“Bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than expertise.” ~J.K. Rowling
Having a skill set, using that skill to the best of your ability, and using it wisely for good, these are all aspirations to work toward.
The Magician here shows confidence in his abilities and does not appear to be using any up-his-sleeve,or slight of hand techniques. Of course he would not be much of a Magician if that were easy to spot. No longer a trickster, The Magician, has come a long way in his abilities. He is creative, practical, inventive, self-reliant, and self confident. The ability to imagine, create, and see ideas through to completion. The art of persuasion, or the ability to influence others.(pg 9 lwb)
This last sentence is where we see the influence of the Seven of Swords. Often known as the “thief” card, this character is obviously up to something and it looks to be on the more devious side. He is best know for manipulation, extortion, stealth, and getting away with it. What is that cunning smile hiding? Like a thief in the night, he does not have your best interests at heart. He’s only out for what will profit his interests.
The Eight of Sacred Circles (Coins or Pentacles) shows the subject working diligently at their craft. An apprenticeship to learn a valuable skill. The subject has the energy of The Magician behind them, so we know the ability to do well and succeed is there. However, the energy of the Seven of Swords would encourage taking short cuts, not taking the lessons/tasks seriously and likely turning out less than their best. “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.” ~Hunter S Thompson
It’s a good reminder that anything we set our hand or our minds to should be with 100%percent effort, and that little devil that will whisper sweet nothings of shoddy work, half-assed effort, and short cuts into our ears, needs their “mute” button activated.
Here is wishing you to have a wonderfully creative and safe day!