Let’s Start at the Beginning: Meditations on the Fool

The Major Arcana is often described as ‘The Fool’s Journey Into the World.” Not only does this phrase describe the traditional beginning and ending of the Major Arcana (The Fool and The World),, but it also encapsulates how the Major Arcana of the tarot is meant to demonstrate archetypal moments that resonate with everyone as we move from naivete into a deeper understanding of how we relate to and interact with the world.

As the Lunar New Year begins, let’s take a moment and start at the beginning. Let’s spend some time meditating on The Fool.

Just who Is This Fool, Anyway?

The Fool evolved from what is commonly known as ‘The Jester’ or ‘Joker’ in a playing card deck. The ‘jester’ or ‘court fool’ often came from a noble house and whose purpose was to entertain. ‘Jester’s privilege,’ was protective rights given to them to talk freely without punishment. It was symbolized by the jester’s use of a scepter and cap and bells (crown). This outsider status was conveyed by creating the Jester as a ‘wild card,’ or a card that could somehow otherwise disrupt trumped play. This ‘wild card’ status impacted early cartomancers as well. The Fool in the tarot continues that special status — in the Major Arcana either the Fool carries the number 0, or is unnumbered (there are other, rarer, instances of numbers for this special card).

The Fool’s name has many connotations that range from naivete to madness. Barbara Walker, in her book The Secrets of the Tarot: Origins, History, and Symbolism says it best: “Among his other names were: The Foolish Man, Folly, Le Mat, and El Loco — the madman.1 Such names suggest a pre-Christian lunar religion, in that all aspects of lunar religion were later vilified as “madness.” The word lunatic used to mean a devotee of the Moongoddess under her classical name of Luna. One of her older names, Mania, likewise became a synonym for madness…Her chosen prophets and sybils were “moon-struck” or “touched by the moon,” which led to the colloquial English “tetched” (touched). .. When the Moon’s sacred games or ludi became “ludicrous,” her ceremonial kings became clowns who performed the antic (ancient) dances. They were called “silly,” which used to mean a person particularly blessed.”

Pay close attention to the imagery used in your favored deck for the Fool. It’s just as likely that an artist interprets the Fool as more towards the ‘thoughtless’ end of the spectrum rather than that of ‘tetched adventurer.’ I tend to think of the Fool more as a passionate albeit naive adventurer, taking the minimum with them and trusting the universe to provide the lessons and bounties needed on the way.

When I think about The Fool, I think about an empty cup, ready to receive wisdom. I think of the taste of excitement and intoxicating feeling of hope when beginning a new adventure.

Divinatory Meanings

Upright

New Beginnings, Innocence, Free Spirit, Joyful connections, Belief in self, trusting the universe. Folly.

Reversed

Holding Back, recklessness, naivete, assuming you know the answers, analysis paralysis,

Advice

Risks also present the opportunities for great rewards.

Meditating on the Nature of The Fool

Here are some ideas for meditations using the Fool as a focus.

Imagine that you are releasing any fears, doubts, or limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the feeling of letting go and opening up to new possibilities. Let go of preconceived notions and expectations. Allow yourself to be open and receptive to new ideas and possibilities — just as The Fool exemplifies.

Consider the Fool as a symbol of your own journey through life. Reflect on the choices you have made and how they have shaped your path.

Think about the qualities of the Fool that resonate with you. Is there something about spontaneity or taking risks that speaks to you?

Consider the message of the Fool as it relates to your current situation. Is there an opportunity for new beginnings or a chance to take a risk in your life? Are there obvious opportunities?

Reflect on the idea of the Fool as an embodiment of the Divine. How does this perspective shift your understanding of the card?

Look at the card carefully. Does it remind you of a place you know? Have you ever felt like what The Fool is emoting? What things would you take with you? What guides, like the dog, have been with you in your journey? How are they manifesting now?

Visualize yourself at the beginning of a new journey, with all the excitement and uncertainty that comes with it. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the feeling of excitement and anticipation.

Imagine that your mind is a blank slate, ready to be filled with new ideas and possibilities. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the feeling of openness and potential.

Overall, the most important thing is to find a meditation that feels right for you and that resonates with your intentions at the beginning of something new. Experiment with different meditations and see which ones work best for you.

Sources:

https://blog.etemetaphysical.com/tarot-fool/

Walker, Barbara; Walker, Barbara. Barbara Walker’s: The Secrets of the Tarot: Origins, History, and Symbolism (p. 53). U.S. Games Systems, Inc.. Kindle Edition.