The 5 MAGES
THE 5 MAGES
Our Magical Allies
The Mage is a Master of a particular element and is related to a quality of the soul. Mages tend to be very magical. The five Imaginosophy Mages are Scatach, Merlin, Lady of the Lake, Elen of the Ways, and Brigid. Each of the Mages embody ancient archetypal or mythical forces that are often thousands of years old. The Mages can act as allies or guides to help you see for yourself and find your own truth.
When you pull a Mage card in a reading, it is an indication that the universe is assisting you in a specific way that is in alignment with the element. At the end of each section are three Grail invitations: three self-inquiries, three practices, and one Imaginal Jouney to get to know your magical helping spirit who can lead you to the Otherworlds, and help you awaken as a co-creator and light wizard.
Mage of Earth - Scatach
Keywords:
Magical instruction – Martial arts – Self-defense – Shapeshifter – Foresight
Reversed:
Difficult initiation – Fear – Psychic attack
Colors:
Green/Red/Violet
Idea:
Some of us are destined to become heroes, others become light wizards
Meaning:
Scatach is a Scottish goddess from the Isle of Sky, an embodiment of the living landscape. Her name means the shadowy one or phantom and may be related to the word scathe. She was a teacher of the greatest heroes, including Cuchulain. She was a master seer and prophet. As a guide she is a master teacher and initiates a person in ways that bring out their talents so they can live into their highest destiny.
Divination:
If you have pulled the Mage of Earth card in your reading, then it is time to learn to defend yourself. It may be that you are under psychic or even physical attack, and you must learn to set healthy boundaries. The point of becoming a martial artist is to become physically, emotionally, mentally and psychically strong enough to avoid war. Or if you have to battle, then Scatach makes certain that you have what it takes to win. It’s time to learn the art of psychic defense.
Veils:
If you must battle, then Scatach makes certain that you have what it takes to win. If there is any type of attack going on, it’s time learn a martial art and the art of psychic defense. Self-protection is a divine right.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The green mountains behind Scatach invite the reader into unknown and unexplored territory. Her mastery is the Green Ray of healing. One of her skills is that of casting illusions during battle. A shapeshifter who can take many forms, Scatach appears here as an enticing woman who gazes directly at the reader. The red coral in her browband indicates that she is clairvoyant, a master seer and prophet. A black cape magically hovers around her, and there is a sense that she could vanish at any moment. Scatach is a master of the Earth and not only of manifestation, but also of shapeshifting and dimension leaping. Scatach wears a golden necklace with a Trinity Knot, symbolizing her connection with eternity. Her violet dress indicates that she someone who can transmute negative energies. Scatach knows what herbs, potions and energies heal the body-mind-psyche. Her stare indicates that she is not afraid of this world or any other. She is a sorceress who understands the games of love, life, and death. In the lower left side of the card is an alchemical emblem for Earth. She waits beneath an Apple tree with a dagger in her right hand and a red coral ring, the gemstone of blood and life energy. The blood red shirt against her skin indicates her passion for love and war. The Raven, who represents mystery and magical powers, perches in front of a full moon. Scatach can read your destiny even before you appear.
As a Person/Spiritual Guide:
A martial arts teacher, or someone who teaches magical arts that can be used in the physical world; a shapeshifter; shaman.
Story:
Scatach, the Shadowy One, is a peerless warrior woman of Irish legend. In myth, she lived off the coast of Scotland on the Isle of Skye. It was there that she turned warriors into heroes. To get to her, a hero had to pass a great chasm known as the Bridge of the Cliff. She taught Celtic martial arts and magic. She was also a prophetess and oracle with great skill. She loved and trained the great hero Cuchulain.
Discover the Myth of Scatach in Legends of the Grail: Stories of Celtic Goddesses or visit:http://www.imaginosophy.com/earth-court-cards/#scatach
3 Grail Questions:
What is your personal magic?
How do you defend against psychic attack?
Do you wish to become a hero?
Mage of Air - Merlin
Keywords:
Thoughts – Spells – Manifestation – White magic – Clairvoyance – Light wizardry
Veils:
Black magic – Insanity – Non-magical person – Stuck
COLORS:
Yellow/Violet/Gold
Idea:
Kind words can produce the most magical spells
Meaning:
Merlin reminds us how we become magical wizards. It can begin with a breath of wind, which caresses us and encourages us to get up and fly. As we learn to activate our astral or light body, we can indeed lift out of the density of the physical realm. Merlin appears here as a helping spirit. The Mage of Air is a master designer who can create out of thin air. Merlin has the mastery of inner vision or clairvoyance. He led Arthur to the sword in the stone, revealing the boy’s life purpose and mission. In the same way, the Mage of Air invites you to create a worthy life. What you think, what you say, and how you act, creates the life you live into. Sometimes we need to spend time alone, even as a hermit, to understand our thoughts and what we are guided to offer the world. Look at the dragons who circle the Sun and know there is a portal opening for you. The Great Mystery is calling.
Divination:
The Mystic of Air card suggests that a magical friend, philosopher, or poet is inspiring your life. It might be time to take a Quest and engage in mythological, psychological, or alchemical studies. Your soul is calling you to expand your consciousness so that you can also be an inspiration for your community. You may be called to the Oracular traditions, or the study of magic, or herbal medicine. Go ahead and speak to the trees. The world is alive and awaiting your awakening. Give yourself permission to be magical.
Veils:
Times of madness. Tests of character that seem dark or insane. Feeling trapped or disempowered. All of these challenges are designed to turn you into a light wizard, but you must pass the tests which generally surround letting go of power, fame, and fortune, and choosing to work with the Light instead.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The Mage of Air, Merlin, stands in front of Stonehenge, which according to myth, he moved with his magical thoughts to England. Two dragons (a red and white) circle the Sun, a life affirming Being. Merlin holds the sword Clarent, the sword of peace which he gave to boy Arthur. Veils of smoke rise from a flame that comes from his palm upward toward the Sun. The dragons circle as if listening to Merlin’s thoughts. He smiles, enjoying the Wisdom Field and the magic that is in the Air around him. The sky is yellow as though kissed by the rising Sun. The dragons fly between yellow and violet, indicating their mysterious ability to fly between time and dimension. An emerald is inlayed into hilt of a sword, suggesting the green of compassion and his link to the realms of faery. Merlin wears the alchemical symbol for Air on his cape. The three air signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, each of which are linked to a stage of spiritual growth.
As a Person, Ally, Guide:
An inspiring educator or storyteller; a wise magical friend who understands us and helps us overcome our challenges. Someone who knows how to manifest in the physical world. A light wizard.
Story:
Merlin’s gifts were recognized when he was only a boy. He had a vision in which he saw the greatest king, then using his enchantments, turned Uther Pendragon into the semblance of Count Gorlois of Cornwall so that Pendragon could have his way with the lovely and devoted Igraine. The child born from the union was Arthur, and Merlin trained him to be the wise ruler of the land. Merlin is the mystical power behind the kingdom of Camelot. Mystical Merlin flew stones from Ireland and built Stonehenge. (Read: Nimue: Freeing Merlin)
Imaginal Journey:
Either in your Light Body or outside, turn and face the Sun. Activate your astral or light body and travel through the Sun which acts as a portal. See the two dragons circling around you sunwise. Feel the warmth of the healing worlds. Walking to a healing stone, see a sword with an emerald in its hilt and know this is your magical sword of peace. Three wrens circle you three times as we sleep, and then you are invited to pull the sword from the stone. Sense what happens as the music of enchantment begins to awaken within you. When you are ready, return to this world and re-enter your body with more light and clarity.
Grail Questions:
What is it that you are called to create?
What thoughts get in the way of your ability to manifest?
Have you given yourself permission to be magical?
Mage of Water – Lady of the Lake
Keywords:
Empathy – Emotional Intelligence – Considerate – Aware – Trustworthy
Veils:
Depression – Distancing – Absence – Deceit
Colors:
Royal Blue/White/Lilac
Idea:
What you seek is close at hand
Meaning:
The Mage of Water has the gift of emotional intelligence. She understands emotions and because of this deep wisdom has an empathic understanding of others. She has an innate awareness of a person’s strengths and weaknesses. Because she is a master, she supports others and feels trustworthy. Her heart seems to have magical silver sparkles, and her ability as an empath can make one feel well-held and safe. Another of her gifts is her ability to help during major life transitions, such as birth, illness, death, or any type of rebirth. The Mage of Water has the capacity to hold all feelings without judgment.
Divination:
The Mage of Water may appear in your life as a spiritual teacher or wise friend who can help you navigate your heart and soul, and life’s many passages. The Lady of the Lake knows the oceanic heart and can hold all emotions. Pulling her is like receiving a spiritual hug. What you are looking for is within your grasp.
Veils:
The shadow side of the card is a feeling of absence or depression, in which case your soul, perhaps in the form of a Lady of the Lake (or an inner wise mother or grandmother) is calling you to listen to your depths.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In the image we see a wise silver-haired lady standing in from of a lake with all the phases of the moon drawn behind her. Each lunar phase gives off a different energy. The new (dark) moon supports planting seeds; the waxing crescent moon is the time for creating; the full moon is the time for action; and the waning moon is the time to let go, rest, and renew. The Lady of the Lake gave the magical sword Excalibur to King Arthur ensuring his reign would be successful, and it must be returned to her at his death. The Lady of the Lake knows how to move between Avalon and Middle Earth. Arthur’s body is also given to her for safe passage for healing in Avalon. White lilies are a flower of innocence, purity, and rebirth. The purple mountains behind the lake indicate that she knows of magical Otherworlds. The three strands of pearls that she wears are symbolic of the wisdom she has earned through experience.
As a person, ally, or guide:
A spiritual teacher; a wise friend; a shaman, priestess, mid-wife, or hospice worker; a life coach; a person with a strong mother archetype; a trustworthy person; a spirit guide or guardian angel. A miracle worker.Legend:
The magical, mysterious, and changeable Lady of the Lake has multiple personas. Most psychics and mystics have been unable to define the Lady of the Lake, although they try. The truth is she is as elusive as water slipping through your fingers. Yet she knows the Grail secrets and who is ready for the next phase of the quest. Caitlin Matthews refers to nine Ladies of the Lake, which she divides into three groups. The first triplicity are kindred to Arthur: Morgan le Fay, Guinevere, and his mother Igraine. The second trinity are the spiritual sisterhood of Argante, Nimue and Enid The third group are the Grail Maidens: Kundry, Dindraine and Ragnell. The Lady of the Lake always appears as is a magical helper, who is not human but acts as a link to the Spirit Faery realms. Bards whisper that Igraine was originally a goddess of the sea, or even a priestess of Atlantis. She knows who is a true oracle, ovate, or seer.
Astrology:
The three water signs are Pisces, Cancer, or Scorpio. All three signs tend to encourage empathy and sensitivity. People with watery signs can communicate their feelings.In Imaginosophy, the Mages are masters of their element. The Lake of the Lake embraces Water as Wisdom. She is extremely sensitive and knows when to appear, also when her light codes might overwhelm another. The Lady of the Lake knows where the sacred hallows reside, and when the quester is ready to hold a sacred cup or sword — or discover a sacred well.
3 Grail Questions:
What secrets or enchantments are at work in your life?
What life phase are you in?
What sacred hallow do you seek?
Mage of Fire – Elen of the Ways
Keywords:
Guardian – Protection – Synchronicity – Custodian
Veils:
Elusive – Changeable – Intangible
Colors:
Red/Olive/Gold
Idea:
The way opens to the quester when the right questions are asked.
Meaning:
The Mage of Fire is a guardian of the pathways, and one to call upon when taking a journey along the roads or into the Otherworlds. Elen of Ways understands the ancient mysteries and, if she chooses, can reveal the secrets of the forest. She understands how each person is meant to unfold, and also when a journey has reached its end. She can love deeply and passionately and is not afraid to dream. She knows how to create bonds that can strengthen and heal the land. The Mage of Fire is a mistress of the mysteries, a guardian of those who are meant to awaken and lead.
Divination:
The Mage of Fire card often appears in your life as a person who acts as a guide so that you can get back on track. Synchronicity is generally part of meeting this Elen of Ways only appears when a person is ready. Looks for signs that show you the next phase of your journey.
Veils:
Elen of Ways is elusive and can be found only when she is ready to make an appearance. If you feel lost in your life, call upon her for assistance.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
An antlered goddess stands beneath the full moon. She is radiant, but the light seems to come from within. She shimmers magically beneath the stars. Elen of Ways is the soul of the forest, a guardian through all life passages. Her strength is that of an ancient warrior, and her gaze is steady. She has no fear. As a gatekeeper of the mysteries, she sees all and knows how life will unfold. The green leaves and golden flowers in her hair suggest that she is a shapeshifter, someone who can survive the turning of the ages. Elen wears the alchemical symbol of fire on her left shoulder. Like most master alchemists, she knows the secret of turning lead into gold. As Mage of Fire, she is linked astrologically to the passionate and spiritual signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
As a Person: A wise person; a spiritual teacher; a wisdom keeper; a guardian of knowledge; a way shower.
Story:
Elen of Ways is an elusive Sovereignty goddess who originally bestowed kingship on the rightful ruler, the man who will fertilize the land. She is also known as the Green Lady, but can shapeshift into a warrior queen. Her most ancient form is that of an antlered or horned goddess who understands the pathways of physical and spiritual life. Female reindeer have antlers, which links her to the tracks of Northern Europe, to Celtic shamanism and the Dreamways. Some mystics speak of her as the soul of the forest.
Myth: See http://www.imaginosophy.com/fire-court-cards. Her story can also be found in Heroines of Avalon & Other Tales.
3 Grail Questions:
What test must you face to discover your inner guidance?
Where is the path leading you?
How do life events and synchronicities inform you?
Mage of Spirit – Brigit
Keywords:
Healing – Poetry – Wisdom – Inspiration – Survival Skills – Seer – Wisdom
Veils:
Depression – Sorrow – Keening – Grief – Absence
Colors:
Emerald/Gold/Blue
Idea:
Opening to the Wisdom Field
Meaning:
Each of the Mages are the embodiments of ancient archetypal or mythical forces that are often thousands of years old and can appear in multiple guises. The Mage of Spirit is the preeminent guide. Brigid is the goddess of inspired wisdom and the one who can open us to the Wisdom Field. She is linked with light, healing, and the warmth of the hearth. With Brigid there is no differentiation between the inner and outer worlds. Brigid inspires poets, seers, and those who keep the ancient stories alive. Her most ancient name Breo-saighead means fiery arrow, and she can exact judgment and justice. She is Lady Sovereignty who inspired Merlin and Taliesin, as well as heroes and kings. Another name for her is Queen of Heaven.
Divination:
If you have drawn the Mage of Spirit, it is time to learn the ways of the land. Herbal medicine may be calling you, cooking healing food, or writing inspired poetry in alignment with the land. An artist or musician creates more closely with the divine than any other. Allow your creativity to overflow.
Veils:
Depression or grief can block the creative flow. Speak to your soul and come to peace with the sorrow of your heart.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The Mage of Spirit stands to the right of the sun and wears a crescent moon on her forehead, symbolizing her ability to see into the future, to speak as an ovate, and to give prophecy. Watery ways are sacred to the goddess. Brigid stands in front of a lake. In the background hills rise up like green breasts. She wears Morning Glories in her hair, symbolic of her connection with the Faery folk. Her green and blue clothes link her to Mother Earth. Brigid’s four armed cross is in the lower left hand corner is a symbol of protection.
As a person, ally, or guide:
Brigid is a spiritual ally and guide for many people including mothers, artists, visionaries, poets, herbalists, blacksmiths, craftspeople, oracles, ovates, and seers. She can appear as a healer, midwife, judge, and death duala. Brigid is the main guide for the Celtic seers known as Ovates.
Story:
The Goddess Brigid transforms over time from Bride to Brighid to Brigid, Brigantia, and then St Brigit over a span of generations. Perhaps due to her ability to inspire and heal, Brigid has endured through the ages and, along with Sophia, is one of the main Imaginosophy guides. Brigid is also a solar goddess. As Brigantia, she represents sovereignty of the land of Britain. Her familiar is the sweet cow, and her holiday is Imbolc (Feb 1), the celebration of better times to come. To the Celts milk was considered sacred food because it could sustain families through the winter. She is the spring maiden, the summer mother, and autumnal goddess who gives way to the winter Cailleach, to be reborn again in the spring. Brigid can guide a person through almost any set of circumstances.
Discover the Myth of Brigid and the Cailleach in Legends of the Grail: Stories of Celtic Goddesses.
3 Grail Questions:
Who or what inspires you?
Who do you miss?
In what ways are you opening to the Wisdom Field?
