The Fool Tarot Card Meanings

The Fool Upright Meaning

Pamela Coleman-Smith's artful rendition of The Fool in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of The Fool card, however, portray quite a different character -- a person driven by base needs and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.

In some earlier instances, The Fool is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable -- as the cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you see the popular Rider-Waite image of The Fool arise -- that of an innocent soul before its fall into matter, untainted by contact with society and all its ills.

Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, and the potential misplaced step that will send The Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don't forget, though, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage toward self-knowledge and, eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of personal development within ourselves -- and the stage upon that path where we find ourselves -- in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.

The Fool Reversed Meaning

When the Fool card is reversed, you are encountering an unfinished side of yourself, a part still caught in the shadows of ignorance or immaturity. An emotional reflex or psychological attitude could be holding you back from responding authentically and naturally.

Release yourself from any dogmas or taboos so your natural truthfulness and instinct for right action can be restored.

The Fool Advice Position

The Fool advises that you lighten up. Let yourself be spontaneous enough to stretch beyond the realm of logic. There is no advantage to be gained by thinking you possess the knowledge, power, or control to direct reality. Open and receive without question, instead of trying to manage what's happening right now. The Fool has no ambition to manipulate a specific outcome. Just be happy to be part of the whole.

Release any demands or expectations. Give your complete attention to events as they are occurring in the present moment.

The Fool Love Position

The Fool is associated with circumstances that are unique, unpredictable and inscrutable -- like one who is suspended between realities. The Fool is often portrayed as an empty headed simpleton unaware of the forces that move him to and fro, following his impulses. But tradition tells us that this Fool has a secret that protects him: the magic of synchronicity. He proceeds without calculation, spontaneously, without hesitation or resistance.

If you trust in your own mystery and that of Divine Providence, you can step into a new realm of opportunities for you and your potential love interest. For now, trust your instincts. If you have no expectations, you have nothing to lose.

The Fool Career Position

When the Fool is in this position, the situation in the workplace is undefined and open-ended. Under the circumstances, you can't be too certain about anything, but things could still turn out quite well. Everything is in flux for you, and there may be no set career direction right now. This can either create a feeling of panic or relief. Without a blueprint, you are freed up from rules, restrictions and systems you have been both limited by and dependent upon. On the other hand, there is nothing in place now to prevent you from doing something really stupid, except your own good sense. See that you remember to use it!

Be the truly secure individual who stays calm under uncertain circumstances by tuning in to a newly emerging future flow. Watch closely and learn a creative new way of approaching your career and work.

The Fool in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Fool is a card of fresh starts and limitless potential. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive The Fool, the answer is YES. Move forward with absolute trust.