The Fool Tarot Card

When it comes to learning tarot it makes sense to start at the beginning with the very first card, The Fool. Everyone starts their journey as the fool and here we are going to explore this card, it’s meanings, imagery, guidance, correspondences and wisdom.

The Fool Card Meaning

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The Fool is the start of our journey through tarot, acting as our guide through the cards. As the zero card of a tarot deck it represents beginnings, hope, joy, starting a new journey and unlimited potential.

When I think of the Fool, I reflect on those powerful years when one is just starting their life. Those young adult years when I was filled with so much energy, excitement, passion and a drive that just did not quit. I thought I knew everything and I was ready to set out on my adult life!

I had friends at my side that were equally excited and dreaming big. Happy to cheer me on, just like the little dog friend in the RSW artwork.

This connection is powerful for me with the Fool card, especially as I now see my own children entering that young adult, Fool, stage. That innocence and idealism as they start their life journey is so captivating.

Fool represents that time when things are new, exciting, and you feel ready to take on the world! You may not know it all, but you don’t care, you are ready to take that big leap based on blind faith and passion.

This card represents a powerful time in a journey towards wisdom and fulfillment. The very beginning. The moment of that all important first step.

Keywords

Keywords for the Fool card upright include:

• Optimism
• Enthusiasm
• New beginnings
• Childlike wonder
• Spontaneity
• Innocence
• Clear conscience
• Free spirited
• Leap of faith
• Potential
• Possibilities

Reversed keywords:

• Foolishness (makes sense!)
• Naivety
• Indiscretion
• Chaos
• Inexperience
• Recklessness
• Lack of inhibitions
• Lack of preparation
• Fear
• Refusal to take the first step

Fool Tarot Card Meaning

The Fool is a card filled with incredible hope, joy and energy. Our fearless explorer has the courage to face the unknown with a purity of heart and boundless energy of youth. There is a vitality and awe as the fool is ready for new things to come their way, their mind filled with innovative ideas. As they step off that that cliff they are ready to take the plunge into a new career path, new romance, starting their own business or any other path that leads to a fresh start. But the Fool needs to be careful not to become foolish. When chasing dreams it can be easy to become fall prey to carelessness, distraction or stupidity. Exploration is a powerful tool in learning life’s lessons, but one must always embrace a mixture of anticipation and caution.

The lesson and guidance of the Fool is that new beginnings are exciting times, the passion of a new opportunity is intoxicating, but be cautious and move forward with both your heart and your mind to ensure you don’t miss an obstacle that could literally be right at your feet.

The Fool Upright

The Fool represents new beginnings, potential, and the start of a journey. It is a card that suggests taking risks and stepping into the unknown with faith and confidence. The Fool encourages us to embrace our inner child and to approach life with a sense of excitement, curiosity and openness. Now is the time to go on a new adventure or learn a new skill.

Reversed

However reversed or in the context of certain readings, the Fool can also represent naivety and recklessness. It is important to balance our enthusiasm with practicality and caution, so as not to rush headlong into a situation without considering the consequences. It can also indicate a lack of commitment and enthusiasm.

The Fool in Tarot Readings

When the Fool card is pulled during a reading it is overwhelmingly a positive card. It indicates new beginnings and that enthusiasm and excitement that comes from fresh starts and opportunity. Just be sure you don’t let yourself develop tunnel vision or forget to pay attention to other things that matter.

The Fool Yes or No

When doing a single card pull for a yes or no question, and the Fool is drawn, the answer is Yes. This draw means it is time to embrace spontaneity and trust that it is time to move forward with confidence and enthusiasm. This card is about New Beginnings and saying yes means embracing a new start. Let go of worry and doubt, things are going to work out in your favor.

The Fool as Feelings

When doing a reading about feelings, the Fool is a fun card to pull. Whether you are asking about how someone else might be feeling, or exploring your own feelings, this is a card that embraces big, thrilling, optimistic and positive feelings. It is an overwhelmingly positive card, but it does call for a bit of caution. As the card about new beginnings, this is that first stage of infatuation and excitement in a relationship. It is lots of passion and big feelings, but sometimes you need to remember to slow down, take off those rose coloured glasses, and take a step back. Make sure you aren’t about to leap without looking first.

The Fool Tarot Card Description

Imagery and Artwork

When studying the tarot I find it fascinating to examine the artwork and imagery used across a variety of decks. It tells me a lot about the meanings behind the card.

Rider Waite Smith Fool Card

In the traditional Rider Waite Smith decks the imagery features a young man standing at the edge of a cliff. He is leaning forward, eyes to the skies, as if on the verge of stepping off solid ground.

On his shoulder he balances a long stick or staff with a small sac tied to the end holding all their worldly possessions. One doesn’t need much more than themselves when jumping into the unknown!

Their eyes are to the sky, not focused on the cliff at their feet, as they delicately hold a white rose in their outstretched hand. They are blossoming as they move forward on their path.

At his heels a small white dog jumps happily. The dog represents protection and loyalty. It is also that all important friend, cheerleader and companion for the Fool as they set out on their journey.

Both the rose and the dog are white representing purity, freedom and innocence.

No matter which tarot deck you are using. There is a consistency to the energy of this card. The Fool is portrayed as carefree and optimistic, with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. Here are pictures of the Fool from some other Tarot decks I own.

Numerology of The Fool Card

So let’s start with the basics. The Fool tarot card is Card 0 (zero) in the Major Arcana. Zero is the number of unlimited potential. Having the number zero, means that the Fool does not have a specific place in the Tarot sequence. Although common to place it first before the Magician Card, it can also be placed at the end of the Major Arcana cards. Many view the Major Arcana as the Fool’s journey of growth through life. With each Major Arcana representing a major life moment. Due to this, the Fool is always present throughout and does not need a number. Sometimes having no number, is the most powerful number of all.

Astrological Correspondence

The Fool astrological correspondence is Uranus. Although some work with different correspondences, use what works for you and your deck.

Uranus is all about expecting the unexpected, revolution, reform, and destruction, all in the name of progress. Sudden changes and movements out of our comfort zone exist here. Uranus looks to the future and examines how to be innovative, independent and forward thinking. So there’s rebellion, but there’s also revelations regarding how the world can be better.

Daily Affirmations with the Fool Card

Meditating and working with individual cards is a wonderful way to foster a deeper connection with the card. One way to do this is to practice daily affirmations with the card. Here are some daily affirmations you can use to work with the energy of the Fool card in your daily spiritual practice.

• Curiosity and passion allow me to lead with my heart.
• I let go and I trust that the path I am meant to walk will be laid before me.
• My life is filled with unlimited opportunities and potential.
• I am boundlessly determined and open to what may come.
• Trust in the universe that I am walking the path meant for my feet.
• Expect the unexpected, and be open to the unseen.
• I am free, I am excited, I am filled with joy.
• When I take risks, and trust in myself and the universe, great things happen.
• My life is a journey filled with joy and excitement.
• I live in the moment with no fear of the future.
• “All possibilities are open to me as I boundlessly experience the here and now.” (Source: Tarot for Yourself)
• Keep your head up and step boldly into the future! (Source: The Tales Behind Tarot)

The Fool Card – Final Thoughts

The Fool suggests that you’re beginning your journey, or starting something new in at least one aspect of your life. It can also indicate it’s a good time to take a leap of faith. It encourages us to trust our intuition and take chances, but also reminds us to be mindful of our actions and decisions.

Most of all, enjoy learning and growing through the guidance and wisdom provided by the Fool Card. We are all the fool at times and it is so important to embrace the energy and knowledge offered by this card.

Next we move onto card 1 in the Major Arcana – The Magician