Demystifying the Major Arcana: The Fool

"The Fool is a sacred clown who breaks social convention, opens hearts, and stands closest to the spirit." 

—Karen Vogel, Motherpeace Tarot

Many of the January Tarot Forecasts for my clients featured The World card, signifying the end of a journey or cycle. So, it seems especially fitting to explore The Fool right now, the card of new beginnings.

The Fool is a powerful wanderer without a fixed address or number. It's the only Major Arcana card that has made its way into our regular playing cards as the Joker.

The themes of The Fool often revolve around innocence, naivety, and impulsivity. From my intuitive readings, however, I've noticed this card appears when someone stands on the edge of a new journey with trepidation. It's a choice between staying where they are, feeling unhappy or stuck, and venturing into the unknown.

Picture a baby bird being nudged out of its nest. They can't stay in the comfort of their nest forever; to grow and thrive, they must learn to fly. The first attempt might result in a tumble to the ground, but occasionally, they soar successfully. Regardless of success or failure, they have to take that leap.

The Fool speaks to our inner voice and intuition, urging us to embark on the next adventure or act of courage. Despite resistance, that inner call grows louder. While some interpretations warn to be cautious, I see it as a reminder that when in tune with your instinct, you don't need all the details before taking a chance.

Think of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. [Spoiler alert.] In the movie's climax, Indy faces a 'leap of faith.' He must cross a massive chasm and step into the abyss, trusting a bridge will appear. This mirrors the essence of The Fool – feeling the fear and doing it anyway. It's terrifying to leave the known for the unknown, but as Rebecca Campbell puts it,  'Life bends for the courageous. The Universe wants to support you, but first, you need to leap. To throw your Life up in the air.'

When The Fool appears, trust your heart and realize resistance is often more foolish than the risk. You stand at the edge of endless possibilities, invited to boldly walk toward something new. Don't let others' opinions sway you. Embrace your inner spark, the force that propels you to go your own way, relishing the excitement of the leap, like jumping off a high diving board.

Stay awake and open to possibilities in each moment. The more each of us embraces The Fool's energy, taking those terrifying leaps into the unknown, driven by our inner knowing—and risking being called a fool, the more others are inspired to follow their calling.

"I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference."

—Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

Are you ready to take a leap?

Go Deeper

Chakra: Crown

Keywords: Rebellion, Fresh start, Leap of faith

Brief Interpretation: New journey, exploration, free spirit, trusting the universe

Mantra: Embrace the possibilities of a new journey.

Astrological: Uranus, Earth

Gemstones: Azurite, Chrysoprase, Chrysocolla, Moldavia, Orange Carnelian

Candle Magic: White candle used for new beginnings, children, and creativity