The Fool

The Fool description

The wistful fool follows his feet and leads with his heart. Wearing a whimsical tunic against a sunny yellow background, this vagabond is clearly an optimistic person. He has divine potential and the drive to achieve. However, he is not looking where he is going! And from this perspective, it appears he’s about to fall off of a cliff. His small white dog companion seems to be trying to warn him or get his attention. The dog is his protector and represents his animal instincts. There could be a soft ledge just one step below the frame, so we can’t know for sure if the Fool is acting haphazardly; his footing could be sure and true. The path is not clear, and this wanderer has to trust the ground will rise to meet him. He travels light, with a small red bag over his shoulder, his will power and purpose. He carries a white rose for purity and illumination. The feather in his cap is a nod to his high aspirations and the lightness of his heart. The white capped mountains behind him, shows that he is on a pilgrimage to find his higher self. The Fool is the first archetype of the major arcana, and this chapter is often referred to as the Fool’s journey. He is the protagonist of the tarot tale.

Upright meaning

When the Fool appears, you are at the beginning of a new cycle or about to get a fresh start. You might not always know where you’re going, but you always seem to end up in the right place. As you start out on this adventure, it’s okay to be carefree. Don’t let the circumstances of your past jade your future. Live simply and try not to over think. Spend time in nature and with animals. If you are wondering if you should or should not take the path less traveled, this is a sign to take that leap of faith! Trust in where the universe is leading you, and let your inner child drive for awhile. Be spontaneous, carefree, and downright silly. Really, ask yourself, what would make me happy?

Reversed meaning

The Fool in reverse can be a sign that there were unexpected consequences to your actions or you’re paying the price for poor planning. Perhaps your traveling, flitting from this place to that, not looking to put down any roots. You may have been careless in the past but you’re still likely to be successful if you stay on track. Others may view your behavior as illogical or flaky, but you’re just moving to your own rhythm. Something may be holding you back from moving forward. You aren’t sure you are ready to share something you’ve created with the world just yet. You may be worried about the future and what this new chapter will bring. What am I really getting myself into here? If the timing doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. However, don’t act recklessly, as though there is no tomorrow. The consequences have a way of catching up. Find more ways of inviting play into your life.

The Fool quote

“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien”