Synopsis
The beginning of a cycle or an adventure; a risk must be taken.


General Description

The Fool represents the child in us. He stands for spontaneous new beginnings and an open-mindedness free of prejudice. He is the symbol of playful lightheartedness, full of the joy of living, and free from care. The Fool shows us that we can enter a new area of life with wonder and without great expectations, and often without previous experience. He therefore can represent a childlike innocence, the result of which can be recklessness, foolish naivete, playfulness, as well as tomfoolery. The Fool can symbolize the simplicity of a wise and humble insight that we achieve at the end of a long and often tiring search. The Fool can also stand for the joker and the rascal in the traditional sense as well as the one and only honest adviser at the court as the alter ego of the king. In any case, he lives totally in the present, is the symbol of openness and spontaneous honesty, always ready for new experiences. Whether this stance is the result of our refusal to grow up or of the wise realization of our spiritual maturity cannot be decided by the card. The Fool always indicates refreshing experiences that sometimes may have chaotic traits but do not represent true danger, even when we fall flat on our faces.

The Fool is one of three cards in the Tarot that is sometimes numbered uniquely, according to the author or illustrator of a tarot deck. Most often, the Fool is placed at the beginning of the Major Arcana and is given the Number 0. Sometimes, the Fool is listed as the last card in the Trump cards, and given the Number 22. Technically, the Fool is very much akin to the "Jester" or "Wild Card" in regular playing cards. He is outside the confines of the regular cards, which gives him a special status which makes it reasonable to place him at the beginning of the deck. In this analytical series, the Fool follows the traditional 0 placement. 

The Fool is also known as Le Mat and The Spirit of the Aether

Card Number: 0
Key Number: 11
Rulership: Air
Hebrew Letter: Aleph
Translation: Ox
Numerical Value: 3 
Color: White
Herb: Peppermint
Incense: Allspice
Oil: Sandalwood
Gemstone: Clear Quartz
Planet: Uranus

Inner Meaning

The Fool represents the "everyperson" - the essence of us all embarking on the journey of life, self-discovery and mastery. He is the innocent, the whimsical, the "inner child" mixed with the "inner sage" that lives down deep inside of us all. He faces life and his journey unafraid, trusting, the perfect example of total and utter faith that all will be well, that every experience has a deep essential meaning. He trapses along the crags of life, regardless of any hidden peril or disappointment, his eyes are turned to the heavens and he knows that he will be kept safe and whole along his travels. Key words associated with the Fool are new beginnings, important decisions and optimism. 

The Fool is sometimes known as the most worthless card, yet also as the most valuable one. He is the first and the last, the alpha and the omega. It represents both the fledgling beginner and the adept master. The Fool reminds us of things, sacred things, that we have forgotten or repressed. The Fool knows his or her own ignorance, thus is seen as the most wise. 

The Fool represents the Negative space above the Tree of Life, the source of all things. It is the Qabalistic Zero, the Equation of the Universe, the initial and final balance of the opposites, both the father and the mother - male and female, in an abstract sort of way. The Fool is intricately linked with all 21 cards of the Major Arcana - in fact, many theorists maintain that the other Major Arcana cards are parts of the Fool's whimsical journey of self-discovery, culminating with the Number 21 World Card, bringing successful completion, accomplishment and fulfillment. Because the Fool is trusting and open to all experiences, he provides the perfect role model as we too embark on our life journey. The Fool coaxes us to walk our own path, not the path of the "herd". To trust our own inner voice, our intuition and our inner knowing and to embark on our life course with faith and a stout heart. We need trust, faith in the goodness of life and people, and an undying belief that all will work out exactly as it should. 

The Fool is the ultimate "Free Spirit" - this card represents the self-actualized person, free from societal constraints, someone who is able to let go of outmoded beliefs and ideals with the courage to pursue their own special path. 

The Fool Card in a Reading

The Upright Fool card represents a new beginning, a fresh start in any aspect of our life. When this card is drawn, we are faced with important choices and decisions which need to be made as we begin this new life-cycle and to deal with any difficult challenges along the way. The Fool tells us to face these challenges with energy, optimism and faith, which will ensure a positive outcome. It also points out that we must develop faith in our abilities to make the right choices, to keep the faith, and to walk our own unique path with optimism and hope. 

The Reversed Fool card gives us a clear warning that we must resist the temptation to act recklessly or immaturely in any new situation. We must accept our responsibilities and commitments and honor them wholely. Due consideration is required - problems and indiscretions resulting from impatience or impulsiveness are indicated. It also shows inhibitions that are caused by mental, emotional and physical restraints and tensions. We are burdened with a sense of obligation towards society and our daily duties. 



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