The Fool
The First and Last of the Tarot
The Fool is Major Arcana number 0, although sometimes it is also considered to be number 22 (one after The World, Major Arcana number 21). It is associated with wanderers, beggars, jesters, buffoons, and comedians. One perspective on the Tarot deck is to view the Fool as a character who goes on a journey through the other 77 cards, gaining wisdom along the way but ultimately returning to their original free form. The Tarot interpretation of the Fool often involves either beginnings, contradictions, or embracing the unknown.
The Fool Card Meaning
The Fool card is about open-mindedness, not having any preconceived notions or specific objectives in mind, but rather acting and being in the moment only, fully receptive and open to whatever happens. This can describe a complete beginner, who has no prior knowledge or experience to base expectations off of, but can equally be embodied in the confidence and ease of a master at work. The Fool card is about spontaneity, and most importantly freedom from expectations and desire, especially when it shows up in a personal growth reading.
Symbolism in the Fool
The Fool symbolizes beginnings, unattachment, fun, silliness, and play. It can also symbolize internal transformation and the highest form of mastery or attainment, and in this way is related to The World, the final Major Arcana; both cards represent the final state of a long journey, but from opposite points of view. With an open mind and non-judgmental eyes, the Fool is always ready to embrace change and revolution, making it a natural companion for Uranus in the context of Astrology. Like Uranus, the Fool is not afraid to shake things up, try something they have never done before, or leap off a cliff into the vast unknown. The Fool is associated with the number 0, which in the Fool’s Key system is identified with the number 10, both because it contains a zero, and because it represents going back to the beginning and starting over.
The Cliff: Ignorance is Bliss
The cliff near the Fool represents a danger they are unaware of, but they will instinctively stay away from the edge without needing to think or worry about it. The Fool does not get nervous or become bothered by the sheer drop off, instead they trust that everything will work out, as long as they go right up to the edge but not over.
The Dog: The Fool’s Companion
The Fool travels light, but not quite alone – the dog represents the kind of companionship that you can’t get away from, whether that is family or a friend who will show up for you, whether you want them right now or not. Even if these people are not physically present, their being is always having an effect on you, even when you are entirely alone. It is this spirit, embodied by the dog, which will make sure the Fool does not absentmindedly wander off the cliff.
The Bag: Packing for the Fool’s Journey
The Fool carries only what can fit in a small bag, which represents what they bring with them as they travel about. Like the dog, these are things that cannot simply be gotten rid of; knowledge, memories, skills, and items so dear that you could never give them up, such as medicine that you need to live, or your sturdiest pair of boots. While the Fool represents being light and free and ready to go whichever way the wind blows, this card recognizes that you are never truly unburdened, and there are some thing that you do actually need. But fitting all of these things into one little knapsack demonstrates the idea that these things should not hold you back or keep you rooted in place.
The Fool Card Reversed Meaning
Reversed, The Fool can indicate naivete, a lack of confidence or expertise, a disregard for consequences, or that you have a very long ways to go. It warns of being taken advantage of, or assuming you know what you are doing when in fact you do not. While the Fool energy is a useful one for enjoying life, sometimes a dedicated, thoughtful, and careful expert is what is needed, and the Fool reversed is reminding you to be on the lookout for those situations and meet them with the seriousness they require.
Previous card: The World
Next card: The Magician
⨺
What does the Fool represent in a Love or Relationship reading?
The Fool is telling you to act with your intuition and not overthink what you are doing or why you are doing it. If something feels right and you’re not sure why, that’s OK. If your heart is telling you one thing and your brain another, the Fool is telling you to follow your heart – but the Fool is not always right! But at least by following your heart you can learn more, and maybe later it will be time to listen to the brain. Try a
What does the Fool symbolize in Career and Finances?
Try something new, take a risk, go with your gut – this is the advice of the Fool for your professional career. If you play it too safe, you may never get where you want to go. If you end up losing out, the Fool reminds you that it’s only temporary, as long as you stick around to try again. But do keep an eye out for that cliff! There is no coming back from that one; in other words, some risks are indeed too great, so don’t let the Fool trick you into thinking that every risk is worth it.
What guidance does the Fool have for everyday life?
The Fool card is a call to live in the moment, to be open to new experiences, or to experience old things in a new way. With the right attitude, each moment can be brand new and filled with uncertainty; the Fool is asking you to keep this in mind, even if your every-day is filled with boredom or routine. While getting away from it all can be useful, the Fool reminds you that you can get what you need anywhere, as long as you bring the right mindset and accept whatever it is the world is giving you in that moment.
Does the Fool represent you right now?
Click to reveal the card below – if it’s the Fool, then this card’s energy is strongly influencing your right now! If not, it may be a message the Fool wants you to hear…
See if the Fool pops up in your State Reading: Try Your State Reading Here
Or explore more readings below:
All tarot card images shown on this page are in the public domain. The faithful reproductions are considered public domain under the faithful reproduction clause in the United States.
