As I mentioned in my post on the Vertigo Fool, the Vertigo Tarot takes as its starting point modern graphic novels. This starting point is again apparent in the rendition of the Magician.

Again, the card is predominately brown punctuated by blues and reds and Caucasian fleshtones. In the center of the card is an again blurred face, (oversized as compared to the rest of the imagery in the card), the eyes behind large glasses looking straight out from the card to the queerest. A book is fanned open atop the head, and there is a receding set of arches framing the head. A red cloak is thrown over the figure's shoulders, and from the cape emerge disembodied hands and forearms. The figure's right hand is raised up, holding a fiery wand, (a silver cup is floating to its left), and the left hand is pointing down, with a silver pentacle and a wooden-handled sword on either side. At the bottom of the card are the flowers that first appeared with the Fool, only now they are healthy and growing.

The figure presented here is a relatively young magician, one just starting his training. Rachel Pollack states that the Magician is Tim Hunter, who in the four part "Books of Magic" was lured into the world of enchantment. Here is a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and discipline it takes to become a master, what ever the vehicle of enchantment. Tim shows a certain awe regarding the responsibilities he has decided to undertake as he presents himself in the classic stance of the Magician. He recognizes that "he" is not the Power, but a means of transmission, a viaduct, of that which he is studying. The Fool "knows" but does not take up the responsibility of developing himself; the Magician decides to focus the energy. It is the aim of the Magician to move progressively through the planes of existence, seeking to merge with the ineffable reality from which we all feel exiled. The Vertigo Magician sees this as a long and arduous path, but a path well worth the commitment.

Bonne'
LaSenyera@aol.com