Pictorial Key to the Tarot: the Fool
In this card we see a young man, dressed comfortably and traveling lightly. He carries over his shoulder a staff and satchel in which he has packed only the barest of essentials. He doesn’t need more than that because he is confident that the Universe will provide everything he needs, when he needs it. In his free hand he holds a white rose, symbol of innocence, and tucked in his hair is a long red feather, symbol of spirit. He is walking along happily, enjoying himself, the sun and the view so much that he doesn’t seem to notice that he is about to step off the edge of a cliff. In traditional Rider-Waite decks the Fool is accompanied by an animal companion, typically a dog, bouncing along at his feet.
The Fool is a card that signals readiness for a new beginning, a new journey, or a new cycle. The card is numbered zero (0) in the sequence of Major Arcana cards and as such stands apart from all the other cards in the Tarot deck. Zero is both a number and non-number. It is complete onto itself and stands for the eternal, for what has no beginning and no end. In that zero is not a number, it signifies potential, readiness, preparedness, openness to heading into the unknown. This means that the Fool is not a card that represents the first step; rather it represents the state of readiness necessary before taking the first step.
This card also stands for innocence, joy, a carefree attitude, fearlessness, faith in oneself and complete trust in divine Providence. These are the qualities of mind, heart and spirit required to move on to the next chapter in one’s life and grow as a person. It can also stand for folly, or apparent folly. Sometimes the choices and decisions we make will make others shake their heads and wonder if we haven’t lost our minds - if we aren’t being fools. What we do with our lives is our prerogative. We owe it to ourselves to be true to our deepest aspirations and higher calling. If others disagree, don’t understand or think we are making the biggest mistake of our lives, that is their prerogative. We can’t please everyone all the time; but we can and should do everything we can to ensure our own truest happiness and contentment.
The Fool reminds us that here and now is the right time and place to head into the unknown. He tells us to not be afraid, to believe that anything is possible, to trust that all will be well, and to remain upbeat and positive along the way.