Arcana Alchemy: The Fool
This series, “Arcana Alchemy”, will highlight each Major Arcana card individually - this specific post is dedicated to the Major Arcana card #0 - THE FOOL.
The information provided below stems from a combination of books, Tarot Decks, and my own personal experience with the cards (books & decks are cited at the bottom of this post). However, it’s my belief that the meaning & archetype of each Tarot card is fluid and living, it changes reading to reading, day to day, century to century - the most important meaning of each card is the one YOU interpret in the moment, as Tarot is and always will be a tool to help you connect with your intuition.
Contents of Blog Post
About The Major Arcana
Symbolism of The Fool
Analysis of The Fool
The Fool Archetypes in Myths & Stories
The Fool Imagery Comparison
Suggested Activities: Journal Prompts, Tarot Spread, Guided Visualization, Affirmations, Song Playlist
In standard tarot decks there are 78 cards. Of the 78 cards in a tarot deck, 22 of them are labeled Major Arcana. These 22 cards are labeled “major” because they are often interpreted to represent the divine and universal cycles that humanity repeats through its own existence. Each card in the Major Arcana depicts a different archetype, journey, or phase in the human experience. All 22 cards are foundational and full of meaning not only individually, but also in relation to each other.
The cards in the Major Arcana are numbered from 0 to 21, beginning with The Fool and ending with The World. When you lay the Major Arcana out next to each other, it becomes clear that the cards depict a journey or path, often referred to as "The Fool’s Journey," where the figure of The Fool starts as an innocent wanderer and gradually gains wisdom and experience through encounters with different archetypes represented by the other Major Arcana cards. However, this is just one lens of viewing the Major Arcana and it’s important to note that often times our human journey is non-linear and is constantly cycling.
Another way of viewing the Major Arcana, is to attribute each Major Arcana card as a “part” of oneself. This lens is inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, an idea that the psyche is made up of different "parts," each with its own personality, emotions, and coping mechanisms. Every part interacts with each other and influences our behavior. It is my strong conviction that Tarot mirrors, not predicts, what we are thinking and feeling in the moment of each reading. Therefore, when you’re pulling cards for yourself and a Major Arcana card is present, you might ask yourself what part of me does this card represent? When you work with Tarot in this way, true healing can begin as you identify, integrate, and harmonize each part of oneself.
In Tarot, The Fool card represents the essence of human potential, new beginnings, synchronicity and oneness with the world around us, while also actively embracing the power of the unknown by living in the moment. Humans are undoubtedly fascinating and full of endless potential. Our ability to adapt and evolve through millions of years of social, economic, and physical hardships is a testament to the flexibility of humanity as a whole. Whether you remember it or not, your ancestors fought for you to be here and their essence, their lust for life, is what brought you here into physical form. The Fool embodies this eternal essence our ancestors enacted, and like them he is unhindered by the cliffside and supported by the wild companion at his heels. This same essence is what empowers us all to continue to overcome, endure, and evolve.
As we know, sometimes the only way to evolve is to begin again and start completely over. Leona Nichole Black says in her book Tarot Therapy, “...The Fool symbolizes the mindset we need to try again after a setback…We repeat themes and lessons in our lives over and over, sometimes for years, upskilling each time.” Inevitably, life is full of new beginnings and with each new beginning comes some type of lesson to be learned. However, it’s important to note that these new beginnings don’t usually happen in a nice, neat, narrative. New beginnings often happen during the messy middle or chaotic ending in a chapter of our lives. Leona Nichole Black describes The Fool as being the center point of the infinity symbol and all the other major arcana cards being positioned as experiences along the rise and falling loops of that symbol. In this way, we see that life’s lessons and frequently our “new beginnings” are not linear lessons at all. The Fool’s power comes when it challenges our perspective during these new beginnings or transitory periods of life - are we stressed and dissociated or are we present and slowing down long enough to stop and smell the roses?
Synchronicity happens to all of us all the time, though things may feel unrelated when we look back at our lives there’s usually a string of synchronicities identifiable that happened for you to be exactly where you are today. The Fool challenges us to slow down and notice synchronicities in our daily life, because then we begin to realize that every step in the journey - no matter how small - is important to our physical and spiritual growth. The Fool shows us that everything is connected and that it’s important to acknowledge and trust in humans’ cosmic partnership, because humans are not greater than or exempt from cosmic order. In fact, humans are quite literally one with the universe, as Neil deGrasse Tyson points out in his book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, “…We are stardust brought to life, then empowered by the universe to figure itself out – and we have only just begun.”
There is no clear path forward pictured on The Fool card, he just lives in the moment and trusts that the universe will provide the next step (synchronicity) in his journey. By dismissing the ego, or “the need to know”, The Fool can focus on what is right before him without any dissatisfaction or pressure. Vicki Noble says in her book Motherpeace, “The Fool is not afraid to believe in something divine or greater than ego. She invites a return of the Mysteries and a leap of faith into cosmic experience.” By opening ourselves up to the unknown and ditching our egos we create for ourselves the opportunity to stumble upon something new, something greater than we could ever have planned for ourselves.
Ultimately, The Fool is everything all at once, a constant cosmic anchor that exists within us whether we acknowledge it or not. The Fool is connected to the wild within and uses primordial knowledge in conjunction with the other lessons the Major Arcana teach us. This infinite state of being, where anything is possible, is always readily available to us. To access this potential, we must work to return to our childlike innocent minds where wonder and adventure reigned and fear was obsolete.
CHAOS : CREATION : THE VOID
Chaos, Creation, or the Void represents the raw, formless potential from which all things emerge. It embodies the unknown, a space of infinite possibility where destruction and creation coexist. This archetype signifies the transformative power of upheaval, where order is born from disorder and new life arises from nothingness. It invites exploration of the void as a fertile ground for change, growth, and innovation, reminding us that from chaos often comes the foundation for new beginnings and creation.
Examples: The Descent into Chaos (The Bhagavad Gita, Hindu Mythology), Lilith (the Alphabet of Ben Sira), Yggdrasil and the Nine Worlds (Norse Mythology), The Primordial Chaos (Greek Mythology), The Birth of the World (Egyptian Mythology)
THE WANDERER : THE PILGRIM
The Wanderer symbolizes self-discovery, freedom, and exploration. Driven by curiosity, the Wanderer embraces uncertainty and change, moving through life without a fixed destination. This archetype teaches that growth comes from the journey itself, not just the destination.
The Pilgrim archetype represents a purposeful journey toward spiritual growth or personal transformation, driven by a deep inner calling. Often times, the journey of the Pilgrim starts well before the actual pilgrimage begins. Focused and intentional, the Pilgrim seeks wisdom and meaning, teaching the value of perseverance and self-reflection on the path to deeper understanding.
Examples: Odysseus (Greek Mythology), The Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan), The Divine Comedy (Dante Alighieri), Dorthy (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum)
THE TRICKSTER : THE JESTER
The Trickster appears in many myths around the world (e.g., Loki in Norse mythology, Coyote in Native American folklore, and Hermes in Greek mythology). These figures are mischievous, unpredictable, and often break societal norms. They tend to wander and operate from a place of unorthodox wisdom, not always aware of the consequences of their actions.
The Jester in medieval courts was a figure who had the freedom to speak truth to power, sometimes appearing foolish or naive, yet often possessing deeper wisdom that others did not see. The Fool, while appearing carefree, had a unique role in challenging norms and conventions.
Examples: Loki (Norse Mythology), Coyote (Native American Mythology), Anansi (West African Folklore), Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare)
THE INNOCENT : THE ETERNAL CHILD
The Innocent is an archetype that represents purity, simplicity, and the belief that everything will be okay. The Fool shares many qualities with the Innocent—being open-hearted, optimistic, and naive.
The Eternal Child archetype embodies innocence, curiosity, and wonder, representing pure joy, exploration, and untainted vision. It carries unbridled imagination, adaptability, and a deep trust in the world, approaching life with openness, playfulness, and freedom, unbound by societal expectations or fears.
Examples: Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie), The Boy Who Never Grew Old (Chinese Mythology), The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
The following images are different examples of The Fool in various tarot decks. Don’t forget to pull out your own decks and compare as well!
While observing the images, ask yourself the following questions:
How do they compare?
What colors are used the most?
Are there any common symbols used in each card?
How does each representation make you FEEL?
Is there a particular representation of The Fool that you resonate with the most?
Why do you think this version speaks to you?
If you were to design your own fool card, what symbolism would you include?
*Tarot Deck Names & Positions Listed @ Bottom of Post
*Tarot Deck Names & Positions Listed @ Bottom of Post
*Tarot Deck Names & Positions Listed @ Bottom of Post
Journal Prompts
The Fool dreams BIG and sometimes the logic behind his dreams don’t fully make sense yet, but he moves forward anyways, not letting himself get caught up in the details or future repercussions.
What big dreams in your life have you discarded or delayed starting because you’re unsure how it will all work out?
Reflect on those dreams and think about what small steps forward you can take NOW to help you inch closer to those dreams.
List 5 Times in Your Life When You’ve Started Something New or Had a New Beginning
Let your brain wander and reflect on those 5 things. When you’re ready, here are some questions to ask yourself.
What did each new thing teach you?
Was it harder or easier than you expected?
How did those 5 things turn out?
Even if a new beginning doesn’t work out, it usually teaches us something about ourselves or brings to light what we need to develop or focus on within ourselves.
Write about a project or new beginning in your life that didn’t turn out how you expected. What did you learn about yourself by going through that process?
Tarot Spread
The Fool’s Leap
3-Card Spread for New Beginnings
Card 1: What is calling me to take a leap?
Card 2: What do I need to leave behind?
Card 3: What supports me on this journey?
Guided Visualization
For best results, have somebody else read to you OR record yourself reading this visualization and then play back for yourself.
Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in through your nose, letting your belly expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension in your body. With each breath, allow yourself to become more present, more grounded.
Visualize The Fool: Imagine yourself standing on a cliff, overlooking a vast landscape full of potential. Ahead of you is The Fool, dressed in vibrant, flowing clothes, a carefree expression on his face, with a small dog by his side. He stands at the edge, about to step into the unknown, and he invites you to join him. There is no fear, only trust and excitement for what lies ahead.
Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the fresh air around you. The path ahead is unclear, but it doesn’t matter—The Fool walks with pure faith and joy. Take a moment to feel his energy: light, spontaneous, open-hearted, and free.
Step into the Journey: Now, imagine stepping forward with him. You feel a sense of lightness as you take your first step into the unknown. With each step, you release any fears, doubts, or expectations. You are not burdened by the past, and you are not rushing toward the future. You are simply present, trusting that the path will unfold exactly as it should.
As you walk, you notice the beauty around you—the colors of the world seem brighter, the air fresher. You feel a sense of peace and joy, as if every step is a new beginning, a fresh adventure. There is no need to know the destination; the journey itself is what matters.
Embrace The Fool’s Wisdom: Feel the energy of The Fool filling you up. He teaches you that life is about embracing the unknown, letting go of control, and trusting that you are always supported. There is a sense of freedom in not having to know every detail—just trusting that the right experiences will come to you when you need them.
With each breath, let go of any hesitation or doubt. Feel your heart open to new possibilities. You are free to begin again, free to take risks, and free to explore new horizons.
Return to Yourself: When you're ready, imagine the landscape fading softly into a warm, golden light. Slowly bring your awareness back to your body. Feel the ground beneath you, the air around you. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and, when you’re ready, gently open your eyes.
Carry with you the sense of freedom, trust, and adventure. The journey is yours to embrace.
Take a few moments to reflect on what new beginnings you are ready for. What is calling you forward? Trust in the journey ahead and allow yourself to step into the unknown with an open heart.
Affirmations
I embrace the journey ahead with open arms and a heart full of trust.
I am free to explore new possibilities and create my own path.
I release fear and step confidently into the unknown, knowing that I am supported.
I trust that every step I take brings me closer to growth and wisdom.
I am open to new experiences and allow my intuition to guide me.
I am fearless in the face of change, ready to start fresh with joy and excitement.
I release all doubts and embrace the adventure that life offers me.
I trust in the magic of new beginnings and the beauty of the unknown.
I am aligned with my true self, and every leap I take brings me closer to my highest purpose.
I am the creator of my own story, and I trust the journey unfolding before me.
The Fool - Song Playlist
I know, I know…this one is a bit weird, but hear me out! Music is such a great way for emotions to be processed & expressed. Take this list below as merely inspiration for you to create your own playlist filled with songs that remind you of The Fool. Then when you’re having a Fool moment, go listen to your playlist, submerge yourself in the emotions and lyrics in those songs.
"I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers
"Roam" by The B-52's
"The Fool on the Hill" by The Beatles
“Saturn” by Sleeping At Last
"Don't Stop Believing'" by Journey
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles
“Running with the Wolves” by Aurora
“The Remedy” by Jason Mraz
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
"Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
"Adventure of a Lifetime" by Coldplay
“I Lived” by OneRepublic
"Wake Me Up" by Avicii
"Begin Again” by City and Colour
“Pure Imagination” by Gene Wilder
Resources provided here are FREE, but if you do want help support my love of Tarot so I can continue to spend time creating more content I welcome any donations here.
Sources
Books:
Tarot For Your Self by Mary K. Greer
Tarot Therapy by Leona Nichole Black
Motherpeace by Vicki Noble
The Bible & The Tarot by Gil Stafford
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Library of Esoterica: TAROT by Jessica Hundley, Design by Thunderwing
Tarot Deciphered by T.Susan Chang and M.M Meleen
A Walk Through the Forest of Souls by Rachel Pollack
The Complete Guide to Tarot & Astrology by Louise Edington
Tarot Cards the Hidden Symbols Explained by Derek Johnsen
How to Read Tarot: A Modern Guide by Jessica Wiggan
Tarot for Change by Jessica Dore
Tarot Decks/Images:
1st Image:
Top Left - Zodiac Tarot by Cecilia Lattari & Illustrated by Ana Chávez
Top Middle - Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot by Matt Hughes
Top Right - After Tarot by Corrine Kenner, Pietro Alligo, and Giulia Francesca Massaglia
Middle Left - The Wildwood Tarot by Mark Ryan & John Matthews
Middle-Middle - Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms by Sara Richard
Middle Right - Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham and Abigail Larson
Bottom Left - Harmonious Tarot by Walter Crane & Ernest Fitzpatrick
Bottom Middle - The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans
Bottom Right - Spiritsong Tarot by Paulina Fae
2nd Image:
Top Left - The Golden Dawn Tarot by Robert Wang & Israel Regardie
Top Middle - Native American Tarot Deck by J.A. Gonzalez & Magda W. Gonzalez
Top Right - Tarot de Marsielle by Pierre Madenie
Middle Left - The Motherpeace Tarot by Karen Vogel & Vicki Noble
Middle-Middle - The Rainbow Tarot by Sonia Lazo
Middle Right - Wheel of the Year Tarot by Lo Scarabeo
Bottom Left - Paula Duro - The Fool Artwork
Bottom Middle - Queer Tarot by Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham
Bottom Right - Mystical Forest by Cecilia Lattari & Illustrated by Wes Gama
3rd Image:
Top Left - The Mystical Dream Tarot by Janet Piedilato
Top Middle - The Star Tarot by Cathy McClelland
Top Right - The Muse Tarot by Chris-Anne
Middle Left - Phantasma Tarot by Paulina Fae
Middle-Middle - Hush Tarot by Jeremy Hush
Middle Right - Rebel Heart Tarot by Alice Grist and artwork by Niki Cotton
Bottom Left - Tarot for the Great Outdoors by JQ Gordon & Illustrated by Sharisse Steber
Bottom Middle - Star Spinner Tarot by Trungles
Bottom Right - Seasons of the Witch Winter Tarot by Lorraiane Anderson and illustrated by Tijana Lukovic
