Embracing the Unknown: Exploring the Fool Card in Tarot
Of all the major arcana cards, I found the “Fool” to be one of the most difficult to connect with.
I saw this archetype in a negative light, perhaps because of the emotional impact the word fool has on us. How often do you hear fool used in a happy light?
Many times, I’ve felt like a fool or foolish: young, naive, and stumbling through unaware. I have felt fooled by unaligned others, experiencing trauma and trial one after the other, barely with a moment to breathe! As a young adult, I leaped from situation to situation, never pausing to consider my self in the midst. I grew up hearing messages about how hard it was always going to be, and that I simply needed to push through and keep going no matter what. I didn’t take into consideration my own journey and how delightful this human experience can be.
Guess what? It CAN be a delightful journey, even with the “bad.”
Throughout our lives, we face obstacles and challenges. We can be afraid, cower, and hide, or step forward with our chins held high and our spirits open. Fear can become a friend, instead of something that holds us back.
Only recently was I able to embrace the more harmonized aspects of this Fool archetype: the joy, possibility, and new beginnings. That is what the Fool teaches!
It took me a while to befriend my terrified inner child and cultivate inner trust. She was so hidden, so shoved down and repressed, and absolutely afraid on a primal level to take risks and experience new things. After years of therapy, coaching, self-development, and personal exploration, I’m here to show her that there is more to life and that the unknown is an exciting part of the process!
What if the journey got to be joyful, ease filled, and fun?
What if the journey was a grand story in itself?
These are the questions I ask myself in the shower, so if this journey piques your interest, I encourage you to follow along over the course of April 1st through the 22nd as I drop posts and prompts about each of the cards in the Major Arcana, the suit of tarot that tells the full tale of the Fool.
Let’s begin with card 0, “The Fool!”
The Fool card is often regarded as the first card in the Major Arcana (the 22 “karmic” cards in a deck). Depicted as a carefree wanderer with a small bundle on a stick, The Fool symbolizes the beginning of a journey, a new phase in life, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
Symbolism and Interpretations
The Fool card is often depicted as a young man or a jester, dressed in colorful clothing with a small bag or satchel on his stick. He is often shown with a dog at his heels, which can symbolize loyalty, companionship, and protection (which I like to think of as our higher self which is always with us)!
Associated with the element of Air, the Fool brings with it an underlying energy of intellect, communication, and new beginnings. The number zero is also linked to this card, which represents infinite potential and the start of a new cycle.
In readings, The Fool can represent a new phase in life, taking a leap of faith, or embracing change. It can also symbolize being unburdened by past mistakes and fears, and being open to new experiences.
This archetype is a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in life. It is an invitation to embrace change, take risks, and trust in the journey. Approach your own inner Fool with a sense of playfulness and curiosity, and embrace the journey ahead with open arms.
Affirmation: "I joyously embrace the unknown."
Keywords: New beginnings, adventure, & taking risks.
Reflection Questions:
What new beginning is on the horizon should I choose to embrace it?
What adventures am I ready to go on?
What if it all works out?
What fears or limiting beliefs am I carrying with me? How can I release them to make room for new experiences and possibilities?
What areas of my life require more trust and faith? How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in the universe and myself?
What actions can I take to embrace the energy of The Fool in my life? How can I cultivate a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and wonder?
Here in the Living LUNA community, our theme for April is “Sowing the Seeds of Curiosity!” Throughout the month of April, we'll explore the journey of the Fool alongside the symbolism of the Major Arcana cards from Tarot. Each archetype offers opportunities for self-reflection! Follow along or participate in our community by joining our Discord server at: https://discord.gg/5UkGZb9kYp
