Apr 26 | 2023 — The Fool
Perhaps the most iconic of representations of Tarot, The Fool is the embodiment of Tarot. They are experience. Not only do they bring their past experience and knowledge with them, but they are eager and ready to move on in search of the new, in pursuit of transformation and growth. I feel like this could be representative of reincarnation — whether that be the traditional interpretation (past lives, etc.) or whether you are reinventing yourself, being born again (seems reminiscent of the suit of Vessels from Terra Volatile).
But as I have worked in Tarot and really studied and focused on these cards one by one, I’ve come to realize that, while the Fool is representative of youthful energy and the mark of a new adventure, it is actually old energy, aged and experienced. I’m not talking about the energy of someone who is arthritic and stiff; I’m talking about that 96-year-old great-grandmother who still lives by herself and is self-sufficient. Maybe she can’t figure out how to use emojis in a text message, but she is a fountain of valuable experience and knowledge, and she is happy to share if asked. Cataracts may cloud her vision, but she sees clearly.
Message of the Day: I’ve been reading this book series for the past two months called The Tarot Sequence by K.D. Edwards. It’s an urban fantasy (magic, creatures, etc.) but takes place in a world where society is ruled by Courts of Tarot. In terms of connections with actual Tarot, there is very little cross-over, but I’ve really enjoyed the books. It is also very racially diverse and includes gay, non-binary, and gender-fluid characters. In the book I’m currently reading (The Eidolon), there is interaction with Lord Fool, the leader of the Revelry court.
When I was first made aware of this character, I had an idea that he would be young, silly, and jester-like (and sort of rolled my eyes as I hate that stereotype). But it turns out that Lord Fool is largely reclusive (although not a Hermit) from the other Major Arcana and is centuries old. Not only that, but he is a seer — a prophet who can see probabilities.
This made me stop and think a bit about The Fool from a different angle. Maybe The Fool’s knowledge of the past is circular and connected to the future. Maybe they’re stepping off that cliff KNOWING the probabilities that could occur. Maybe they’re risk-averse, but only because they see the possibilities that could come from the risk and have calculated their best course of action.
For me, this reminds me that starting something new always comes with risks. If I am really green and inexperienced, I will make a ton of mistakes and grow. However, life’s experiences have given me tools to help manage those mistakes and possibly cut them off by analyzing risk and understanding the possible outcomes.
When I think of risk (or being risk-averse) I think of two things: my son who has no real concept of risk management in any way, shape, or form (unless it’s playing video games), and my 401k retirement fund. With both, the associated risks lessen with age (physical brain development in my son, and more practical, slow-and-steady investment choices in my 401k).
As The Fool shows up in my life, I also have to remember the procession of the themes in the Major Arcana and that The Fool is not just haphazardly bumbling along some cliff in pursuit of adventure. There is intuition at play; there is knowledge and discipline involved; there are choices to be made. The Fool has friends in the Major Arcana to help him find his success; he is not alone.
With that, The Fool gives me the courage to move forward with faith in myself that I have the tools to make wise choices. It does not mean I will not make mistakes. Shit, The Fool has a tramp stamp that says “MISATKE” tattooed above his ass. We live and learn through mistakes, but we grow by recognizing and correcting. The Fool just reminds me to keep my head up and keep going, regardless of the stumbles.
How does The Fool reach out to you? I feel like The Fool would ask:
- How aware of risk are you when starting something new? Does it impede you out of fear or are you comfortable identifying possible outcomes?
- What can I learn from past experiences of risk-taking, and how can I apply that knowledge to the current situation?
- Am I approaching my situation with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness, or am I stuck in old patterns and habits?
- How can I balance the need to take risks with the need to be responsible and mindful of my own safety and well-being?
Decks shown above:
- The Fool as illustrated by Alex Kiriliuk
- The Modern Way Tarot
- Tarot 108
Originally posted on Pixel-Tarot.com on April 26, 2023.
