The Fool

Of the seventy-eight cards in a standard tarot deck, twenty-two cards belong to the Major Arcana and fifty-six to Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana is the heart of the Tarot and is also called the “Trump” suit. They contain some of the most mystical images in the Tarot deck. They are important as they illustrate a particular stage of spiritual development, from innocence (The Fool) to wisdom (The World). Each of the 22 cards in this suit represents a step on the road to enlightenment.

When a Major Arcana card appears in a reading, it suggests that destiny or other forces that are beyond the individual’s control, are at work in that situation.

Many readers consider the Major Arcana to be The Fool’s journey through life. The Fool tarot card is not given any number and can be placed either in the beginning of the sequence or at the end.

Represents

The Fool Tarot represents carefree nature, new ideas, spontaneity, innocence, complete folly, playfulness, a fresh start, renewed energy and second chances.

Description

In the Rider Waite deck, The Fool Tarot shows a young man standing at the edge of a cliff and about to take the next step off it. He seems to be oblivious to the danger of falling off the cliff as he is looking up at the sky with not a care in the world. A little dog, at his feet, is shown jumping to warn The Fool of the impending danger. In one hand he is holding all his belongings in a small satchel and in the other, he holds a white rose (symbol of purity and innocence). He is not bothered about the mountains, which represent challenges that he will be facing in the future. A well-dressed boy; he is off to have his fun.

Meaning

The Fool Tarot is a card of new beginnings; of having faith in what is around the corner; of feeling uninhibited and free to express yourself. It is a card of simplicity, being optimistic and taking the leap of faith. The querent is advised to trust their heart and go with the flow. Do not be disappointed if you do not get an immediate gratification because nothing can be achieved without taking any risk.

The Fool Tarot card’s meaning changes when the card comes reversed. It implies not taking any decision, missing opportunities, expecting others to do your work, apathy. Sometimes it also suggests that a child known to you is having some problems.

In a Business Reading

The Fool represents the ultimate card of the entrepreneur - the start of a new job, career path or business venture. It encourages you to embrace something new as success will elude you if you follow the same old route. This choice of work is not forced upon you, but keep in mind that it will take great discipline, faith, hard work and determination. It will also reward you the most.

In Relationships

Those who are already committed should be more experimental in order to bring some fresh life into the relationship. Those who are not, The Fool encourages you to go on a blind date, take a plunge into that swirling lake of love, walk on air, be on cloud nine steeped in love.
But when a Fool comes up in new love, this relationship does not end walking down the aisle of everlasting commitment, it invariably is short term.

Health

In a health reading when The Fool comes up, it can suggest some unexpected health problems which may not be of a serious nature but have cropped up because of your careless lifestyle.