This figure represents a traveling entertainer and showman, a common enough character in medieval Europe. Part mountebank, part wise man, and possibly also a pickpocket, the Magician lived on the fringes of the law and was regarded with a mixture of fascination and suspicion by both the authorities and the people. Whenever he appears in the cards you can be sure that the old adage of The quickness of the hand deceives the eye' is coming into play! The Magician is always number one - at centre stage and in the spotlight. This apparent forthrightness is misleading, because there is always something going o behind the scenes. The image exudes originality and confidence. The card is associated with positive action, individuality and creativity.
