“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” 

– Martin Luther King Jr

I'll make you say
How proud you are of me 
So stay awake 
Just long enough to see 
My way

Overview

The first card in the deck, but not number one; The Fool starts our Tarot journey and every journey after that. It stands for nothingness, lack of consciousness and new beginnings. Feel it in the excited energy you experience during the first steps of a new undertaking. Awaken the realization you march to the beat of a different drum; the sometimes-uncomfortable reality that you aren’t the same as everyone else. It’s true, your universe is a different color than your peers, where they see green you see indigo. The things you notice other people often can’t conceive. The rhythm you march to is the beat of your heart. It is as authentic as you are. Follow the tempo to places far away from the bland reality you face today.

Visual Symbolism

Beneath the sun with mercury close by, blue snow-capped mountains meet a yellow horizon. The Fool is androgynous, wearing colorful, decorous clothing. Their belongings are wrapped in a bindle stick over their shoulder, in the other hand holds a white rose. With their eyes closed and head tilted to the sky, their stride leads them to the edge of a cliff. At their heel a white dog tries to warn him of imminent danger, before it is too late.

Astrological Insight

Mercury is the planet closest to the sun. In astrology, Mercury is the planet of communication, and intellect. It is associated with agility, dexterity, perception and reason. It can also influence expeditions, means of transportation and is said to protect travelers.

Meaning

The Fool is the card the symbolizes a situation that will be essential to your ultimate journey. It will have an impact on you as a person, spiritually or on your resume. Whatever this new endeavor is, you are full of hope, and have faith that things will work out for you. This new journey or lifestyle you’re starting is essential for your Souls development.

This is the card of new beginnings or lifestyles. Right now, you are a novice again, and full of enthusiasm for your new quest. There may be some naivety of the troubles ahead, and you may feel like the odd one out for a little while. Find your niche, and work with it. While you may not be prepared as you could be, or at all in fact; you are venturing out against everything you know.

Negatively, it can be seen as acting immature, or ignorant. You could be living life too light-hearted, causing rational thinking to elude you. Consider whether you are throwing yourself at this venture and what you can do to better prepare.

Influence on Minor Arcana

During a reading, pay attention to the majority of the cards that are present. Depending on the number of Tarot cards of each suite, the meaning of the card can take a different shape.

Cups

There is a warning against love. Everything you know maybe sacrificed in its name. Something may emotionally impact you in such a way that you abandon everything to find yourself.

Wands

Keep following your muse where ever it is leading you. This endeavor will provide you with the knowledge that is essential to your journey.

Pentacles

Expect a new business venture to be unique, inventive and have potential to make you wealthy or increase your social status

Swords

You may face criticism for following your unique path and not conforming to societies standards.

Coming soon: The Fool Reversed meaning
The Fool Card Combinations