The Fool
People are called to tarot for many different reasons. Some feel drawn to the cards for deeper spiritual or religious connection while some hope to find insight or predictions to their future. Others consult the cards to learn more about themselves or seek advice when faced with big decisions. Whatever the spark that leads one to the tarot may be… few take the time to truly understand the story behind the cards.
As a lover of storytelling and a tarot enthusiast, I have become a bit obsessed with understanding the cards from all angles. Not only to deepen and add insight to my readings, but also to witness the beauty of the story itself.
The 78 cards of the tarot, especially the Major Arcana, tell the tale of the Fool’s journey, which mirrors that of human experience. Like a soul before incarnation, the fool exists before the journey has even begun. A soul that on some level has chosen this journey…
its lessons, its growth, its path…
before ever taking a step in the physical world. Rather than help predict the future, the cards are meant to help us understand where we are within the story.
We can think of the Major Arcana as a staircase with 22 steps. Each step represents a lesson the fool must learn in order to move to the next level. Each character, or trump, is meant to help the fool learn who he is and understand his path. Some believe his journey is one of spiritual enlightenment.
Like the fool, this card often represents the start of a journey or a new way of life. While I personally interpret the Fool’s journey to be a spiritual one, the card can also be a symbol of a physical journey, marriage or divorce, new job, etc. This card might send a message that you are out of sync with the regular world… but in a good way. You march to the beat of your own drum.
Light
“Every dream feels foolish at first”
(Potential, Awakening, Positivity, Fresh Start, Potential)
In the upright position, this card tells you to trust your intuition. It tells you that it is never too late to follow your heart. It doesn’t necessarily mean things will always be smooth. You will likely face trials, as one always will on a great adventure, but it’s time to take the leap. The meaning the Fool carries also changes depending on the type of situation you are seeking…
HOME- In reference to the home, the Fool could represent a young person leaving home for the first time or young house guests.
RELATIONSHIP- It could indicate a new relationship in the future or taking the next step in an already established partnership.
CAREER- You may have a new work opportunity or a change in career paths.
Shadow
“Don’t quit your day job… yet”
(Negligence, Vanity, Carelessness, Apathy)
If you pull the card in reverse the meaning shifts to represent the shadow side. The reversed Fool doesn’t tell us no, but it says pause.
It warns you to proceed with caution and be sure to review the situation from all angles. It reminds you to take time to sort out real life from fantasy.
Astrology
Astrologically the Fool is connected to Uranus. Uranus is the great awakener. It focuses on evolution, originality, inspiration and innovation. Uranus is the only planet in the solar system that spins on its side, which is a true physical representation of its rebellious nature. Just like the Fool, Uranus marches to the beat of its own drum and calls in independence with a free spirit.
Element
The Fool goes with the flow and has a laid back, trusting nature so it’s connection to the element of Air is no surprise. The element of air represents clarity, new beginnings, and clear ideas to help the Fool understand who he is along his journey.
Chakra
The Fool is connected to both the Root and Crown Chakra.
Our Root Chakra directly impacts how safe and secure we feel. When our Root Chakra is in harmony, we feel grounded and profoundly connected to nature. When our Root Chakra is out of alignment, we often feel disconnected from the Earth. This can mean that we do not feel secure our basic needs are met.
The Crown Chakra represents spirituality. When in harmony, we live in unity. We trust our connection in the divine and have faith that our identity goes beyond human form. When out of alignment, we feel totally disconnected from the universe. Often this leads to feelings of depression, anxiety and fear.
This can connect to the light and shadow meanings of the card. A right side up card generally signifies that the Chakras are in alignment while the reversed card could warn of imbalance.
The Fool Card || Rider-Waite-Smith Deck
Symbolism
While there are many different Tarot decks that all use their own variation of images and symbols, I’ll primarily be pulling the symbolism from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck for the purpose of this blog.
In the image you see a character dressed as a jester or joker which is meant to symbolize the meaning of the wild card. He stands on the edge of a cliff but does not seem to be concerned or fearful of danger. This tells us he has faith in the journey.
The Fool is a dreamer much more than he is practical. He is not dressed for travel and only carries a small sack despite the long journey ahead. This tells us he will travel lightly, not carrying baggage, only lead by his desires and dreams.
The small dog in the corner can symbolize his natural instincts and can also indicate a warning of danger ahead that the Fool is unaware of.
The white rose he carries is a sign of new beginnings and innocents.
The Fool is a mirror to ourselves. He reminds us to have faith in ourselves and our journey. He stands at the edge not naive but trusting. He reminds us it’s never too late to chase our dreams. He reminds us that sometimes we leap, not because we don’t know the risk but because our soul already knows it’s meant to be.
Thanks for learning Tarot with me.
XOXO,
Maykayla
GVL Realtor || Gatherer || Herbalist || Tarot Enthusiast
***In this series we will walk the Fools journey together - one card at a time - starting where every journey always does: with a soul that is ready to begin.
Come back tomorrow as we follow along while the Fool meets the Magician.
Want to join the conversation??
What are your thoughts on the Fool?
Do you think there is any insights I missed or left out?
Where do you feel you are in your own journey right now?
If this series resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Follow the series on Substack to join the open discussion!