This is a card of wisdom, rebirth, and transformation, embodying divine freedom, creative power, and the energy inherent within each of us.
The inspired young man dressed in colorful clothing has just taken a wide, free stride, as if all obstacles are unable to hold him back, yet he ultimately pauses at the edge of a chasm.
However, his gaze is not directed downward at his feet but upward—toward the boundless sky (symbolizing a person willing to detach from their own life for the sake of humanity and understanding that the chasm is not the end). The dog accompanying this Fool is a symbol of primal instinct, representing the intuitive sense of what is granted and denied in this life. The dog is depicted frozen beside him in an energetic stance—ready to leap. The Fool’s expression is inspired and dreamy, with a spark of will shining in his eyes. In one hand, he holds a rose, and in the other, a staff with a red band (a satchel) slung over his shoulder. The entire world lies at the Fool’s feet, and he belongs entirely to it (you are part of the world, and the world is part of you). Behind him, the rising sun shines brightly—a symbol of spirituality and the creative divine force guiding this individual to do something for the world.
Calculation by birth date Your personality
Discover the personality you brought into this incarnation
Discover the one fatal mistake you must avoid in this incarnation
The Fool is the twenty-second Major Arcana card, numbered 22. It stands at the boundary between the known and the unknown, conscious and unconscious, past and future. This card represents the essential "Self," that mysterious part of our spirit which is unchanging and eternal.
Astrological Correspondences of The Fool: the element of Air and the planet Uranus. Uranus, the planet of unexpected changes, breakthroughs, and liberation from conventions, is associated with both the ancient Greek sky god Uranus and Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity to foster civilization.
Keywords for The Fool:
- Upright: potential, freedom, expansion; breakthroughs and insights; new beginnings.
- Reversed: recklessness, lack of foresight, uncertainty or indecisiveness, detachment from true desires.
Description of the Fool in Tarot
The Fool is card number 22 or Key 0 in the Tarot deck, indicating its position outside the linear sequence of the Major Arcana and, metaphorically, outside linear time. Since the Major Arcana are often called "The Journey of The Fool," we can perceive The Fool as the main character who encounters and learns lessons from each subsequent Major Arcana card.
Variants of The Fool in Different Decks
In the classic Rider-Waite deck, The Fool is depicted on the edge of a cliff, with his head tilted back to the wind, arms wide open as if embracing the fullness of the present moment. He may be unaware of the challenges ahead (represented by the snow-capped peaks in the distance), but he possesses the courage and optimism necessary to embark on a new path.
His floral tunic seems out of place on the mountain summit, hinting that he has left behind his old life in search of new adventure. The small bundle over his shoulder symbolizes detachment from material possessions, and the white rose in his left hand signifies purity of intent. His companion, a white dog at his feet, indicates his connection to his instinctual and irrational nature.
Meaning of The Fool in the Upright Position
In the upright position, The Fool signifies new opportunities, a fresh start, or an emerging desire for freedom and expansion. It is a call to follow your intuition, essentially taking a leap of faith. The Fool reminds us that within our deep, mysterious impulses lies wisdom, and it’s important to cultivate trust in the unfolding of life.
The Fool is wise because he possesses naivety enough to trust his instincts and acknowledge his ignorance. He does not look where he is going because he deeply believes in the process of life. He is unafraid of loss because he knows the sun will rise again tomorrow.
This archetype represents that part of us which seeks to act against tradition and convention, forging its own unique paths and leading our most authentic "Self." It’s a powerful reminder to stay connected to these impulses and instincts because ignoring or suppressing them—especially if directed wrongly—can lead to unstable behavior, anxiety, or rigidity.
He reminds us that although we sometimes lose touch with our essential "Self," as energy, it cannot be created or destroyed—it is always there, pulling us forward, because there is no turning back: the road ahead will always lead us home.
Keywords for Love (Upright): openness, vulnerability, new relationships, adventure, spontaneity.
Keywords for Career (Upright): new opportunities, rewards for risk-taking, innovation, youthful energy.
Love and Relationships (Upright)
In the upright position, The Fool encourages taking risks and passionately pursuing the object of your affection. It promotes a bold approach to new relationships and openness to new possibilities rooted in openness, vulnerability, and playfulness.
Since The Fool is associated with freedom, it can also represent a desire for relationships that respect inherent autonomy and individuality. In existing relationships, it may symbolize a need for novelty, adventure, spontaneity, and exploration.
Career and Finances (Upright)
In a career reading, The Fool in the upright position indicates a new opportunity with significant potential on the horizon. As The Fool is at the beginning of a journey, implementing new ideas or projects could bring material rewards in the future.
This is a call to step beyond the familiar and embrace new ideas that challenge conventions. It suggests that a new venture is likely to bring financial success, and that unconventional thinking will yield the greatest rewards. It encourages openness of mind, innovative spirit, experimentation, and readiness to embrace the process of discovery.
Meaning of The Fool in Reversed Position
Reversed, The Fool may indicate hesitation or fear of starting a new endeavor or accepting a new opportunity. It could be related to self-doubt, lack of commitments, or the need for additional preparation, planning, or foresight. It may also point to the necessity of self-reflection to realign with your true needs.
The reversed Fool suggests that fear of stepping out of your comfort zone might be holding you back. It’s a reminder that you have everything you need within, but you must face your fears of new challenges and draw on your inner courage, strength, and resilience to move forward confidently.
This card can also indicate that you may have strayed from your true desires or needs—either because you ignore your inner voice or suppress your genuine longing for freedom of expression. This can lead to behavior that seems reckless or impulsive, possibly signaling a deeper issue—feeling disconnected from yourself.
The reversed Fool warns against taking unnecessary or excessive risks at this moment. Perhaps you lack enough information to make sound decisions, or you are blinded by anxiety and urgency. While these feelings contain valuable information, resisting impulsive actions might be beneficial.
Keywords for Love (Reversed): fear of vulnerability or emotional intimacy, indecisiveness in new relationships, ignoring inner feelings or warning signals.
Keywords for Career (Reversed): caution against unnecessary risks, need for more planning, belief in your ability to earn, reconnecting with inspiring life visions.
Love and Relationships (Reversed)
The reversed Fool in a love reading may indicate resistance to emotional closeness or vulnerability rooted in fear of rejection. It suggests you might be hiding your true "Self," and that more openness is needed to advance the relationship. Alternatively, it could mean continuing a relationship despite negative consequences or ignoring deep internal feelings that urge you to step back.
This card invites you to explore your fears around intimacy and connection. Deeper self-analysis can shed light on the nature of this fear. Does your fear unjustly project onto a partner who doesn’t serve your highest good? Or is it an internal fear that can be soothed by bravely opening your heart to others?
Career and Finances (Reversed)
In a career reading, the reversed Fool indicates fear or hesitation about accepting a new opportunity or starting a new job. It warns against excessive risk-taking that could lead to unforeseen losses and advocates for resource consolidation. It may be wise to pause and reassess your path before taking further steps.
The reversed Fool also urges you to examine fears or anxieties surrounding your ability to generate necessary resources. You might feel stuck and unable to move forward—either due to external circumstances or internal fears. It can be helpful to pause, identify the root causes of these fears, and reconnect with what inspires you professionally or educationally.
—
The Fool card, also known as The Jester, in karmic numerology symbolizes the beginning of a new journey, freedom, and limitless possibilities. It embodies wisdom, rebirth, and transformation, opening doors to divine freedom and creative power. The inspired youth depicted on the card steps toward the edge of a precipice, but his gaze is directed upward, toward the sky, symbolizing readiness to detach from his current life for higher purposes. This arcana teaches us that the precipice is not an end but the start of a new path full of opportunities and discoveries.
The Fool is a symbol of beginnings and endings, alpha and omega. It reminds us that life is an endless cycle, and every ending is a new beginning. In his hands, he holds a rose and a staff with a bag, symbolizing love and knowledge he carries with him. The dog accompanying him represents intuition and inner guidance that help him navigate this world. The Fool embodies freedom and lightness—living in the moment and unafraid of the unknown. His journey is one of exploration and adventure, inviting us to follow, leaving fears and limitations behind.
Personal Sphere
In the personal realm, The Fool symbolizes openness to the world and readiness for change. These are individuals unafraid to take risks and try new things. They possess childlike spontaneity and ease, making them attractive to others. However, on the downside, they may exhibit childishness and reluctance to take responsibility. For such people, it’s important to find a balance between freedom and obligations, learning to make decisions and bear responsibility for them.
Spiritual Sphere
Spiritually, The Fool represents the search for truth and the pursuit of higher knowledge. It is energy that encourages exploration of the unknown and opening new horizons. The Fool teaches us to trust our intuition and follow our inner voice. It reminds us that the spiritual path is not always easy, but it is full of discoveries and opportunities for growth. Being willing to take steps into the unknown and embracing change are essential.
Financial Sphere
In financial terms, The Fool can signify a frivolous attitude toward money and a lack of stability. Such individuals may be prone to wastefulness and not always think about the future. However, on the positive side, they can be innovators and entrepreneurs unafraid to take risks and try new approaches. It’s important for them to learn financial management and keep long-term goals in mind.
Sphere of Achievement
In the realm of achievement, The Fool symbolizes creativity and innovation. These are people unafraid to go against the tide and create something new. They possess a unique vision and can inspire others with their ideas. However, they need to learn to see projects through to completion and avoid abandoning them halfway. The Fool teaches us that success belongs to those willing to take risks and try new things, while maintaining discipline and responsibility.
Health
In health matters, The Fool may indicate the need to care for your body and avoid excesses. Such individuals might be prone to unhealthy habits and neglect their well-being. It’s important to listen to your body and take care of it. The Fool reminds us that health encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Finding balance and not neglecting oneself in pursuit of new experiences is crucial.
Relationships and Love
In relationships, The Fool symbolizes freedom and ease. These individuals dislike restrictions and value independence in love. They can be cheerful and adventurous but may also show irresponsibility and reluctance to commit. It’s essential for them to learn how to build healthy, harmonious relationships where both freedom and responsibility are balanced. The Fool teaches that true love involves not only freedom but also a willingness to support and care for each other.
Past Life and Future
In a past life, a person associated with The Fool may have been irresponsible and frivolous, avoiding commitments and responsibilities. In this life, they are called to learn responsibility and build stable relationships. The future holds many opportunities for growth and development if they are willing to face challenges and embrace change. The Fool reminds us that life is a journey, and every step along the way is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Recommendations and Advice
- Learn to find a balance between freedom and responsibility.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things, but remember discipline and commitments.
- Trust your intuition and follow your inner voice.
- Take care of your health and avoid excesses.
- Build healthy, harmonious relationships that include both freedom and responsibility.
The Fool is an invitation to adventure and discovering new horizons. It teaches us that life is not only about duties and restrictions but also about freedom, creativity, and being true to yourself. Follow The Fool, and he will open for you a world full of possibilities and discoveries.
