0 - The Fool
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Naivete, new starts, potential, beginnings, spontaneous, faith |
| Reversed Keywords: | Imbalance, impatience, lack of control, unpreparedness, recklessness |
The Fool stands at a cliff's edge, walking with their head held high and pep in their step, almost as though they're dancing. Their tunic is brightly decorated with floral designs in yellow, red, and green, and their shoes are a sunny yellow. Over their shoulder is a bindle, and a jaunty red feather flies from their green cap. The sky behind the Fool is yellow, with a sun shining above and mountains in the distant background. In the Fool's hand is a white flower. A white dog rises to its hind legs at the Fool's side.
As the first card of the Major Arcana, the Fool represents new beginnings and fresh starts. Regardless of where they're coming from, the Fool walks on heedless of the danger just ahead - and below. They dance along the cliff's edge with nothing more than a small bag on their shoulder and hope in their heart. It's an admirable sort of naivete.
The flower in the Fool's hand represents the innocence they carry. It's untainted by the world around it. The dog at their side leaps up, running alongside the Fool to encourage them to move ever forward - or perhaps to warn them of the danger ahead.
In Readings: Upright
When the Fool appears in a tarot reading in the upright position, it suggests fresh starts and limitless potential. The Fool has the world to explore and no fears of what's to come. It represents new perspectives, the beginnings of a journey, and curiosity.
If the Fool is meant to describe a person, they would be curious, naive, young, and/or inexperienced. What they lack in real-world experience, they make up for with pure spirit.
The Fool is a spontaneous card. It encourages the querent to take chances and begin new projects or journeys without fear. However, the Fool sometimes moves without planning ahead or thinking beyond the immediate next step. This might be a good thing, particularly for those prone to overthinking or freezing.
Leap, says the Fool. Who knows what you'll find next?
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Lovers: A new romance or meaningful connection is on the horizon. Take the chance to make it happen, even if you don't feel ready.
Eight of Swords: Allow yourself to see beyond your worries. The first step is the hardest, but each one after will be easier and easier.
Ten of Wands: The burden is heavy, but we stay silly.
The Hierophant, reversed: Shake free of oppressive structures to forge your own path. Not all traditions need to be passed down; sometimes, it's better to make your own.
In Readings: Reversed
In reverse, the Fool waltzes to the cliff's edge and tips over it, plummeting to the ocean's depths below by mistake. Its naive hope becomes ignorance and recklessness. A lack of planning causes potentially disastrous mistakes.
The reversed Fool implies that someone isn't putting enough thought into their actions. Whether they realize it or not, they need to stop and really think about what they're doing. They might be missing something, or they might just be running up against their limits.
Perhaps what lies beyond isn't worth it, says the Fool in reverse. Think twice.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Devil: Someone is intentionally manipulating the querent to lead them astray. They have been fooled by pretty words and underhanded tactics.
Seven of Cups: Stuck! So many options, so much to create, so much to do, and yet no wherewithal to act. What stands in the way?
The Hanged Man: Now is not the time to act. Pause, wait. Resist the impulse to act before you're ready.
The Hanged Man, reversed: Too much patience will have you waiting forever. There's a snapping point ahead, and you're approaching it rapidly. It will be hard to resist.
Other Perspectives
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