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Writer's pictureCharlotte Howard

Learn Tarot: The Fool

The Fool Tarot Card
Traditional Rider-Waite Deck

The first card in the pack. The Fool. But what does it mean, and what messages can we take away from a reading that pulls this card?


The first thing to recognise is that although this is the first card of the deck, it's also numbered as "0", rather than "1". We could take this as meaning that instead of being the beginning of the Tarot journey, The Fool occurs before we start. It is also a sign of unlimited potential. The Fool hasn't made any firm plans, and walks along care-free. A blank slate, he has yet to make his mark, and that is what this card is all about: fresh starts. Pulling this card means we are about to start a brand new journey.


Keywords:


Upright: Beginnings, Freedom, Spontaneity, New Ideas, Fresh Starts


Reversed: Reckless Behaviour, Naivety, Foolishness, Unwise Decisions


Description


Cards based on the Rider-Waite deck usually depict The Fool as a care-free young man, standing on the edge of a cliff. The sun is shining and waves are crashing in the background. He carries a small knapsack, and holds a white rose. A dog barks and jumps playfully at his feet. He gazes out at the world ahead of him, without a care in the world, unaware of the dangers around him. This image represents the idea of looking before we leap - The Fool stands precariously on unsteady rocks, with a turbulent sea beneath him. He has packed light, and although he may feel he has everything he needs, he will at some point require something he doesn't carry. The dog is trying to get his attention, and represents a loyal friend calling a warning, but is being ignored. The rose, white and innocent, whilst beautiful, has thorns that can prick and make him bleed should he not pay attention to how he is holding it.


The Fool Carrot Tarot Card
Carrot Tarot (Tyger's Eye)

General Readings


Upright: Pulling The Fool generally means you are at the start of something new. However, you haven't made your plans yet, and you do need to make sure you look before you leap, and head those warnings. There are likely people around you who are critical of your actions, and the surrounding cards will tell you whether these are friends or acting out of jealousy. However, despite the foreboding messages of this card, you are also being told it could be a time to take a risk, and make the jump. This card holds unlimited potential remember, and you need to embrace the opportunities when they arrive. Even if you end up making a mistake, you have gained experience and learned a lesson that will aid you in the future.


Reversed: You need to plan for the future. Pulling The Fool, but reversed suggests you are taking too many risks and acting naively. Your ideas are likely valid, but need to be fine-tuned and are not ready to be shown to the world just yet. You need to be cautious and listen to the advice being given to you, rather than tuning everyone out. Your friends are showing their concern, and you're dismissing their words of wisdom, because they are telling you what you need to hear, not what you want.


Love and Relationships


Upright: It's time to inject some fun into your relationships. A relationship is going to have a new lease of life, or perhaps a new relationship is on the horizon. Either way, your passions are ignited, and you are about to be pleasantly surprised. Romance uplifts and inspires you, giving you a much needed boost. Be bold, try new things, dare to fall head over heels in love. It's time to have some faith in the people you share your life with, and spend time with those who care about you.


Reversed: There is a distinct lack of commitment in relationships when The Fool is pulled reversed. You are being too trusting, and willing to overlook toxic and childish behaviours. The relationship will become stagnant and dull if changes aren't made soon. Take time to consider whether this relationships is healthy for you. Don't take any risks with those who haven't earned your trust.

The Fool Tarot Card The Tyger's Eye
Mystical Fred (Tyger's Eye)

Money and Finances


Upright: You have what you need, and you spend what you have. There is a feeling of frivolity with the upright Fool when pulled in a money reading. Allow yourself to be spontaneous and treat yourself to that purchase. Upgrade that hotel room. Buy the dress. The money will come to you when you need it most, allowing you to be comfortable and splash the cash. However, as much as you are being idealistic, it's important to be realistic as well. Save as much as you spend.


Reversed: You are being reckless with your finances, and you will eventually have to pay the price. Credit card bills and debts need to be paid. You are living beyond your means, and being impulsive will soon catapult you into problems you can ill-afford to rectify. Now is the time to take a step back before you fall off the edge of that cliff and drown in those stormy seas.


Careers and Job Opportunities


Upright: This is the time to make a change. Apply for that new job, send your CV/resume out, take a chance on a career you have dismissed in the past. A new energy and innovative ideas will help you reach your goals. You are going to be able to breathe again soon - you will be given an opportunity to make a fresh start, try something new, and prove yourself. However, you will need to dig deep to find the courage required to be successful. It's there, if you're willing to take a risk.


Reversed: You are bored in your job, or struggling to find one at all. Your actions and attitude have a massive affect on those around you. If you go into a job interview with disdain, then don't be surprised when you don't get the job. Beggars can't be choosers, and you need to accept that sometimes we all have to do jobs we don't like in order to pay the bills. Don't leave a job you hate until you have another one to go to.


Download The Tyger's Eye Tarot Guide: HERE


Woman reading Tarot Guide
Mystical Fred was the first Tarot deck designed by Charlotte at The Tyger's Eye


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