The Fool
THE FOOL SPEAKS OF NEW BEGINNINGS AND ADVENTURE. A NEW LIGHT WILL BE SHED ON OLD THINGS. THE FOOL IS YOUNG, LUCKY AND LIGHT-HEARTED.
The Fool's Meaning & Messages
The Fool is often considered the first card of Tarot but was originally not numbered. Some decks have it marked #0 (like the Marseille and Italian decks) while some traditions consider it the last card of the deck. My advice to you is to decide for yourself based on your instinct and relation with the cards you work with.
An interesting approach is to consider him the protagonist meeting all other characters of the major arcana.
Taking a leap of faith, The Fool goes on an introspective journey. He often represents new beginnings. As he wanders the world, he shows humility in the face of creation and asks himself questions about love, justice, evil and hope.
Must know: depending on your deck, the Fool may be more or less shady. In the Rider Waite deck, this card is way lighter and more inviting than in the Marseille Tarot for instance. This can affect your reading and the energy of your spread.
UPRIGHT MEANINGS
When drawn upright the Fool speaks of new beginnings and adventure. Something new is about to start, something exciting. The unknown is about to reveal itself and new discoveries and encounters are expected.
Keywords: youth, luck, energy, creativity, independence, intuition, innocence, new projects, unexpected changes, decisions, new love.
REVERSED MEANINGS
When drawn reversed the Fool speaks of foolishness, craziness and even mental illness. Wandering without a goal is threatening one’s sanity. This Fool can be a careless, unreliable person.
Keywords: chaos, instability, abandon, stress, excess, utopia, indecision, dangerous trips, bad move, existential crisis, deviance, mischievous personality.
Note: whether reversed or upright, don’t forget the surrounding cards will influence the meaning of the Fool very much and easily turn it into either a problematic or charming figure.
Use the Fool to manifest:
A fresh start
A different perspective
Stronger faith
New adventures
Letting go
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LOVE
Positive meaning: The Fool speaks of new, youthful love. A relationship that can be light or even detached. It may be a fling rather than a serious relation or it could simply be starting on a light, joyous foot. Enjoy the sparks and the butterflies.
Negative meaning: you’re completely wrong about your partner. Beware of a broken heart.
FINANCES
Positive meaning: Looking for new opportunities will be beneficial. A sudden gain is to be expected.
Negative meaning: Don’t be careless. Something hardly legal could be going on. Are you sure your paperworks and declarations are up to date?
WORK
Positive meaning: If you are reading for work, the Fool could be warning you about a situation that will not necessarily last but is a step to something more important. Depending on the full spread, a new job might be in the cards for you.
Negative meaning: a bad decision for your career. You’re headed in the wrong direction.
PEOPLE
Positive meaning: If the Fool represents an actual person it’s most likely someone sensitive, idealist and open-minded. It could be someone you meet occasionally only. A young (or young at heart) person who is fun to be around.
Negative meaning: an unreliable or unhealthy person. A liar or an addict.
The Fool & the Minor Arcana
WITH WANDS
Usually a positive association. Your thoughts are clear and actions can be taken. New starts will be favorable. The Wands usually bring out the light and audacious side of the Fool.
WITH CUPS
Often a warning about how passion or emotions may blur your vision. Love is blind and some decisions are being made without thinking straight. Crazy, foolish love.
WITH COINS
In a positive spread, the Fool and his coins speak of new financial opportunity and gain. In a negative spread: gambling, loss or bad investments.
WITH SWORDS
Usually a warning bringing out the darker side of the Fool. Don’t take inconsiderate risks or beware of the consequences. Danger ahead. Accidents. Violence.