The Fool’s Journey is a metaphor for our own journeys. He is the unexpected hero and the search for him always has a purpose. He is the seeker, ultimately trying to find meaning in his life. He is on the path of self-development and spiritual enlightenment. He represents chaos before order, impulse before rational thought, and innocence before experience. The Fool represents the childlike spirit within all of us.
The Fool is the only card in the deck that is, in essence, innumerable. The Fool appears both at the beginning and at the end of a life cycle. Therefore, it does not need to be assigned a number. It is the child who begins a new journey. It can be the first card of the Major Arcana or it can be the last. However, it can also appear at any major life transition. The fact that it is innumerable serves an important purpose. It can appear at any point of the trip. He is there to remind you to follow your heart and stay true to who you are.
In a Tarot reading, the Fool can suggest a new beginning or ending to a phase of life. In some cases there may be an unexpected influence that can change the direction of the querent’s (the person being read for) life path. Often the querent may find themselves faced with an important decision that can have profound results. Depending on the cards surrounding The Fool, a warning or change of direction may be warranted. Although The Fool can be a free thinker and creative dreamer, he can also be reckless and irresponsible. The nature and meaning of The Fool card is often determined by the other cards that flank it in a Tarot reading.
Upright Fool Tarot Card Meanings in a Tarot Reading
In its upright position, The Fool represents the journey into the unknown. An unexpected opportunity may arise or a life-changing decision must be made. There may be a new relationship on the horizon or a new and unconventional person may be entering your life. The Fool suggests that you may also need a change of perspective, one that is more true to your heart. This perspective may require you to find a more childlike approach to a new situation or use more flexible and innovative thinking. This may be a creative time for you, and you can expect some uncertainty. In a Tarot reading, The Fool also indicates a period of doubt. This is a time to take a leap of faith. Occasionally, The Fool can indicate an upcoming trip or trip of some kind.
• Follow your heart
• Be willing to take some risks.
• Keep an open mind
• A new beginning
• New opportunities
• spontaneity
Inverted Fool tarot card meanings in a tarot reading
In the Tarot reading, The Fool in an inverted position can warn you that you are taking too many risks. He must carefully examine the current situation and pause before taking any action. If you are impulsive, the result may be unfavorable. You may also want to keep in mind that your judgment may be affected and you are not seeing the situation for what it really is.
Lastly, The Fool reversed can indicate a fear of the unknown. This fear is the last trap that prevents you from moving towards a new and more beneficial cycle of life. It is important to recognize the importance of this fear and how it hinders your view of the world. Pay special attention to opportunities that you may have passed up due to your feelings of foreboding. This can often reveal major barriers in your life.
• Fear of the unknown
• Taking too many risks
• Lack of clarity
• Being impulsive or reckless
• Irresponsibility
To learn more about tarot card meanings and symbolism, visit Carolyn’s free tarot guide.