Studying the Tarot

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Looking at this archetype from the perspective of the Ra material, it is described as the Matrix of the Mind. What is a matrix? Here's how the dictionary defines it: "an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure."

So how would you see the Magician representing the environment in which the mind develops?

If I recall, didn't Ra say the Matrix of the Mind is in darkness? And wouldn't a Magician have light/wisdom?

You might be thinking of Ra's description of the Matrix of the Spirit, AKA The Devil:

78.11
"The Matrix of the Spirit is what you may call the Night of the Soul or Primeval Darkness. [...]"

80.10 Questioner: Now, the fifteenth archetype, which is the Matrix of the Spirit, has been called the Devil. Can you tell me why that is so?

Ra: I am Ra. We do not wish to be facile in such a central query, but we may note that the nature of the spirit is so infinitely subtle that the fructifying influence of light upon the great darkness of the spirit is very often not as apparent as the darkness itself. The progress chosen by many adepts becomes a confused path as each adept attempts to use the Catalyst of the Spirit. Few there are which are successful in grasping the light of the sun. By far, the majority of adepts remain groping in the moonlight and, as we have said, this light can deceive as well as uncover hidden mystery. Therefore, the melody, shall we say, of this matrix often seems to be of a negative and evil, as you would call it, nature.