One way to look at the Tarot is that the deck represents the Fool’s journey through life. Each card is an event, person or set of circumstances the Fool encounters. So who and or what is the Fool and what sets that card apart?
In most decks The Fool is pictured as a jolly young fellow walking along with his staff on his shoulder and his little dog at his feet. He seems unaware that he is just about to step off the edge of a cliff; a foolish act indeed! So what does The Fool mean? The Fool is everyone, anyone, the subject of whatever reading is in progress. When I look at The Fool I see the exuberance of youth, the beginning of life’s journey when all things are possible.
Every Tarot reader develops their own way of looking at and interpreting each card so what follows here is how I see The Fool. When The Fool lands upright in a spread it says to me that the person I’m reading for can move forward with trust that they will be treated fairly even when they act out of innocence and naivety. When it lands upside down it is a warning to look carefully before you leap. It means the subject of the reading is vulnerable to being taken advantage of by unscrupulous people they encounter on their personal journey.
If The Fool lands in the position of the immediate future right side up I would say it’s a sign to move forward with enthusiasm knowing the universe is kind and you will be protected. If it falls reversed I would warn the client to read all contracts carefully and count their change before walking away from the cash register!
Things to contemplate about The Fool
What life journey does this card represent for you? What are the "road hazards" you need to watch out for? What exciting "sights" do you hope to see along the way? What will you carry in your "bundle" as you hit the road? Are you too trusting or perhaps not trusting enough?
Carol Watson has been reading Tarot for over 40 years. She can be found at the readers table at Magus most Saturdays from 11AM to 6PM.
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