How would you react if someone called you a fool? When people call someone a fool, they hardly convey positive connotations. We often imagine clumsy people struggling to complete tasks, perhaps even a court jester in a jingling hat. The Fool tarot card holds different connotations.
The Fool’s Journey, a term you’ll know as the tarot veil lifts, unites all decks. With 78 figures of self-discovery, this first step sets the tone for your entire tarot journey.
Embracing the Fool’s Archetype
The Fool’s Journey unfolds unexpectedly, each step a venture into the unknown. In our daily lives, we often stand on the edge of uncertainty, unsure of what lies ahead. The Fool’s Journey acts as a mirror to our paths, guiding us forward. Yet, the Fool himself remains in bliss, unaware of challenges and shielded by naivety. This journey unites us all, a universal archetype repeating its cycle.
In Tarot, the Fool portrays a young, open-minded individual starting a new journey. With a quaint knapsack, he lingers a step away from a cliff.
The Fool Tarot Card in Decks
The Fool wandered into decks around the 15th century, seen in the Visconti-Sforza. He played a role in games for the aristocracy, representing unusual methods. The elites commissioned hand-painted cards with gilded edges. They were a far cry from our easily shuffled cards. They valued luxury over utility.
Before the Rider-Waite deck, The Fool manifested as a beggar. Pamela Coleman Smith orchestrated the design of the joyous fool we see today.
In the Tarot de Marseille, The Fool has two sticks. Instead of a white flower, he holds a grounded yellow staff, like a walking stick.
Upon closer look, bells adorn his suit, and a dog accompanies him. Is this symbolic of an obligation to move forward?
There’s much to ponder, but one thing is certain: on the Fool’s Journey, he comes to understand the world. Has he done this before?
Decoding Rider-Waite’s Fool Tarot Card
Generally, cards have universal meanings most practitioners gravitate towards:
- The Dog: Man’s best friend, a loyal companion guiding and influencing us to push forward and take risks. Promising to always be there when it returns, the dog sees every iteration of the Fool. Nipping at his heels, the dog has something to tell him. It resembles the “level-up” screen in a video game, urging you to get new equipment for your next quest.
- The Knapsack: The symbolic meaning varies based on your query. It may hint at unpreparedness. It shows the need to let go of the old when starting a new journey. Is all you have all you need?
- The Rose: A pure, untarnished white rose. It encourages us to start each journey with a clear, unburdened, beginner’s mind.
A Card with a Simple Name, a Profound Journey
The Fool, with its misleading title, belies a rich and complex history. As the first card in the Major Arcana, it occupies the position number zero. This signifies both an ending and a beginning.
He has countless stories but hides his smarts in a quest for a perfect place. Unburdened by a heavy pack or excessive supplies, he trusts his ability to answer the call to adventure, his gaze fixed on the path ahead.
The dog’s nip at his heels is a reminder, not a deterrent. He braces himself with unwavering confidence.
The Fool’s journey is more than a whimsical leap off a cliff. It’s a powerful call to self-reflection and a path to valuable lessons. He embodies the spirit of taking that first step. He is courageous enough to leap into the unknown and embrace new beginnings.
Join The Conversation!
The Magician awaits, eager to guide you through the next chapter. Before this new adventure, ask yourself: will you follow the Fool’s lead and travel light, embracing the unknown? Or will you meticulously pack your bags, seeking certainty and control? The choice, like the journey itself, is yours.
I encourage you to spend time with the memories of your earliest tarot experiences. How have different aspects of the Fool shown up for you on your journey? What is one leap of faith you’ve taken recently? If you’re feeling brave, leave a comment and share your experiences with fellow curious minds. Interact with That Witchy Friend on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Feeling curious? Book a reading today!