The Fool

The Fool always warns of something completely new that is ready to burst into life, from which chaos arises, but usually there is nothing dangerous in this (except in cases where other cards directly indicate it). The beginning of a new life cycle, any new endeavors, a radical step. It is a crossroads of life's paths, a new turn of development, pure, unspent energy. The person senses that the road they have embarked on is not easy, there are troubles and dangers on it, but something still suggests that they will somehow bypass him and everything will be fine and will only be beneficial.

Generally, the presence of The Fool in a spread is always a very powerful sign; the person usually can't even imagine what it carries. An unexpected turn of events, a surprise. Anything can happen. The card shows unexpected, unplanned circumstances that can turn the current state of affairs upside down.

Also indicates the need to make important decisions (may indicate positions of the past, a choice already made, and now the person is dealing with the consequences).

Moreover, we are free to choose any direction, go anywhere, do what we want. This is a fortunate opportunity! Such freedom is not often granted to us in life, and The Fool as an indicator of the present is a kind of blessing; there really is some chance now, a 'clean slate.'

The Fool shows the very beginning of some new project in life (the goal is still distant).

Often shows a specific person in a spread (and the querent can usually easily guess who it is).

A journey.

Impulsive, unconsidered actions. One can say with certainty that The Fool has a light heart. They have vigor, spontaneity, vitality, and freshness – a state well-known to enthusiastic tourists and pilgrims. They are young, inspired, open to life. The complexity of interpretation lies in figuring out – is this a wise fool or, so to speak, a natural one. This card can show both a stubborn unwillingness to grow up and, conversely, the wise simplicity and lightness acquired along with long experience, to which we usually come only at the end of a very difficult path.

Sometimes (and by the spiritual meaning of the Major Arcana, it should be so), this is a very wise Fool, like a jester at the court of a medieval monarch. The person does not possess great knowledge but is capable of deep understanding of what is happening ('out of the mouths of babes comes truth'). The wise Fool is very perceptive, incorruptible; it is practically impossible to deceive them (they will outplay anyone). They are characterized by energy, optimism, idealism, originality, unusual perception. A touch of madness, a feeling of being divinely guided (the conventions of this world are no decree to The Fool). A desire to spend time on inner wanderings, receptivity to the heights of mystical experiences. Carelessness regarding one's own safety.

The Fool can also be a trickster, a mischief-maker. One way or another, they live only in the present; they are an open, sincere, spontaneous, very mobile person, and sometimes prone to escapism, running away from life's problems, avoiding contact with reality. And here they cross the line where they become a fool with a small 'f' or even a jerk.

To understand whether The Fool is right in their behavior, one must look at the cards surrounding them. They show the result. One thing can be said for sure – whether this person is rash and foolish or wise and fearless, they behave radically! Fearlessness of the unknown, readiness to jump into any abyss.

For personality, The Fool shows qualities such as naivety, sensitivity, and sensuality, reckless courage. Immaturity, infantilism. Readiness to be open and curious, cheerful and carefree, not so much to think as to enjoy life – to do foolish things and rejoice in it with all one's heart.

Impulsiveness, eccentricity, ability to reach frenzy. Irrationality and incaution. Frivolity and eccentricity (partly a mask). Unexpected escapades. 'Going crazy' – that's their normal state. A freedom-loving spirit and disregard for consequences. Intuition and insightful vision. 'Normal routine' is not even a scent in their life. They are flighty, undisciplined, intemperate pleasure-seekers, ready to plunge headlong into adventures. Sometimes they act absurdly and rashly, 'like a fool.'

In the worst case, the card can mean thoughtlessness, whims and caprices, absurd extravagance and exaltation; in extreme cases – frenzy, abnormal passion for something, an idée fixe, complete eccentric inadequacy. A jumble of thoughts, a complete lack of logic and discipline, chaos, inscrutable paths.

The Fool is not only the 'inner child' but also the inner hero! The Fool personifies the Hero, recklessly moving towards their destiny. But it is they who receive The World at the end of the journey. They use neither reason nor other means to illuminate their path. But what seems to an outside observer as a blind movement into the abyss, into the grave, is actually the path to a transformation that goes so far beyond the limits of this world that all the clever ones cannot imagine it.

Initiation and the beginning of a new path. A stage in spiritual development symbolically corresponding to the start of a great adventure and the corresponding inspiration. A period of entering the unknown – with cheerful surprise and without any specific expectations. It is one of the cards of karma, being led ('I obey fate'), Uranian walking with God. Those with a strong Uranus in their horoscope know what this is about. As is known, the dominance of a higher planet in a horoscope always gives too intense a rhythm of fate. The Fool does not exude well-being in the sense that flatters the Ego. But it exudes the well-being of a soul not attached to conventions and residing in free wandering, as it should be in this world (according to Christ's words – 'be passersby'). In the occult sense, the Fool embodies the Archetype of the Soul – unsettled, reckless, in its own way blessed, naked and poor, and going wherever the eyes look (to the horror of the rational and self-interested ego). A kind of return to true spiritual health, maybe not looking like social well-being. The Fool is Uranianly asocial. But they are on the path, as they should be. They have a jester's outfit, 'decent people' laugh at them, but they are not at all afraid of it. They themselves will laugh at anyone, and being barked at does not bother them.

In principle, the Fool is capable of anything (that's why they are the joker), but they realize very little practically. This is the divine genius, capable of creating the Universe and destroying it, but... the Universe does not yet exist, and therefore the Fool is only zero, nothing, absolute emptiness that can become anything, and absolute freedom of this becoming: in this nothing, in potential, everything is contained. Uranus says that God creates the Universe easily, accidentally, and not on purpose, – and such is the spontaneous Nature of human genius. Most often, the Fool is depicted holding a bundle on a stick over their shoulder and balancing with it (the bundle) on the edge of an abyss. In this bundle is that 'everything' and 'nothing' that made the Fool set off on the journey. In theory, it contains the united life experience of all humanity, correlating with the collective unconscious.

Ancient interpretations consider the card terrible: 'A symbol of a blind man who has enslaved himself to matter. His sack is overflowing with his delusions and senseless actions. The broken obelisk – the ruin of his deeds. The crocodile (in Papus's cards, a crocodile is depicted instead of a dog) – an emblem of relentless fatality and... inevitable atonement and retribution for what has been done, as nothing in life is done 'just like that' – and one must pay for everything.' By the way, another reference to astrology and Uranus, the planet of untamable demiurgy, creation, is appropriate here (according to myth, Saturn had to cut off with his sickle from father Uranus that which is used to create, so that chaos would finally cease in the world and at least some stability would reign). Uranus rules Aquarius. We live in the Age of Aquarius, in a very 'Uranian' time and are much better adapted to the manifestations of Uranus and the Fool than our ancestors who lived in more predictable and dense times. Therefore, interpretations have also changed compared to ancient ones, becoming more positive and creative. And even though creation is a violation of the primordial order of being – and that is why there is an abyss before the Fool – it is still dictated by higher laws.

In the occult sense, the zero card of the Fool is likened to the material Universe. But it, like the mortal human body, is nothing more than a garment, a motley costume suitable for a fool, under whose clothing, however, lies a divine substance, for which foolishness is merely a shadow. The number of the Fool is 0. Legend says that in ancient times, people gave their lives for the 'secret of the number zero'. Multiplying any number by zero gives zero – why is this so? 0 was defined as the number of perfection, where 'DUALITY COMES INTO EXISTENCE'. This is the duality of androgyny. The Fool is androgynous, they have both male and female at once, and neither of them IS (in The World, both ARE, but no one gave their life for the secret of the number 21). According to the Kabbalistic book Zohar, God is there where a man and a woman are found simultaneously. Perhaps He finds them inside the person themselves – 'created man, male and female created He them' – and it speaks of a single being. The Fool is the one whom God created and 'found'.

The very beginning of some enterprise, more of a 'for luck' venture than a detailed, sober calculation (with great faith, if not in final success, then at least in its meaning).

Difficulties with planning, analysis, forecasting the objective situation for the future. But definitely activity and enterprise.

Under The Fool goes the process of spontaneous unfolding of creative abilities, and the person is generally not in control of it, unable to hold it back, direct it into some narrow channel, limit it within frameworks. They create 'as God puts it in their soul.' Problems begin when the result of creativity must look a very specific way (e.g., on commission). So for people making a living from creativity, The Fool appearing can, oddly enough, be a severe trial. One should work, the client is waiting and stamping their foot, but the worker, fearing nothing, absolutely 'inconsistently' dances on the roofs of the world, outside the system. It's practically impossible to act against this flow. There is absolutely spontaneous 'foolish' behavior, a lack of discipline. The Fool knows no limits and lives by intuition. Reliability, discipline, considering consequences – this is completely not them. They are like possessed, seized by a kind of passion, an idée fixe, in which they are not afraid to behave absurdly and rashly, disregarding limitations. Avoiding responsibility.

Sometimes means unprofessionalism, lack of preparation and knowledge, but usually good receptivity. In principle, this is a 'starting from scratch' card. It deprives all claims to possessing knowledge and life achievements, and also deprives any clinging to proven methods and familiar ideas of meaning. Complete (sometimes creative) chaos of a novice. At work, this is many ideas but irresponsibility, ignorance, chaotic plans, and a clear lack of professional experience (with an unwillingness to listen to anyone's advice). Scatteredness, diffusion of effort. Still much to learn.

Many abilities, but weak realization ('a person with great potential' who turned out to be nothing due to lack of discipline and consistency – order, as is known, beats class). Carelessly given promises, and there may be problems with fulfillment. The Fool symbolizes not particularly reliable (though not maliciously) partners. In the worst sense – blatant frivolity, unreliability, infantilism and immaturity, carelessness and negligence. Sometimes one must remember that The Fool's favorite pastime is to play the fool, and their favorite ritual is to do nothing (in a pragmatic sense).

For business, The Fool is not particularly favorable. According to it, a businessperson is better off temporarily disappearing in an exotic country than immersing themselves in affairs. With unfavorable surrounding cards – a foolish enterprise.

The Fool is one of those who can exist for twenty years without means of subsistence and outlive everyone who had those means, practically without noticing it all. Well, what can one say... He is an eagle! Birds don't need money. 'Paradise in a hut with your beloved' is also a fitting phrase. In the case of The Fool, the presence of a hut is already very, very good (traditionally this Arcana is an indicator of the homeless). Immaturity and naivety in matters related to money. Wastefulness, recklessness, inconsistency, eccentricity. Frivolous handling of money.

Not entirely prudent investments (the issue hasn't been studied thoroughly enough, not all data has been gathered, there are some unclear details).

The situation is still undecided. It may be necessary to start all over again. The state of affairs is generally unserious and shaky (if the question was about something implying seriousness and thoroughness).

Generally, The Fool's task is to distract a person from the material, to teach them not to attach too much importance to it.

Describing the nature of a relationship, The Fool indicates sincerity free from any prejudices, free relationships (the spirit of The Fool is being unburdened and non-burdensome), carefree flirting (feelings are given thoughtlessly, left and right), the joy of spontaneous intimate experimentation (that case when both giggle, like, 'we're acting like fools,' but it's fun and pleasurable), trusting one's instincts.

Unforeseen circumstances bringing unexpected relationships. Traditionally, The Fool is considered a harbinger of the beginning of a romance. It indeed indicates the beginning of a new life phase. But what kind of phase it will be and how it will affect the querent's life is still a question, and the other cards will provide invaluable help here.

Under The Fool, a person 'goes crazy'; in love, this sounds promising, but what it looks like is a question. There will be no time to think about where these relationships will lead, although eroticism and the power of desire are guaranteed. Instinctiveness and fantasy, a capacity for any whims (in sex as well). Unbridled sensuality, blind passion, reckless infatuations – that's all The Fool. Under The Fool, one can quite 'dive headfirst' and 'embark on all sorts of escapades' (a charming prospect for married people).

Following it, one can set off to seek love at the ends of the earth (most fairy tales describe precisely such a plot, the Hero's Journey). For its guiding star, The Fool 'dresses in rags,' spits on social conditioning, and embarks on a path, fearing nothing.

Similarly, one can frivolously (at least in appearance) 'go off in all four directions,' 'wherever the eyes look' (also a prospect not inspiring calm, but calm is generally not about The Fool). With corresponding surrounding cards, The Fool signifies breakups, departures, and not at all jokingly. This seems like a desperate and doomed state, but in fact, the person is absolutely unwavering, unstoppable, and cannot be stopped by arguments, pleas, or threats.

The Zero Arcana manifests alienation, asociality, non-conformism, so it contributes to solitary wanderers even more than The Hermit. One can still somehow coexist with a partner-Hermit, but with The Fool, you'll sweat seriously. That's, in general, a feat. They are characterized by inconstancy and flightiness. Hoping that the wind will blow their sails towards the altar is somewhat reckless. For them, it's important to enjoy themselves and not at all important to structure relationships (or clarify them). They are open to life and all its joys; seriousness, responsibility, and cares absolutely do not attract them. They are not afraid to do what they want, regardless of how absurd or dangerous it is. And what's strangest, they have no choice. That's how they are led, that's how they go. The Fool belongs to no one (including themselves). But they are truly free from prejudices, love what is, constantly refresh relationships, and usually demand absolutely nothing.

Sometimes, The Fool signifies a renewal of relationships with the appearance of a child, the beginning of a new stage when existence is completely restructured.

Usually a feeling of youthful strength, vigor, and vitality.

Careless attitude towards health, but usually without consequences (though other cards will tell about that).

In terms of mental health, The Fool traditionally describes mental disorders, loss of social adequacy. In combinations with unfavorable cards, The Fool (including reversed) can mean mental illness (neurosis, psychosis, mania, delusion, alcoholic or narcotic delirium, feverishly excited state). But not everything considered madness is actually such. It can be a highly Uranian state of mind, ensuring karmic atonement.

Let's remember Ivan Bezdomny (Ivan the Homeless) – was he insane? And The Master?

Light and shadow (advice and warning)

Advice: Act in this situation in the most reckless, most 'foolish' way possible. Give yourself more freedom, rid yourself of previous patterns of behavior and thought. Don't refuse the opportunity to start a new life, choose a new direction for your development, do whatever you please. Move forward boldly, even if it's unknown what awaits there. 'We'll think later.' Trust fate. Finally decide – once in a blue moon, you have freedom of choice! This doesn't happen very often in life. Cast aside doubts and hesitation. Don't look back, forget the past, and look to the future with a light heart. The unknown is not so scary, especially compared to what is well-known but torments you. Don't take everything so close to heart, learn to laugh at yourself, develop a sense of humor. The Fool says: life is largely a game, and we are sent to earth to perfect ourselves and rejoice in everything you may encounter.

Shadow: Escapism, a desire to run away from reality with its problems. Rejection of truth. Not the time to embark on adventures and 'play the fool.' It's time to grow up and take responsibility.

Speaks of restless, impulsive activity, of unconsidered actions, sometimes purely demonstrative in nature, often with accentuated egoism and infantilism (like a teenager cherishing thoughts of suicide to annoy someone or prove something). Sometimes this card symbolizes a person tirelessly seeking a change of environment and occupations, starting many things but finishing nothing. Symbolizes incaution, wasteful expenditure of energy, time, and effort. The problem remains unsolved. Great negligence is allowed in something important. The choice may turn out bad, the decision fatal, the undertaking erroneous.

Unreadiness to open up to the future, clinging to the past, lack of freedom, or, if a surprise, definitely an unpleasant one. Some blocked beginning (perhaps not very desired).

Reckless behavior dictated by nothing other than escapism and fear.

Here, as for all other Arcana, we present a collection of indications encountered in literature at some point. We have no data on their validity. Personal observations, meanings manifested in experience, are reflected for now in 'personal observations.' With The Magician – danger of losing one's mind. With The Lovers – harbinger of new love, appearance of a new partner. Traditionally with Justice, Judgment – (here more by name) getting entangled in some court case out of foolishness. A more plausible interpretation together with Judgment – obvious rebirth, inspiration, a new major undertaking, a completely new bright phase in life. To a slightly lesser extent, but a similar inspiration is carried by The Fool with the Three of Wands. With The Hanged Man – indication that the person is in a difficult position. To get out of it, the most important thing is to keep quiet, not make unnecessary moves, and try to extricate oneself without any noise or fuss. With The Devil – cynicism and truly insane, 'no brain' actions with bad consequences. Obsession with a minor (or major) demon in a literal or figurative sense. The Fool and The Tower – serious warning of danger (an incident due to inattention, carelessness, recklessness, negligence). With The Star – innocence, purity, 'not of this world,' a completely cosmic being. The Fool and the Seven of Cups – classic escapism. With the Nine of Cups – fears are groundless, even if they occur. With the King of Swords, Five of Wands (Five of Swords) – fears are justified, danger of physical violence and generally danger. The Fool and the Seven of Swords – a big swindler. The Fool and the Five of Pentacles – just that case when a person gives preference to a love condemned by everyone (and possibly ruins their life for it, embarking on all sorts of escapades). With good cards – undeserved good fortune. The action of The Fool is weakened by their vibrations by The Hierophant, Death, and the Two of Swords.

The Spirit of God moving over the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2), the primordial chaos at the beginning of time. Jung's own Child archetype. Ouroboros, the Serpent biting its own tail, symbol of Zero. Books by Richard Bach and Paulo Coelho. Chicot the Jester in Dumas. Pierre Bezukhov in Tolstoy. Holy Fools.

The famous phrase Don’t worry, be happy

A poem based on Native American wisdom: I am growing older knowing That my disappearing youth Hides itself in my uncertain wisdom Growing younger all the time

(I am growing older, understanding That my disappearing youth Hides itself in my vague wisdom Which is becoming ever more childlike).