The Magician I in the 5-Card Spread with the Rider Waite Tarot

The Magician as second card : Challenge / Obstacle
in the Rider Waite Smith 5-Card spread

When The Magician is in the opposition position, it reveals blockages related to self-expression, self-confidence or the use of available resources. The consultant may find it difficult to believe in their abilities or hesitate to take action, even if they have everything they need.

This card may indicate a lack of initiative, a fear of getting started or difficulty in structuring ideas.

Sometimes the environment also plays a role: the person may feel manipulated, misunderstood, or confronted with power games where they find it difficult to assert themselves.

Another typical opposition to the Magician is the illusion of control: wanting to manage and plan everything, to the point of exhaustion or losing touch with what is essential. This can involve excessive intellectualisation or a tendency to want to ‘play a role’ rather than be sincere.

Conversely, in some cases, the opposition comes from a form of manipulation, a misuse of one’s talents: using one’s influence to seduce, convince or manipulate without any real ethics.

The Magician in opposition can therefore also be a mirror of deception, illusion, or pretence – whether on the part of the consultant or those around them. It invites us to revisit the way we use our abilities, to realign what we are, what we want and what we show.

The Magician as third card : Advice
in the Rider Waite Smith 5-Card spread

In the position of advisor, The Magician is a powerful incentive to take action with intelligence, confidence and creativity.

He advises recognising your strengths, using what you already have at your disposal, and structuring your projects with clarity. It is about not doubting your abilities, positioning yourself and taking the initiative.

This card reminds us that potential is not enough: it must be mobilised. The Magician says, ‘You have everything you need, now dare to do it.’

He may also recommend using words and personal expression to clarify a situation, convince, negotiate or create connections. Communication is key: it is important to be skilful, precise and sincere.

This advice also calls for mastery: you need to channel your energy, set clear intentions and work on your inner alignment in order to produce what you really want on the outside.

The Magician may also encourage you to learn, develop new skills or structure an idea into a concrete project.

Finally, he encourages you to trust yourself and believe that you can influence your reality without waiting for external validation. It is a call to take back control of your life, to take the reins with clarity and determination, and to take the first steps towards a new path.

The Magician as fourth card : Outcome
in the Rider Waite Smith 5-Card spread

As a result, The Magician heralds success linked to self-assertion, the implementation of a project or the full use of personal resources.

It suggests that something will come to fruition, an achievement made possible by the wise use of the consultant’s inner abilities. It is a card that signifies an active beginning, often bringing with it a new dynamic to life.

The Magician suggests that effort and boldness will be rewarded, and that the person will be able to successfully influence their environment. This could be the start of a new career path, a successful public speech, or an artistic or personal project that is taking shape with clarity. The result is not necessarily spectacular, but it is significant: it signifies mastery, a victory over indecision or doubt. In addition, the person may attract attention, gain visibility or recognition.

It may also indicate a change in inner attitude: the person feels more in control, knows what to do and how to move forward.

However, this result also requires vigilance: using one’s talents with integrity and not falling into the temptation to manipulate or control excessively.
In summary, The Magician here promises a great momentum, concrete achievement and personal growth.