Tarot: The Fool
from Episode 3
The Major Arcana is often referred to as The Soul’s Journey… each card embodies symbolic interpretations, or archetypes, of the human spirit as it journeys from through an evolution from innocence to enlightenment…
And that journey begins with the Fool…
In fact it is they who will adventure through this journey, leaving the safety and security of home and optimistically heading out into the unknown.
Through the Fools experiences - of wonder, danger, love, loss, disappointment and knowledge and insight gained - their victories and their failures, we too can learn the lessons of the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot. The Fool, in and of itself, is both one of these lessons, as well as our main character.
We are born out of the void – and as such – the Fool’s card number is ZERO – and he carries with him the innocence of a newborn...
Numerology - 0
In numerology, ZERO is the only number that represents all potential.
It points to infinite possibilities, all or nothing and ideas without barriers or little boxes to keep them confined to.
ZERO stands for wholeness, inclusiveness, infinite potential and all that is or could be.
Very much like the Fool and their desire to go out and see where all this untapped potential could possibly lead. They fearlessly LEAP into the unknown.
The Depiction of the Fool (RWS System)
In the Rider Waite Smith Tarot - the deck which I will be referencing throughout Fortune and Flora - Pamela Coleman-Smith's design of The Fool appears as:
A young man stands on the edge of a cliff.
He is dressed in brightly colored and decidedly fancy looking clothing (which is a major diversion from much earlier decks that depicted the Fool as a beggar, wearing torn and ragged clothing or a lowly court jester – both of which very clearly illustrate the feeling a trepidation and anxiety associated with taking risks at the time. Smith’s version of the fool transitions this character’s journey from a cautionary tale to one of what some refer to as “divine madness”)
He does in fact seem lead by divine madness as he looks up at the sky – or the universe – seemingly without a care that he seems to be just about to step off of the edge of a cliff, into the unknown.
He has a canine companion who seems to be attempting to protect him from his apparent carelessness (but what the loyal dog doesn’t understand that the Fool is being lead by his complete and total faith that the universe will provide. All he must do is take that first crucial step. He is beyond the point of turning back, propelled forward by his deep desire for experience).
His belongings are wrapped in a kerchief and tied to the end of the staff that is slung over his shoulder (which I’ve always thought was interesting because for all the impulsivity that the Fool represents, he still took the time to plan as much as would allow him to pack a few things. So, I always like to think that the foolhardiness and hasty nature of the Fool is more about how he is perceived than what he is really up to. Even when we put our faith in the universe, do we ever really have absolutely zero plan whatsoever?).
Beyond the Fool, is the blazing sun and usually a few snow-capped mountains. These further signify that his path is very much of a mystical nature and will ultimately lead to esoteric enlightenment.
In the hand that is not holding his belongings, usually the hand closest to the viewer or card reader, is almost always a single white rose. The rose is further evidence of his innocence and purity.
After we examine the common depiction of The Fool Card, the meanings and symbols seem to speak to us on their own….
The Fool Represents:
Trust in the Universe, Innocence, An Open Mind, Beginnings, Time for a New Adventure
Instructs/Reminds You:
Have an open mind and try not to make all the decisions about the path before you.
Let go of your assumptions about how your new adventure will end up, before even embarking.
Stay open to surprises and most importantly, to unexpected opportunities that may await you.
Let your faith in the Universe lead you.
Leave room for amazing new possibilities.
Act from a place of trust that the universe will provide and keep you safe.
Take that leap of faith into the unknown.
Life Theme Associations:
Starting new projects
Posting for a new job
Starting college
Going on the dream vacation
Moving to a new house or a new city
Starting a family
Any new beginnings that can be approached with blind faith because not everything in life can be planned, calculated and outlined
You can see how in life – and in magick – you can rely on the fool to help you shed your need for control and minute planning in order to walk your path with a deeper sense of wonder and adventure…
As with all things, there is a shadow side to the Fool, because there is a difference between letting your faith guide you and being completely reckless or overly naïve…
The Shadow Aspects or Reversal Meanings
(I do not read reversals but take in the lesson of the card as well as the “shadow aspect” as a warning when reading cards upright. You will have to decide how you are most comfortable reading):
Being TOO foolish and the need to stop and think before acting.
Taking too many risks.
Displaying foolish behavior or acting extremely childish
Creating or nurturing an unstable environment for themselves
The Shadow Side Lesson:
“Everything in moderation!” The Fool tells us that following our hearts, taking a leap of faith and seeing where the path leads us is a good thing - but it is possible to have TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. We always have to strike a balance – of course.
The Fool Card Correspondences:
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Planetary Ruler: Uranus
Elemental Ruler: Air
Numerology: 0
Rune: JERA
Colors: Yellow and Blue – both pale
Tree: Aspen
Herbs/Plant Spirits: Peppermint, Ginseng and the White Rose
Crystals/Minerals: Agate, Aventurine, Topaz, Tourmaline, Turquoise
Issues/Intentions/Powers: beginnings, cycles, needed discipline, needed guidance and spirituality
Yes or No: YES
Suggested Reading from this Episode:
Pathworking the Tarot: Spiritual Guidance & Practical Advice From the Cards by Leeza Robertson
The Wild Wisdom Companion: A Journey of the Mystical Rhythms of the Natural World, Season by Season by Maia Toll
Llewelyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kynes
Plant Magick: The Rose - from Fortune & Flora, Episode 3
Listen to Episode 3: Fortune & Flora - The Fool and the Rose
