I Will Be", through which the "Will to Form" and the "Will to Force" , i.e., the Will of Life Force expresses itself.

The fact that the Prophet Tarot uses only silver and black as its colors, makes these cards useful only to those who are practiced in Tarot. This deck is not for beginners. as the absence of color leaves out certain important meanings. However, there is a certain appeal to those of a Gothic nature.

On both Cards:

1. The magician's uplifted wand symbolizes the ability to direct natural forces with which a magician/magus works. This ability is known as the Hermetic axiom of "That which is above is as that which is below". This is also know in the Tao as " If it is here, it is there, and if it is there, it is here. If it is not here, it is not there, and if it is not there, it is not here."
2. The horizonal 8, over the magician's head represents, dominion, strength,  and control while also being the symbol for infinity that is called the lemniscate (Greek for-Ribbon) in Western Magic.
3. The magician's left hand points down to the ground in the gesture of concentration. 
4. On the Rider-Waite-Smith card, the black hair bound with a white band, symbolizes the limitation of ignorance by knowledge.
5. The red robe represents action and desire (information becomes in-form-action).
6. On the Rider-Waite- Smith Card, the White undergarment, representing  wisdom is encircled with a serpent that symbolizes eternity; Ouroboros, the serpent that eats its own tail. There is also a white undergarment on the Modern Witch Tarot Card.
7. The altar is made of granite or is granted stones and is covered with the magician's tools, which represent, Fire (Wand), Air (Sword), Water,(Cups) and Earth-(Pentacle). 

1. The Workbench/table represents the Magician's field of attention/observation. This workbench is shown on the lower right of the  Rider-Waite-Smith card and Modern Witches Tarot.  
2. The implements are:
3. The Wand-element of fire (Will).
4. The Cup-element of water (Imagination and of the Silver Metal representing the Moon).
5. The Sword-element of air (Action, with golden handle as a symbol of the Rauch/Intellect).
6. The Pentacle-element of earth (Physical embodiment).

The garden is the Unconscious aspect of Mind, which is cultivated by the acts of attention of the self-conscious and/or awake conscious -self. From this ageless garden spring all powers of the Universal Collective Unconscious.

The white 6 petaled lilies represent the abstract perception of Truth, as well as, the cosmic laws and principles by which the Multiverse is sustained. 6 is also the number representing the Sun/Soul, central to the manifestation of SELF.

When the Magician is thrown in a divination it implies:

• Assertiveness.
• Self-Realization.
• Activity.
• Strength of Will.
• Vital energy.
• Command over the subconscious and Unconscious.
• Drive.
• Impetuous.
• Energy.
• Bringing lofty dreams down into reality.

If reversed:

• Aggressiveness.
• Egotism.
• Misuse of power.
• Mental disease.
• Disquiet.

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper.

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