Major Arcana
The Fool stands at the edge of a cliff, knapsack over his shoulder, gazing upward with youthful abandon. A small dog nips at his heels as a warning he ignores. He represents pure potential — the soul before experience, the sacred innocent about to leap into the grand adventure of life.
Upright
Reversed
Quick meaning
The Fool represents the Fool stands at the edge of a cliff, knapsack over his shoulder, gazing upward with youthful abandon. A small dog nips at his heels as a warning he ignores. He represents pure potential — the soul before experience, the sacred innocent about to leap into the grand adventure of life.
Use the symbol
In a yes or no tarot reading, The Fool is best read through its condition. Upright, it points toward Innocence, Freedom, Originality, Adventure. Reversed, it suggests Recklessness, Carelessness, Negligence, Stupidity. The answer depends on whether the situation is moving with the upright lesson or stuck in the reversed pattern.
As advice, The Fool asks you to work with the card's main lesson rather than react from fear. Start with the upright meaning: The first card of the Major Arcana, The Fool is generally a positive card indicating new beginnings.
As feelings, The Fool can describe someone experiencing the card's emotional tone. In love readings, its upright energy is: The Fool in love is exciting and spontaneous but a little bit fickle.
Reversed, The Fool points to what may be blocked, avoided, or expressed in a harder way. Use the reversed meaning as a prompt to slow down and address Recklessness, Carelessness, Negligence, Stupidity.
Energy in motion
The first card of the Major Arcana, The Fool is generally a positive card indicating new beginnings. If it appears in your readings it could mean that you are on the verge of an exciting, unexpected new adventure. Your new adventure will bring you along a path which may require you to make a leap of faith but you will grow as a result of this new experience. This new adventure could be a literal new adventure, like travelling to a place you’ve never been before. The change this card can bring will usually be a welcome one. While the Fool is generally a positive card, its appearance in a reading can also indicate that you need to take the time to look before you leap.
The Fool in love is exciting and spontaneous but a little bit fickle. For those in relationships, The Fool indicates being so in love you can hardly contain your excitement. However, if the person asking the question is asking about commitment, this card is linked to lack of commitment or not being ready for a commitment. However, as it’s a travel card, it can also simply mean you will be going on a romantic trip such as a couple’s weekend or a honeymoon. For those that are single, it is a very good indicator that an impulsive, carefree romance is on the cards (or many such romances). If the Fool appears, prepare for a fun-filled romance but be careful not to miss true love if it comes your way during this time.
Opportunity knocks! With the Fool in your career, it may be time to go for that new job or start your own business that you’ve been dreaming of. Other people may try to put you off or may not understand what you’re doing, be patient with them and try to make them understand but do not let them deter you. For current projects it indicates fresh new ideas and being reinvigorated with energy. The Fool indicates big opportunities for advancement. Be clever and research your opportunities and the risk but don’t be afraid to take the plunge! Financially, if you take the chance and work hard you will make more than you thought you would.
The Fool bodes well for physical health if you have been ill as it indicates vitality and energy. However, it can also indicate being accident prone so if you get the Fool for health be extra careful. It can also represent pregnancy as it represents the beginning of a new life.
Use tarot for reflection only; it does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or care.
The Fool indicates that you are at the beginning of a new spiritual journey which will lead on to great things. You will be eager to try many different approaches, allow yourself to do this. Others may not understand the journey you’re on but you must do what is right for you.
Energy under tension
As with the upright meaning, The Fool reversed signifies a new beginning. However, when reversed this Major Arcana trump card indicates that the beginning is something you may be reluctant to jump into. This new beginning is still coming either way! The Fool tarot card reversed can be an indication of living in the moment but also can be a sign that in your excitement you are behaving somewhat recklessly towards others. It can signify being irrational, lack of fun and lack of faith or hope.
The Fool reversed in love can indicate that your pursuit of adventure may be holding you back from having the kind love you really want or causing uncertainty in your current relationship. If The Fool is reversed, your relationship may be exciting but may involve some risky behaviour. Be warned, this could lead to feelings of insecurity and may leave your relationship on shaky ground.
Financially, The Fool reversed shows some potentially promising financial opportunities but exercise caution and do your homework before committing to anything. You don’t want to be taken advantage of. Career-wise you may be becoming restless in your current position or thinking of going out on your own. Think before you act! Or you may simply be holding back your best ideas due to a lack of confidence, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and assert yourself. Your ideas are just as valid as everyone else’s. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
When The Fool reversed is in a health reading it indicates trying out alternative treatments could be helpful in resolving any health issues. Also the tendency to be accident prone is stronger when this is in your reading so be mindful of your surroundings.
Use tarot for reflection only; it does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or care.
In a spiritual context, The Fool reversed is a sign that you are seeking new spiritual experiences and are eager to cast off your old traditions. Like the upright meaning, people around you might be somewhat puzzled by this new interest. Just be sure to explore your options don’t jump too far into a spiritual path until you figure out what feels right for you.
Cards in conversation
Together, The Fool and The Magician blend the lesson of the fool with the energy of the magician. This pairing asks you to read the cards as a relationship between the central theme and the magician stands before a table bearing all four suit symbols — wand, cup, sword, and pentacle — one hand raised to the heavens and one pointing...
Together, The Fool and The High Priestess blend the lesson of the fool with the energy of the high priestess. This pairing asks you to read the cards as a relationship between the central theme and the high priestess sits between two pillars — boaz and jachin — at the threshold of the sacred temple.
Together, The Fool and The Empress blend the lesson of the fool with the energy of the empress. This pairing asks you to read the cards as a relationship between the central theme and the empress sits on a plush throne amid lush gardens and flowing water, crowned with twelve stars and robed in pomegranate-patterned cloth.
Clarify the card
The first card of the Major Arcana, The Fool is generally a positive card indicating new beginnings. If it appears in your readings it could mean that you are on the verge of an exciting, unexpected new adventure. Your new adventure will bring you along a path which may require you to make a leap of faith but you will grow as a result of this new experience. This new adventure could be a literal new adventure, like travelling to a place you’ve never been before. The change this card can bring will usually be a welcome one. While the Fool is generally a positive card, its appearance in a reading can also indicate that you need to take the time to look before you leap.
As with the upright meaning, The Fool reversed signifies a new beginning. However, when reversed this Major Arcana trump card indicates that the beginning is something you may be reluctant to jump into. This new beginning is still coming either way! The Fool tarot card reversed can be an indication of living in the moment but also can be a sign that in your excitement you are behaving somewhat recklessly towards others. It can signify being irrational, lack of fun and lack of faith or hope.
The Fool in love is exciting and spontaneous but a little bit fickle. For those in relationships, The Fool indicates being so in love you can hardly contain your excitement. However, if the person asking the question is asking about commitment, this card is linked to lack of commitment or not being ready for a commitment. However, as it’s a travel card, it can also simply mean you will be going on a romantic trip such as a couple’s weekend or a honeymoon. For those that are single, it is a very good indicator that an impulsive, carefree romance is on the cards (or many such romances). If the Fool appears, prepare for a fun-filled romance but be careful not to miss true love if it comes your way during this time.
Opportunity knocks! With the Fool in your career, it may be time to go for that new job or start your own business that you’ve been dreaming of. Other people may try to put you off or may not understand what you’re doing, be patient with them and try to make them understand but do not let them deter you. For current projects it indicates fresh new ideas and being reinvigorated with energy. The Fool indicates big opportunities for advancement. Be clever and research your opportunities and the risk but don’t be afraid to take the plunge! Financially, if you take the chance and work hard you will make more than you thought you would.
The The Fool is best read by context in yes or no questions. Upright, it points toward Innocence, Freedom, Originality, Adventure. Reversed, it suggests Recklessness, Carelessness, Negligence, Stupidity.
Put this symbol in context
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