Planets in Retrograde -- The Basics
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Rebecca Brents

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Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes
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Gordon B. Hinckley, Mike Wallace

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	Tarot Articles Psychology of the Magus
Astrology, Tarot, and Self Improvement for the New Age.

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My copy of the "Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck" has three versions of the Magician: Two of them are called "the Magus," and the third is called "the Magician." For the purposes of this paper, I have laid them out in what I feel to be their logical progression, based on the pictures on the cards and on my belief that these pictures parallel three general psychological life stages. Mr. Crowley himself has made little distinction between the three, save his descriptions of the cards.

At the bottom of each card are the Hebrew symbol, Beth, meaning "a house" and the planetary symbol for Mercury, indicating "action in all forms and phases." In the third version of the Magus, as I have laid them out, the positions of the two symbols are reversed. In short, the Magus creates and changes his/her reality (the house.) In the case of the third card, the Magician, the reverse is true. Mr. Crowley calls this card "The Juggler."

In the progression that I have found in these three cards is encapsulated our own journey through life. First, as children, we are the Fool and then Magus 1. Our tools are there for us, but we are too absorbed in the wonder of becoming aware and learning how to use them to really direct our Will.

Magus 2 defines the next stage of our lives: adulthood. Some of us-many, in fact-never move beyond this stage of psychic existence. This is a stage of awareness and continued learning. We are aware of our tools, and we use them in building and improving our lives. We have grown into our magic, and it helps us. We manipulate it. It becomes another tool.

Magus 3 is a glorious and enlightened stage for those who reach it. Magus 3, "The Magician" in the Thoth deck, is the Shaman. We have moved BEYOND the user/tool relationship and are one with our psychic environment. We are beyond worrying about moving or manipulating the Magic, beyond feeling the need to stick to convention: As Shaman, we DANCE the Magic. We are the Magic, the tools companions in our work. Psychologically, this Magus starts to appear in late adulthood.

In the first version of the Magus, as I have laid the cards out, he is a boy. His expression is one of wonder. His tools float in the ether around him, and he guides or feels them out rather than using them. His body is one of light, but the color is the yellow-green of spring, indicating youth. He is naked, vulnerable. At this point in the journey, the Fool has shed his clothing (connection to the material plain OR fear of vulnerability) and stepped off of the cliff (evolution from one state to a higher state.) His legs are together at the ankles, as if bound. This is a common practice in Initiatory rites. It is also a precarious or tentative stance. This card relates to childhood, psychologically. We are defining spatial relationships, we are developing independence and we are learning that we can manipulate our surroundings and are learning how. We take our steps at this point in life tentatively, but with much curiosity and interest.

The second card shows a more mature, confident Magus. He is standing on tiptoe, feet slightly apart, arms outstretched. On his face is an expression of concentration mixed with excitement. Rays of light shoot out around him, a hand on the end of each one. The tools in this card are firmly grasped and in use, their designs more refined than those in the first card. There is a sword present in this card as well, indicating a mature Will and a more advanced state. In front of the Magus, covering his manhood is the Caduceus, tool of Hermes. In this Magus, we have maturity: Maturity of the Will and of the Creative Force. The Magus controls the Art at this point. The wonder has worn off and skill and wisdom remain. Psychologically, this card relates to adulthood. In fact, this state covers the majority of our lives. We have become aware of our relationship to the rest of the world. We are responsible for taking care of ourselves, and we are capable and equipped to do so. At the same time, however, we face the pressure that comes with such abilities. Making it through this stage successfully and growing beyond it requires hard work.

The third version, The Magician, shows yet a further-changed Magus. This Magus appears once again boyish and naked, his expression serene. With winged feet, he dances. His tools, now made of more primitive materials, float around him once more. There is order to their suspension, though, unlike the ones in Magus 1. This Magus has moved beyond the formulas and the need for regimented work. He is the work. One with the Universe, he dances his magic. He is the magic. He is Shaman. Psychologically, such a mindset sets in, generally, in late adulthood. Beginning in late middle age, there is a paradigm shift within us. No longer completely concerned with our outer world, we turn inward to reevaluate our lives. We may become less concerned with societal norms or with "fitting in." We make an assessment of our achievements and failures over the course of our lives. Whether or not we are happy with what we learn at this point, the work is taking place within. The tools of adulthood may no longer be necessary, because we have grown into our lifestyle. We are and feel truly an integrated part of our world.

Meditation: "I work hard every day to create a good life for myself. I am an active agent, and I strive to dance the Shaman's Dance."

© 2001 by Jennifer L. Moore

Jennifer L. Moore is a writer based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She writes extensively on metaphysical, inspirational, and New Age topics.

Behind every argument is someone's ignorance.
~ Robert Benchley ~
Born September 15, 1889

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Last updated July 26th, 2001

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