The Fool

The Meaning of the Fool
Major Arcana Tarot Card in Readings

The Tarot Fool card meaning in a nutshell:
Blissful carelessness,
the power of ignorance.

Archetype:
Innocence — carefree ignorance.

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The Tarot Fool card is a jolly one, judging from the image on it. He may be a fool, but doesn't he look happy? Maybe that's what it takes to be joyous in this world. Ignorance is bliss.

The Fool is my favorite Tarot card. Looking at it, I get a sense of his happiness, which makes me smile. It's the introverted happiness, and that's the most difficult one to obtain. If you're happy when you're on your own, then you are truly happy, at peace with yourself. This fool must have made it, because he look euphoric.

There are many kinds of happiness, most of them short lived, ending in the gloom that their departure induces. But the Tarot Fool has found something lasting — a joy that emerges from deep inside, seemingly for no reason at all. He has discovered that deep inside, he's content. Such happiness remains and is easy to return to.

The dog by the Tarot Fool's side can feel the authenticity of his happiness and that it's just as unconditional as canine love. So, of course they join.

Well, the dog does. The Tarot Fool is too inebriated by his joy to notice anything around him. He's by the edge of a cliff, his face turned to the sky. But it seems that if he takes another step, he will not fall. He'll probably just keep on walking — in mid-air.

The Tarot Fool card definitely indicates happiness. Whatever problem there was, it's gone as if all by itself, leaving you carefree. Other threats might appear, but they'll not damage the one who doesn't worry. The cure is always to never cease taking delight in life.

Note that A. E. Waite and others assigned the number 0 to this card, although it’s the 22nd. For the Fool, that seems appropriate.

The Vision of Saint Paul. Painting by Nicolas Poussin, 1650. The usually somber apostle looks almost indecently joyous and carefree on this picture, for a change. Carried by angels and not a worry in the world. That’s the spirit of the Fool.

The Fool Card as a Person

If the Tarot Fool card refers to a person, which is often the case in divination, it's a carefree creature who just can't be bothered with ambitions and elaborate plans. It may frustrate you, but you can also learn from it. Few things are as serious at length as they seem in the moment. Does the Fool seem happy? Are you? Depending on those two answers, make your choices.

The Fool Card as an Event

If the Tarot Fool card in your divination spread refers to an event, which is not that often the case, it means that nothing goes according to plan — and the only thing you can do about it is have a good laugh. Some things are such that the more you try, the less you succeed. A situation can be sort of slippery. An opportunity slips out of your grip, and you can get lost on a path that seems ever so straightforward. But still, don't worry about the outcome.

The Fool Card as You

If the Tarot Fool card has a position in the divination spread referring to you, it means you are the Fool — for now or for long, for good or for bad. Usually that seems bad but turns out to be good. You are able to deal with things in a carefree, improvised manner. What bothers others seems to have no effect on you. Congratulations! But if you have plans, don't expect them to be completed.

A. E. Waite about the Tarot Fool Card

Click the header to read what A. E. Waite had to say about the Major Arcana Fool Tarot card symbolism and meaning in divination.

The Major Arcana Tarot Cards

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I'm a Swedish author. In addition to fiction, I've written books about the Tarot, Taoism, astrology and other metaphysical traditions. I'm also an historian of ideas, researching ancient mythology. Click the image to get to my personal website.

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