The Fool (0), is a card of beginnings. The Fool stands for each of us as we start our life journey. He is a fool because only a simple soul has the innocent faith to undertake such a journey with all its hazards and pain.
At the start of his trip, the Fool is a newborn – fresh, open, and spontaneous. The figure on Card 0 has his arms flung wide, and his head held high. He is ready to embrace whatever comes his way, but he is also oblivious to the cliff edge he is about to cross.
The Fool is unaware of the hardships he will face as he ventures out to learn the lessons of the world.
The Fool stands somewhat outside the rest of the major arcana. Zero is an unusual number. It rests in the exact middle of the number system – poised between the positive and negative.
At birth, the Fool is set in the middle of his universe. He is strangely empty (as is zero), but imbued with a desire to go forth and learn. This undertaking would seem to be folly, but is it?
BEGINNING
SPONTANEITY
FAITH
APPARENT FOLLY
As Card 0, the Fool lies at the beginning of the major arcana but is also somewhat apart from the other cards. In medieval courts, the court jester was not expected to follow the same rules as others. He could observe and then poke fun. This makes the Fool unpredictable and full of surprises. He reminds us of the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. This card has a sense that anything goes – nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation.
The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. Some might call the Fool too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. In readings, the Fool can signal a new beginning or change of direction – one that will guide you onto a path of adventure, wonder, and personal growth. He also reminds you to keep your faith and trust your natural responses. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool tells you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem.
Beginning
- entering a new phase
- striking out on a new path
- expanding horizons
- starting something new
- beginning an adventure
- going on a journey
- heading into the unknown
Being spontaneous
- living in the moment
- letting go of expectations
- doing the unexpected
- acting on impulse
- feeling uninhibited
- surprising someone
- feeling carefree
Having faith
- trusting the flow
- staying open
- letting go of worry and fear
- feeling protected and loved
- living in joy
- recapturing innocence
- believing
Embracing folly
- accepting your choices
- taking the “foolish” path
- pursuing a pipe dream
- being true to yourself
- taking a “crazy” chance
- trusting your heart’s desire
Some possibilities
- Hierophant-following convention, routine
- Death– ending, closing down
- Devil– feeling cynical, lacking faith
- Two of Swords– blocking off experience, feeling tense, holding back
- Four of Pentacles– order and regularity
Some possibilities
- Hanged Man– having faith in what is, going with the flow
- Star– innocence, faith, trust
- Judgment – rebirth, new starts
- Three of Wands– expanding horizons, going into unexplored territory
There are no separate explanations for reversed cards. The meaning of a reversed card depends on what the card would mean if upright. A reversed card shows that a card’s energy is present but at a lower level. For some reason, the energy cannot be expressed freely, normally, or completely. It may be:
- still in its early stages
- losing force and power
- blocked or restricted
- incomplete
- inappropriate
- being denied
- only present in appearance
See Lesson 17 for more information on reversed cards.