The Fool tarot card is one that varies widely from one tarot deck to the next. Some give it the number 0, someplace it at the end, at number 22. In his Pictorial Key to the Tarot, A.E. Waite even chose to place it between the 20th and 21st arcana. What are the meanings of the fool in tarot, and what can you understand when you encounter it in a tarot reading?
Upright: Leap of faith, whimsy, trust, openness, optimism, and carefree.
Reversed: Negligence, foolishness, carelessness, apathy, and ignorance.
Astrologically, the Fool is associated with the planet Uranus.
The meaning of the Fool tarot card in most readings can be easily guessed from the usual behavior of the main character depicted on the card.
In commonly accepted major arcana meanings, the Fool represents folly, extravagance, even carelessness, but with a certain innocence that brings bliss and exaltation of someone living in the moment. As such, you often need to interpret the Fool card in the context of the reading; and the other arcana that were drawn beside it will often make the Fool meaning clearer. In a sense, this major arcanum can be seen as an amplifier of the general trend of the reading.
The number 00 card of the Major Arcana, the Fool, represents leaps of faith, carefree abandon, and optimism about love and relationship. The Fool’s “come what may” attitude allows him or her to be open to every possibility and act with judgment, experimenting, and trying each opportunity that presents itself.
If you are single, this card will ask you to “trust the universe” that it now is the right time to be single, and when it is not, the person you need to be with will appear. You do not need to push or pull in search of a partner, rather, you can just be. Do what you want to do without looking for a relationship or trying to resist if one presents to you.
If you are in a relationship, this card encourages you to relax and trust that what the relationship is and needs to be will unfold without your prodding or attempts at control. Be carefree and honest and open. Let that “foolish” energy fill you and see what happens in the reaction of your partner. There will be something profound to learn if you just accept what is and do what you want without malice.
Career includes school, necessary work not on your career path, and your actual career. Regardless of your stage, the Fool represents a new, hopeful beginning in school, a job, or your career path.
If you’re a student, think about what you hope to gain from school. Perhaps you feel foolish for attending or not attending. Pursuing higher education or entering the workforce is a leap of faith, believing it will give you what you want from life.
On the other hand, if you’re working but not in a career, the Fool encourages you to trust that your work is what you need right now. Therefore, find ways to enjoy your work or yourself at work. The Fool can help you “go with the flow” and make challenging situations enjoyable or stress-free.
Finally, if you’re on a career path, this card suggests a leap of faith, possibly by changing careers, switching companies, or even quitting. The Fool acts rashly to teach spiritual lessons when we step out of our comfort zone. Consequently, it’s time to “do that crazy thing” regarding your career path.
When the Fool card is reversed, interpret its negative aspect. The playful carelessness becomes negligence or apathy. It warns against neglecting your duties and hiding from the world. The reversed Fool card always brings negative news and should not be taken lightly.
Though there is almost no positive reading of this reversed card, it should be seen as a warning. It reminds you to put your head back in the game and focus on what you’re doing. It is never too late to realize what is at stake and take action.
You need to realize you may be “acting the fool” or being “made a fool of”, neither of these circumstances will bode well for your relationship. The card may show up to force you to see that you have “made a foolish choice” regarding your partner or lover. It is time to apply some critical thinking and judgment to your relationship. Remaining ignorant or uncritical is likely causing and going to cause problems.
When this card appears in a question about work or career, then you want to be on your guard and pay more attention to your work. If you are coming up for review, signing a contract, or dealing with a work issue that is taking your time and energy, be diligent and focus. Do not take anything for granted regrading work at this time. Put in the extra time and effort; do not be lazy or dismissive.
In the most common tarot tradition, the major arcana tarot cards unfold as a story when taken in order. This is called “The Fool’s Journey.” It starts with the Fool tarot card, whose main character becomes the protagonist of this initiatory journey. The Fool represents us as we stand at the very beginning of a path (or even your life), with the kind of candor and innocence found only in those unaware of the upcoming obstacles.
The Fool can represent someone just born, someone starting a spiritual journey, or simply the start of a new project that takes one out of their comfort zone. Innocence and spontaneity fill their heart.
While there are many different tarot decks, the common element found in most of them for the Fool in the tarot is a young, careless person, seemingly happy and unaware of a rather dangerous situation (often standing near a cliff, or next to wild animals, etc.). There is often a dog behind him, which seems friendly and just as carefree as The Fool, but can also be pictured as a growling menace in some tarot decks.
In the most current decks, artists and collaborators deviate significantly from the traditional image, while others mimic the Rider-Waite art.
The Mythic Tarot (1986)
The Haindl Tarot (1990)
Osho Zen Tarot (1995)
Law of Attraction Tarot (2011)
Spellcaster Tarot (2016)
Ostara Tarot (2017)
If you want to meditate using the Fool card or have drawn it as your daily card, seek new and exciting opportunities. Follow your heart and take a leap of faith, even if you’re standing next to a cliff. Otherwise, you’ll never know if you were meant to fall or fly!
This often leads to a beautiful journey, so listen to what the Universe is telling you and be bold. In the right context, this card can be a great source of motivation. Trust your tarot cards and prepare to be well rewarded.
The Fool’s journey among the major arcana starts here. The protagonist is still candid and innocent, unaware of what lies ahead. That innocence can be a strength or a weakness. The key to understanding this enigma lies within the other cards drawn next to it during a reading.
