Philip
That there exists 22 Major Arcana and 22 Letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, given to the world by the Angel Metraton, I understand that there is a definitive answer to this question, even if there are many different opinions on the matter.
Aleph is the Magician because, as you can see any almost every deck, the Magician holds one hand up in the air, and points one at the ground. This is Aleph, within one Iod in the air, and one Iod in the ground, connected by a Vav, or the spinal column of the Magician.
Any deck that does not have the Magician in such a pose... well, I don't think it should be considered of any value.
Compare these images:
I hope this helps!
Aleph is the Magician because, as you can see any almost every deck, the Magician holds one hand up in the air, and points one at the ground. This is Aleph, within one Iod in the air, and one Iod in the ground, connected by a Vav, or the spinal column of the Magician.
Any deck that does not have the Magician in such a pose... well, I don't think it should be considered of any value.
Compare these images:
Aleph, number One "God is triune" Aleph symbolizes The Absolute unity of the three primary forces of God which contain the secret image upon which man must be created.
Aleph is formed by two Iods (letter symbol of Kether). One stands on the upper right and the other hangs on the lower left, joined by a diagonal Vau. The two Iods represent the creative power of God in the higher Eden in Daath and the lower Eden in Yesod. The letter Vau between both Iods is man made into the image of the Spirit of God that moves within both Iods (the creative power of God). So, the Spirit of God that moves in the upper Waters of Daath and the Spirit of God that moves upon the lower waters of Yesod is the source from which the heavenly man, which is the firmament in between them emerges.
The upper Eden is first mentioned in the first day of Genesis: "And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” These waters are the Akasa Tatwa that belongs to upper Eden.
Within the true magician, the Innermost, the fire of the Holy Spirit (the spirit of God that moves upon the face of the waters) within the higher and lower Edens are interchangeable by means of the priesthood of Yesod, Hod and Netzah. This interchange is made when we separate the waters from the waters through Initiation, the innermost performs this in the second day of Creation; he separates the two superior ethers from the Akasic waters and creates the second living creature, the consciousness of the man that develops in the firmament or Sephiroth between Daath and Yesod.
The higher Eden contains the superior Akasic waters of the Holy Spirit, which grants the soul the experiences of Samadhi (to be one with God) while in the lower Eden the inferior Akasic waters of the Holy Spirit are mingled with the Fires of Desire, here the soul experiences independence or being far from God.
I hope this helps!