The Foolish Man

The Symbolism Contained in the Image

The Fool card shows a traveler standing at the edge of a cliff. He is about to take a step into an area where the known ground no longer exists. The void does not scare him and he is blissfully unaware of the dangers that lay ahead. His eyes are care-free and locked on the space in front of him. A dog barks at his feet but he does not seem to make much of it. The dog symbolizes the past that is calling you back and trying to stop you from moving on. In his left hand, the Fool holds a white rose, a symbol of innocence. The wand across his right shoulder is a symbol of wisdom. It holds a bag containing his belongings (lessons from the past). The sun shines brightly and reflects on the snow-covered mountains nearby. He is living for the moment, experiencing the power of the present. The number of the card is zero and represents nothingness, the very "thing" and every other "thing" comes from. The call for action. All things are possible. Any direction is available. This is a new starting point. No hopes, no fears, nothing(ness). All possibilities are on the table. Instantaneous response to an immediate situation.

General Meaning

In a reading, the Fool card represents the impulse to go on a new journey towards knowledge and liberation. Take a leap of faith and just do it. The Fool does not plan, does not map out his options. He doesn't know where he is going. He acts in the moment. He is about to step into something new that he has no idea what it is but he is not worried, he trusts that the Universe will support him.

This card underscores the power of the present moment and the idea that all we really have is the present. The message being conveyed with this card is that it is easy to live trapped in the past - regretting what you did or did not do, romanticising what could or would have been. It is easy but the Fool is not interested, he wants to express his life force now. Why is he a Fool? Because of his blind belief that life will be there to support him even though he just stepped into the void. There is a childlike spontaneity and innocence in his outlook. The Fool lives for the moment, enjoys the present where he feels most connected with life.

Alternatively, the Fool can signify a courageous action that leads to you breaking out of a stagnant situation. There may be some level of risk involved in your actions. The Fool advises you to take the risk and do it anyway. Climb onto the first stair and from there you will see the second one.

In Reverse

In reverse, the Fool card suggests that you want to be free, impulsive and uninhibited when the situation requires you to be steady, reliable and accountable. The Fool's "Do it now. Plan later" attitude is misplaced in some area of your life. Your actions are foolish or naive. Your beginner's mindset is misplaced.

Alternatively, this card can also indicate that life requires you to take action but you are hesitating. It invites you to take a chance but you waver. You fail to follow your instincts at a crucial moment because you rely too much on planning and/or the common sense of other people.

Relationship Meaning

In a relationships reading, the Fool card represents living in the moment, blissfully distanced from any long-term plans or commitments. Depending on the question, this could be the dominant mood of your relationship or it could be the dominant energy of your partner. Sometimes the partner can be unpredictable and can shy away from long-term arrangements. Their feelings may be fickle and it might be difficult to measure the true depth of their interest in you.

If your partner is represented by the energy of the Fool, they might drift in and out of your life, always keeping the relationship at a Beginner stage. If your relationship is represented by the Fool, it can indicate that both partners are not looking for anything serious and are just enjoying spending time together without playing with the prospect of long-term commitement in their heads. In reverse, it suggests that one or both of the partners avoid the maturity needed to build a fulfilling relationship by endulging into adventures and fun.

The Fool card could also suggest a trip with your partner or a partner who travels a lot.

Career Meaning

In a career reading, this card suggests taking a risk on a new project or a new employee. You are in the mood for improvisation or for new beginnings. You idealism and optimism overflow. A beginner's mindset is present with this card.

Alternatively, a new job might be coming your way, or you may be starting your own business, or you might be offered a promotion. In some way, a new door is opening for you career-wise. The novelty of the experience suggests that you will be inexperienced in this situation. It will be new for you and you will feel like a newbie to an extent.

The Fool also relates to timing. Be sure to grab the chance as it comes for it may not wait for you.

In reverse, the card indicates that you are doing something shocking at work. You are making a decision or a career move that is intended to open new doors but is based on unusual logic and makes you look reckless.

Finance Meaning

In a financial reading, the Fool card represents a new opportunity coming your way. It may very well be an option which will be on the table for a brief period of time so failure to act in the moment might result in losing the option. Either way, a new financial stream is on the horizon.

In reverse, the Fool can indicate spending on things that bring you only short-term pleasure or short-term benefits. As reckless as the Fool reversed can be, that is how you are in your spending now.