How many times have you wanted to turn a new leaf, start afresh, with a completely clean slate?
To start a new chapter in life, we have to be brave and take the unexplored path. This is exactly what the Fool card in tarot is all about.
A symbol of new chapters, The Fool shows up when we want to take a leap of faith. We know nothing about what is to come, but we are going on that adventure nevertheless.
The Fool Tarot Card represents risk-taking, freedom, youth, and innocence.
It shows up in a reading when we are deeply in tune with the child within, and ready to start a new adventure.
More than anything, it is about spontaneity, idealism, taking chances, and trusting our instincts.
The Fool Keywords
Upright: | New cycles, freedom, adventure, spontaneity, innocence, childlike spirit, youth, lightheartedness, uniqueness, playfulness, a fresh start, moving forward without baggage, idealism, |
Reversed: | Naivety, foolishness, recklessness, fear of the unknown, negligence, intoxication, acting without forethought, impulsiveness, taking unnecessary risks, mania, easily swayed |
Yes or no: | Yes, when upright. When reversed, practice caution. |
Element: | Air |
Planet: | Uranus |
Astrological sign: | All signs |
The Fool as a Part of the Major Arcana
Traditionally, the Fool is the opening card for the cycle of Major Arcana, and it is represented by 0 in a set of 22 cards. 0 in numerology represents nothingness, a new spiritual journey, Divine guidance, openness, and new cycles.
As such, the Fool symbolizes the starting point of the unfolding story depicted in the Major Arcana set.
The cycle starts with the Fool and ends with the World, which is the card of completion, and the ending of the Major Arcana story.
Symbolically, we can look at the Fool as a child that is just about to start learning about the world, and the World card, as a wise man with all-encompassing wisdom gathered on the life journey the Fool once started.
The Fool Tarot Card Description
In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, The Fool is depicted as a carefree young man standing on a cliff.
Full of optimism and hope, he is leaning forward, not paying attention to what’s in front of him.
His head is tilted towards the sky, indicating hopefulness and undivided trust that, no matter what the path brings, the Divine ”will catch him” if he falls.
He carries a small bundle on his shoulder, which indicates he is starting afresh with very little baggage from the past.
The content of the bundle is unknown, which is a symbol of higher knowledge that is to be tapped into.
The Fool looks excited about the adventure he is embarking on. On another hand, he’s holding a white flower, a symbol of purity and innocence.
The sun is shining, and the sky is clear – a perfect day to start a new journey.
It’s a beautiful day to start afresh, but the tall mountains in the background are cautioning him that every path has obstacles and that he will need to tackle challenges on his journey.
Mountains are covered in snow, indicating that there is much wisdom to be gained along the way.
He is followed by the white Maltese dog, which symbolizes intuition, or instincts, and warns the Fool to be careful.
The dog urges the Fool to be loyal to intuition and acknowledge that he is not immune to injuries, physical or spiritual.
The Fool Tarot Card in Upright Position
The time has come to take a leap of faith, start a new adventure, and venture into the unknown. You go first, the Universe will catch you!
When placed upright, the Fool card in tarot calls you to have trust in your intuition and trust in Divine guidance.
It foretells a start of a brand new chapter in life, where we are completely starting afresh. The past is behind us, and we are ready for something novel.
It’s time to live in the present moment and go with the flow of life.
The path forward is unknown and exciting. You are turning a new leaf, and have all the freedom to write your story.
Implications of The Fool for Love and Relationships
The Fool is an adventurous card, so get ready for new, exciting opportunities for flirtation.
Although it doesn’t foretell commitment, The Fool meaning does indicate spontaneity and uplifting casual encounters.
Now is the time to play, have fun and explore the field if you are single and feel called to do so.
Expect nothing from potential suitors, and hope for the best, but stay in touch with your intuition.
At this time, you may find yourself more open to the idea of meeting new people.
The Fool card in love indicates first dates, first sexual encounters, and new suitors.
You may or may not meet the right person for you, and the card advises you to be open for whatever comes in, even if that’s only for a good time, not necessarily a long time.
For those who are coupled, The Fool foretells the strengthening of the bond through playfulness and laughter.
This is an exciting time so enjoy your partnership like a child enjoys playing with a new toy.
You’ll be called to do something new as a couple, step out of your comfort zone, and find it easy to bring humor, flirtation, and teasing into the relationship.
The Fool Tarot Card meaning in Career and Finance
Get ready to be genuinely excited to work on a new project! The Fool brings a chance to explore new business ventures and have fun doing so.
If you contemplated starting something you’ve never done before or investing, now is a great time to do so.
Follow your passions, hobbies, and do what brings you joy, and you may as well get paid for it.
Now is not the time to let rationalization, fear of the unknown, and worry stop you from making a first move.
The Divine supports your endeavors, you just have to be brave to take that leap.
This is just the beginning, be it in finance or a career, so don’t expect huge amounts of money or recognition right away. It’s time to pour your soul into something and do it for the sake of.
Humble starts can evolve into something bigger down the road, but even if they don’t, the Fool Upright guarantees you’ll still enjoy the ride and have fun experimenting.
Implications of The Fool for Health and Spirituality
Getting the Fool upright in a health reading indicates that you are deeply in tune with your whole being.
The power of your positive thought is now especially heightened and can speed up your healing journey significantly.
When the Fool card in tarot is reversed, it signals that you are more inclined to go with the flow of life and this state of non-resistance has a beneficial impact on your well-being.
You have no trouble listening to the signals your body is sending and are instinctively drawn to things that are nourishing for you.
If you’ve been ill, the Fool Upright says that you are about to discover new ways of dealing with your health issues, connect with new experienced healers and doctors, and you will feel more optimistic and hopeful.
Now is a good time to try alternative or holistic healing practices as they may prove to be very beneficial.
The Fool Tarot Card in Reversed Position
There is a thin line between trust and naivety. When reversed, the Fool indicates foolishness, impulsiveness, and inability to listen to our inner guide.
It warns that we may be easily carried away, without thinking clearly about the repercussions of our actions.
There is a resistance to Divine guidance, but also anxiety about what’s ahead, and we may fear the unknown.
It shows up when you are either holding yourself back, scared to explore the unexplored, or when you are about to make unnecessary risks that may take us into the abyss.
Learn more about interpreting reversals here.
Implications of The Fool Reversed for love and Relationships
When the Fool card in tarot is reversed, it advises you to avoid investing too much too soon.
You may find yourself extremely infatuated, wearing rose-colored glasses, and this can make you more gullible to being led on or feel used.
At this time, you are more likely to follow your lust and disregard what is right or safe. You may be tempted to date someone you shouldn’t or make foolish decisions in the heat of excitement.
Don’t do something you’ll regret later and be aware that you may be turning off intuition because of the infatuation.
If you are coupled, the card calls you to evaluate whether you, your partner or both are taking the relationship or each other for granted.
This may be a period of instability and boredom in a relationship. You may act careless towards your partner, or let mistrust and fear lead you apart.
Regardless if you are single or coupled, if you are getting an inkling that someone is making a fool out of you, trust your gut.
You may be dealing with a commitment-phobe, and an immature, childish persona, or unconsciously act like that yourself.
Implications of The Fool reversed for career and finance
The Fool urges you to be cautious about whom you collaborate and trust with your finances and projects.
Don’t share your ideas and visualizations with just anyone, as outside remarks and criticism can easily derail you from your original plan. Instead, work in silence.
Foolish risks that can take you down the financial and professional abyss. Read new contracts, terms, and conditions carefully, and take the time to read between the lines.
If a business deal seems too good to be true, it is likely because it is. Don’t gamble with your money and resources, as you may lose it all to recklessness.
On the flip side, it may also indicate that you may be postponing making your goals a reality, and aren’t ready to leave your comfort zone just yet.
Implications of The Fool reversed for health and spirituality
The Fool reversed cautions you not to gamble with your health. It’s essential to be mindful of your environment and your thoughts, as you may be prone to accidents if you are not careful.
You may be canceling out the signals your body is sending, and postponing getting checked. You may be prone to reckless, daredevil behaviors, excessive worry, and put yourself in danger.
The card calls you to check in with yourself if you have a mentality of resistance, or are unnecessarily anxious about the feature.
You may be numbing yourself, shutting down your instincts, and not caring much about the impact of your unhealthy habits.
Tips for Interpreting The Fool Tarot Card in Readings
Tarot cards don’t only come in a traditional Raider-Waitte deck. There are numerous different depictions that emulate the energy of the Fool card in tarot.
This is why, it is crucial to always look at the individual illustration in the deck you are working with.
Always meditate, gaze at the card, and connect with it intuitively. The Fool, like all other cards, is multi-faceted and has many meanings.
Always trust your instincts and higher self to reveal the truth of what the Fool is trying to tell you.
Conclusion
Taking a risk and venturing down a path we’ve never been on isn’t easy, but it’s a necessary and fun ride.
In the grand scheme of life, we are always ending old cycles and starting new ones, and the Fool encourages you to be brave and trust the process. There is a lot to look forward to, so release the brakes and let the tide take you where you are meant to go.