General Meaning
The Tarot card, the Fool, numbered "0," signifies pristine, untapped potential - it's the beginning of a journey, an adventure, or a new cycle in life. It communicates the notion that you ought to be open to what's new, fearless in the face of the unknown, and placing trust in your own self and your subconscious. You possess ample strength, energy, and optimism to commence a significant new project, with the only task left being to choose the path you will embark upon.
Fortune is in your favor, yet occasionally, it's imperative to keep an eye on your footing, so you don't plunge into the chasm!
Card Motto
Be beyond rules and conventions, trust your intuition and Destiny!
by Marta Winter
Core Card Meanings The Fool
Description and Symbols of the Card The Fool
The Fool tarot card depicts a young man, stepping toward the edge of an abyss with determination and fearlessness. He doesn’t look down at his feet, doesn't notice the threat, his gaze is directed towards the heavens, and a dreamy expression is frozen on his face. He feels himself to be a master of the world, his path illuminated by the Sun, embodying the Divine principle and spiritual growth.
In one hand, the Fool carries a rose, in the other—a staff with a bindle. A dog, representing intuition, is depicted alongside the Fool, trying to warn him of danger. He's already lifted his foot over the void!
Meaning in Upright Position
In its upright interpretation, the Fool tarot card signals that a time of change has arrived in your life! Something new is on the horizon, unveiling enticing prospects and opportunities. It's a surprise from Fate, and you can't prepare for it in advance. Everything occurs spontaneously and unexpectedly, causing chaos in affairs and major disruptions. The Arcana advises to seize the chance and embrace the change, even if it carries with it some risk and inconvenience.
Another meaning of this tarot card is the acceptance of a crucial and fate-altering decision. It's a crossroads, and the outcome and essence of the situation depend on the chosen direction. An incorrect decision essentially rolls you back, while the right one takes you a step towards a new life.
In a broader sense, the Fool card suggests a "reset," to forget all your past experiences, look at life from a different angle. And having chosen your path, stride boldly and confidently toward new summits, while not forgetting to heed the warning signs of Fate to avoid imprudent risk.
Key Meanings of the Upright Fool Card
- Freedom of choice, beginning of the new, creativity.
- Openness, curiosity, readiness to astonish and be astonished.
- Boundless potential, lightness, inspiration, zest.
- Inward purity, trustfulness, optimism.
- Hope for success, fortuitous opportunity, awakening, independence.
- A moment of decision-making, radical change in life.
- Unpremeditated actions, immaturity, carelessness.
Reversed Position
In its reversed state, the Fool tarot card signals a warning: changes are around the corner, but your carelessness could turn them into negative ones. Have you failed to assess the situation properly, or perhaps you aren't taking it seriously enough? Are you prone to reckless behavior, or afraid of taking on responsibilities? If so, your path could lead to disaster — the cliff's edge is alarmingly close!
In any case, if the Fool tarot card appears in your reading, it signifies a reckless approach to life, the absence of clear plans and order in your affairs, and an unwillingness to soberly evaluate the situation. Unexpected obstacles and hindrances await, causing your efforts and time to be spent in vain, and the goal you desire remains unattained.
However, it's essential to remember that the Fool card describes an action not yet taken, and it's within your power to change everything. To soften the negative tendencies of this reversed tarot card, you need to take life more seriously and not let things drift. Don't rush, don't let emotions drown out the voice of reason — this will protect you from making mistakes!
Key meanings of the reversed Fool card
- Folly, recklessness, immaturity, impulsiveness.
- Apathy, stagnation, betrayal.
- Unjustified risk, the desire to get involved in risky ventures.
- Delusions, erroneous views and judgments, wrong decisions.
- Blind recklessness, lack of discipline, thoughtlessness.
- Instability, wastefulness, fluctuations.
Meaning in Love Readings
In a love reading, the Fool card speaks of vibrant, intense feelings, but also their riskiness or unpredictability. It may also hint at a forbidden love, forecasting a betrayal by one of the partners. Or it could signify a love that flared up brightly and suddenly – under the influence of emotions, partners succumbed to temptation, acting rather carelessly, without regard to real circumstances or possible consequences.
In any case, the drawn Fool card signifies that there's some love adventure in question, although what it will ultimately lead to is another matter. Perhaps, it will result in an unforgivable mistake and the collapse of all plans. Or it could be a passionate affair that grows into a lifelong love. Who knows? The Fool card is full of possibilities and contradictions. The main advice it offers to lovers: be cautious to avoid falling into an abyss.
When Divining about a Suitor or Beloved
In a reading about a suitor or partner, the upright card suggests that a sense of inner freedom is paramount in love for your chosen one. They are not ready to commit, not even unofficially.
The reversed card indicates that your chosen one is not in a hurry to take matters into their own hands in love, preferring to leave it to fate — what will be, will be.
Reading for Money, Career
If the Fool card appears in a business reading, be prepared for extremes and surprises! And it's not a matter of blind chance - you will be the cause of the upcoming changes. Some bold (bordering on recklessness) action on your part will ultimately lead to significant consequences, either elevating you to great material prosperity or, conversely, causing financial ruin.
This could be related to career reshuffling, where you leapfrog several positions at once, or it may involve new responsibilities and an entirely new salary. It's also possible that you will proactively change your place of work or engage in a risky business venture.
Reading for a Person
When interpreting the card in a personal reading, an upright position signifies an energetic, buoyant, and optimistic individual with tremendous potential and wonderful prospects.
In a reversed position, it represents a carefree and sometimes even reckless individual prone to risky adventures.
Reading for Advice
When the card appears upright, it advises you to trust in fate and boldly move forward, embracing the new!
When the card appears reversed in the spread, it advises you not to take the risky step you have contemplated. Take your time in making important decisions, as there is a high likelihood of making mistakes.
Reading for Outcome
If the card appears upright, the forecast for your situation is very favorable! Life will open up new unexpected opportunities and paths for you, helping you achieve your desires.
If the card appears reversed, the forecast for your situation is currently ambiguous. Be cautious: you run the risk of making a mistake. Avoid risks and impulsive actions.
Meanings In Combination with All Tarot Cards
Major Arcana Combinations
With the Magician card - Illogical action, inner impulse, recklessness.
With the High Priestess card - Untimely revelation, vague premonition, first love.
With the Empress card - Profitable opportunity, kind mentor, successful union.
With the Emperor card - Immature decision, new phase in life, overwhelming responsibility.
With the Hierophant card - Search for a spiritual path, embracing faith, acquiring moral principles.
With the Lovers card - Trust in a partner, open relationships, sudden feeling.
With the Chariot card - Journey towards independence, completion of studies, uncertainty.
With the Strength card - Overcoming oneself, passionate romance, successful self-improvement.
With the Hermit card - Fruitless search, promising position, self-realization.
With the Wheel of Fortune card - Swift changes, fortunate circumstances, signs of destiny.
With the Justice card - Legal difficulties, divorce, judicial error.
With the Hanged Man card - Mental disruption, risky endeavor, love entanglement.
With the Death card - Chance for a fresh start, loss of old reference points, enlightenment.
With the Temperance card - Genuine friendship, unexpected invention, chance for reconciliation.
With the Devil card - Unpleasant consequences, shortsightedness, alarming encounter.
With the Tower card - New housing, spontaneous relocation, breaking ties with the past.
With the Star card - Naivety, divine inspiration, the ability to dream.
With the Moon card - Fear of the future, immaturity, a multitude of complexes and illusions.
With the Sun card - Love for attention, ability to play to the crowd, boastfulness.
With the Judgment card - Nostalgia, public speaking, miraculous recovery from illness.
With the World card - Unplanned business trip or journey abroad, adventures.
Wands Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Wands - Self-assurance, firm intention, lofty goals.
With the Two of Wands - Uncharted horizons, career change, expansive opportunity.
With the Three of Wands - Unfamiliar route, lack of a mentor, step towards independence.
With the Four of Wands - Unsettled domesticity, unwillingness to manage a household, discord at home.
With the Five of Wands - Lack of foresight, domestic quarrels, stoking enmity.
With the Six of Wands - Pursuit of a dream, blind obedience, searching for a charismatic leader.
With the Seven of Wands - Empty boasting, defending others' interests, envy.
With the Eight of Wands - Irresponsibility, deliberate forgetfulness, fleeing from problems.
With the Nine of Wands - Dishonesty, encouraging immoral behavior, laziness.
With the Ten of Wands - Letting everything go downhill, accumulating debts, getting into trouble.
With the Page of Wands - Abandoning education, fooling around, playing the fool.
With the Knight of Wands - Wasting energy in vain, taking on an overwhelming task, foolish action.
With the Queen of Wands - Delegating responsibilities to colleagues, excessive indulgence, contemplating extravagance.
With the King of Wands - Crisis of self-identity, indulgence, behaving inappropriately.
Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Swords - Dangerous gossip, chatterbox, aimless fraudster.
With the Two of Swords - Disregarding wise advice, impulsive choices, lack of information.
With the Three of Swords - Love triangle, blatant betrayal, naivety in love.
With the Four of Swords - Disappointment, a halt on the journey, feeling unwell.
With the Five of Swords - Losing an argument, being left behind, giving up.
With the Six of Swords - Heavy ordeal, unpleasant truth, attempting to ignore difficulties.
With the Seven of Swords - Sharp-tongued person, trickster, lover of easy gains.
With the Eight of Swords - Getting entangled, choosing the wrong path, complete uncertainty.
With the Nine of Swords - Lack of moral support, paying for foolishness, depression.
With the Ten of Swords - Health problems, negligence towards oneself, shocking news.
With the Page of Swords - Dissatisfaction with social status, inability to achieve goals, envy.
With the Knight of Swords - Ill-conceived plan, critical situation, a state of frenzy.
With the Queen of Swords - Stubbornness, feigned authority, bragging.
With the King of Swords - Vengeful personality, embittered individual, a resentful former acquaintance.
The Fool and Swords Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Cups - Carefree life, heightened emotions.
With the Two of Cups - Romantic intoxication, first date, courtship.
With the Three of Cups - Jovial drinking companions, reunion with old friends, party.
With the Four of Cups - Paying for foolishness, hangover, romantic disappointment.
With the Five of Cups - Parting with a loved one, lack of motivation, loss of balance.
With the Six of Cups - Thoughts of childhood, fond memories, generous gifts to loved ones.
With the Seven of Cups - Excessive enthusiasm, detachment from reality, unattainable dreams.
With the Eight of Cups - Staying overnight at acquaintances, misunderstanding the situation, introspection.
With the Nine of Cups - Obsession, inability to build relationships, emotional overflow.
With the Ten of Cups - Reconnecting with family, understanding traditions, the path to self-discovery.
With the Page of Cups - Strong temptation, primitive desires, inexperienced suitor.
With the Knight of Cups - Chivalry, generous offer, selflessness.
With the Queen of Cups - Meeting a kind-hearted friend, personal growth, falling in love.
With the King of Cups - Working for an idea, being an idealistic fighter, believing in the common good.
Pentacles Suit Combinations
With the Ace of Pentacles - Sudden gain, other people's money, significant expenses, inheritance.
With the Two of Pentacles - Carelessness, inability to save, spendthrift.
With the Three of Pentacles - Young specialist, lack of self-confidence, beginning of work activity.
With the Four of Pentacles - Dissatisfaction with the workplace, modest life, pettiness.
With the Five of Pentacles - False hopes, path to poverty, envy.
With the Six of Pentacles - Carefreeness, charity, danger of fraud.
With the Seven of Pentacles - Futile expectations, failed business, unpromising idea.
With the Eight of Pentacles - Poor worker, fruitless labor, lack of qualification.
With the Nine of Pentacles - Squandering an inheritance, passive income, depending on someone.
With the Ten of Pentacles - Unsuccessful experience, borrowing from relatives, unjustified self-importance.
With the Page of Pentacles - Mercenariness, romantic relationships for money, paid education.
With the Knight of Pentacles - Low salary, reluctance to earn, unsuccessful investment.
With the Queen of Pentacles - Living beyond means, spontaneous spending, deceiving oneself.
With the King of Pentacles - Unfavorable time for investments, capital at risk, bankruptcy.
Example Interpretation In a Daily Spread
A Card Has Fallen for You The Fool? This Signifies:
Today is a highly fortunate day: things will flow freely and easily, and the problems that gave you a headache just yesterday will seem to solve themselves. You will personally experience this intoxicating lightness, where everything appears possible and achievable, as if there are no barriers whatsoever. In this state, your abilities will remarkably expand, but so will the responsibility for everything you do. The card of the day warns that today you may be required to make an important decision. Much in your life depends on how you handle it.