The first card of the Major Arcana: The first step on a journey.

Symbolism

The Fool stands on the edge of a cliff, a small bag in hand, a loyal companion by their side. They are not afraid of the drop ahead, because they trust in the journey. this card reminds us that every great adventure begins with a single step- a leap of faith into the unknown.

In The Tarot, the Fool is depicted as a wanderer, a dreamer, a seeker of truth. They take with them only what they need: a bag of potential, a rose of passion, and the light of curiosity. The fog at their feet symbolises instinct and loyalty, a reminder that even in the unknown, we are never truly alone.

The cliff represents the edge of the familiar, the boundary between what we know and what we have yet to discover. To step off that edge is to embrace the unknown, to trust in the journey, and to believe that the universe will catch us.

The Fool in Folklore and Myth

The Fool’s journey is not just a Tarot archetype- it is a story as old as time. In folklore and myth, the Fool appears as the trickster, the wanderer, the one who dares to question the status quo.

Think of Loki, the Norse trickster, who challenges the gods and brings chaos to order. Or, consider Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to retrieve his love, armed only with his lyre and his faith. These figures remind us that the Fool’s journey is not just about taking risks- it is about transformation, about becoming who we are meant to be.

To me, the Fool is a wanderer in the forest, drawn by the whispers of the trees and the promise of something more. They might be the dreamer who lights a black candle and gazes into the flame, seeking answers in the shadows.

The Fool’s Message for Us

When the Fool appears in a reading, it is a call to embrace the unknown, to trust in the journey, and to take that first step, no matter how uncertain it may feel. It is a reminder that every ending is a beginning, and every beginning is a chance to rewrite our story.

The Fool does not ask us to have the answers. They ask only that we be open to the possibilities, that we trust in the magic of the journey, and that we believe in ourselves.

A Ritual for The Fool

To honour the Fool’s energy, try this simple ritual:

• Light a Black Candle: The flame represents the light of curiosity and the courage to step into the unknown.
• Draw the Fool Card: Place it in front of the candle and meditate on its symbolism. What step are you being called to take?
• Write a Letter to Your Future Self: What do you hope to discover on your journey? What fears are you ready to release?
• Take a Small Step: Whether it is starting a new project, trying something new, or simply saying “yes” to an opportunity, take one small step towards the unknown.

Closing Reflection

The Fool’s journey is not just a card in the Tarot- it is a metaphor for life itself. It is the story of beginnings, of risks, of transformation. It is the story of you and me, of all of us who dare to dream, to wander, to step into the unknown.