The Tarot Card Meanings: The Fool
The traditional deck written by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith was published by the Rider Company in 1909.
The Fool Magickal Correspondence
Element: Air | Planet: Uranus | Zodiac: Aquarius
Color: Pale Yellow | Flower: Dandelion
Crystals: Citrine (joy), Diamond (beginnings), Opal (spontaneity)
The Fool Keywords
Upright: beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, free spirit
Upside-down: holding back, recklessness, risk-taking
The Fool Description
The Fool of the Tarot is the card of new beginnings and infinite potential! Marked with the number zero, the Fool is considered ever-present throughout the 22 cards of the Major Arcana, known as The Fool’s Journey. Depicted is a young man embarking on a journey with his loyal companion, a small white dog, symbolizing loyalty and encouragement. He carries a small pack with the bare necessities and a white rose, symbolizing purity and innocence.
The Fool represents a leap of faith, new opportunities, and a sense of adventure. He holds his face up towards the sky, almost unaware he is about to step off the cliff. The Fool doesn’t care about the challenges ahead; he is excited about the adventure that awaits them. He might be slightly naive from lack of experience, but his innocence and fierce optimism help him bravely dive into the unknown! This card urges the seeker to embrace uncertainty, trust the universe, and approach situations with an open heart and mind. Reversed, this card could indicate recklessness, naivety, or missed chances due to fear of the unknown.
When the card appears in a tarot reading, the Fool says, “Trust the Universe and take the leap of faith!”
Symbolism of The Fool Card
Face to the Sky: Optimism | Sun: Joy
Cliff: Risk | Mountain: Challenges | Bag: Traveling light, essential needs
Small Dog: Loyal companionship and encouragement
White Rose: Purity and Innocence (Rider-Waite-Smith)
Dandelion: Follow your dreams & beginnings (modified)
The Fool and Shadow Work
The Fool by Spencer Katherine, @letterstolilith © 2024
The Fool and “Beginner’s Mind”
In his book Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick, and Manifestation, Mat Auryn discusses the importance of the “beginner’s mind” when working with energy.
He writes,” The beginner’s mind is an attitude of enthusiasm and openness, and an ability to learn more about something as if they are entirely new to these fields. This prevents these practices from growing old, becoming boring, or having any development go dormant. Think of children when they’re learning something new that excites and fascinates them. This is beginner’s mind.”
This concept is the key to unlocking The Fool's energy. The Fool's enthusiasm and curiosity reveal opportunities otherwise unseen.
The Fool Journaling Prompts
What is my infinite potential?
How can I invite joy and spontaneity into my life?
How can I be more playful?
Where are new beginnings available to me right now?
Are there areas in my life I am holding back or being reckless?
What might happen if I trust the Universe and take the leap into the unknown?
How can I support myself in taking the first step?
The Fool Archetype in Pop Culture
In film and TV, the Fool archetype is a common character across various genres. This character is often portrayed as naive, clumsy, or comedic, providing light-hearted moments or serving as a source of comic relief throughout the story. The Fool may also serve a deeper purpose, offering insights or wisdom in unexpected ways despite their outward appearance of foolery. This archetype can be found in classic films such as "Forrest Gump" and "Dumb and Dumber," as well as in TV shows like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "The Simpsons." The Fool's presence often adds a dynamic element to the narrative, bringing a different perspective and injecting humor into the plot.
The Fool archetype is not necessarily unintelligent but naive and inexperienced in an area of life or karmic lesson. The Fool is optimistic and curious, with some child-like characteristics associated with a playful nature. They are joyful and bright, like the sun. They aren’t yet jaded by life or relationships, or at least in life-related areas, to the task in front of them. Ultimately, their hope for the future is what enables the Fool to leap off the cliff and into the unknown.