the fool: tarot meanings, how to interpret + symbolism deep dive

keywords

upright	reversed
innocence, leap of faith, new beginnings, limitless possibilities	recklessness, lack of fun/faith, holding back, immaturity

associations

numerology	0
astrological sign	aquarius
planet	uranus
element	air
hebrew letter	א Aleph
yes/no	yes
tree of life	first path between Kether (crown) and Chokmah (wisdom)

view my research mindmap

the fool meaning: upright

What a whimsical and fun way to start our Journey through the tarot: traveling along buoyantly with our carefree and innocent Fool. A hopeful and optimistic first step of the Fool’s Journey, standing at the crossroad between potential and manifestation.

We’ve all been the fool at many moments during our lives… toes inching towards the edge of a cliff, an excited flicker of butterflies tickling in our bellies. All while the sun shines deliciously upon us: warming all the molecules in our bodies and energizing us to lean out over the edge and take the leap of faith.

As long as we are following our true passion and calling, we are divinely protected on this journey. There is no ego involved in this process. It’s as gentle and easy as falling asleep. Represented by the number 0, we are at a point of limitless possibility. This is not a state of nothingness: it is a blank canvas with so much potential, just waiting for the application of our will.

Maybe you’re about to start an exciting new adventure: creating that tinder profile for the first time; buying a webcam and gearing up to do your very first twitch stream; downsizing all of your belongings to fit into the van you’ll be living in for the foreseeable future; or even something as simple as returning to an old hobby that light’s your inner child up with joy.

When The Fool shows up, they’re here to remind you to step lightly into the unknown, to trust yourself and trust in the universe. The bright yellow background, and the sun shining vibrantly down on you: there’s so much possibility for expansion and growth available.

Take notice of the white rose in The Fool’s hand, how delicately the flower must be held to avoid the thorns; the jagged and treacherous mountains in the distance; and the small white dog barking jovially at The Fool’s feet.. is the dog playing, or warning? The Fool’s Journey isn’t all sunshine and roses, there may be challenges awaiting you.

Generally speaking, if this card shows up it’s a positive message to take a risk and follow what’s calling out to your soul. The Fool truly embodies the YOLO energy: reminding us we only live once and we should seize the day.

the fool meaning: reversed

If the Fool is coming to you in reverse, then there may be a big warning on the table for you. The Fool is notorious for not looking where they’re going: walking with a spring in their step, but straight toward a cliff they can’t see. Some might even call you reckless or careless, but you wouldn’t be able to hear. You’re making moves and starting journeys with little regard for the consequences of your actions. It may be time to slow down and have a bit of a reality check to make sure you’re prepared for what trying to step into.

There could be a naivety associated with the reversed Fool which may lead to you getting in over your head. Make sure you’re not trusting a possibility that is leading you somewhere you may end up getting hurt. Or possibly you’re carrying far too much baggage with you to be able to travel on this new journey and it’s time to release some of the weight you’re letting bog you down.

Alternatively, you could be bubbling over with energy to journey out on a new path, but you don’t feel quite ready to take that first step just yet. You’re standing frozen at the beginning of a new journey: the excited flutter of butterfly wings in your stomach now causing you to feel nauseous. Maybe you think you don’t deserve the opportunity, or you don’t trust yourself or the universe. It’s okay to worry about the challenges awaiting, but don’t fall to stagnancy by overthinking and preventing yourself from stepping into your destiny.

different versions of The Fool in various tarot decks

The Fool’s main symbols

♡ yellow background

The color yellow is associated with the third chakra, the solar plexus chakra, which is all about confidence, manifesting, creativity, joy and optimism. The solar plexus chakra, also known as Manipura, is linked to your core identity and personal power. Yellow is a bold color that often grabs your attention, asking you to pay attention, and this color can be linked with intellect as well, stimulating our mind and perception, inspiring curiosity and enthusiasm.

Yellow signifies the alchemical mercury, the superconscious plane of mental activity, and is associated with the “Citrinitas,” one of the four major stages of the alchemical magnum opus.

♡ white sun

The sun is shining brightly in the top right corner of this card, an energy source that the Fool is drawing energy from directly. It symbolizes that what is happening for you is coming from the highest level of spiritual experience, sent directly to you from source itself.

The sun, which shines behind him, knows whence he came, whither he is going, and how he will return by another path after many days.
— A.E. Waite

Notice that the sun is not fully in view, implying that not all has yet been revealed. There is more coming for our dear Fool to experience, and it will be revealed over time. The wand the Fool holds is pointed directly at the sun, drawing energy down into their right hand, which represents masculine/yang energy and consciousness (as opposed to subconsciousness).

This is an outward expression of confidence and identity. Is the sun rising, or setting? How will this energy shine down upon you, and what direction will you grow in?

♡ the cliff / precipice / edge

The Fool is approaching the edge, taking a leap of faith and stepping into the unknown. Some may call it the void, or may see it as infinite possibility. Will you fall, or fly? The Fool seems unaware that falling is even an option. Interestingly the cliff is uneven ground, something to pay attention to as you step on to ensure you don’t trip, but our Fool is oblivious.

The cliff or precipice the Fool approaches could be seen as a challenge or obstacle that might give someone a pause, seeing this as possibly dangerous. Is it worth the risk to step over? Can you overcome the mental block preventing you from taking the plunge?

Spiritually this can be seen as pure spirit taking a “fall” from the spiritual plane of existence down into the physical realm.

♡ snow-capped mountains

Far in the distance we see tall blue mountains capped with white snow decorating the background. When a person attempts to “climb” a mountain, it is seen as a challenge to overcome. Something to ascend to see things from a higher point, leading to a certain type of enlightenment or spiritual mastery. The Fool is stepping towards a potentially dangerous plunge, and this is only the beginning of the challenges they may face, and they may be headed towards a perilous path.

The white snow on top of the mountains could represent purity: potential that is untouched and untainted by the outside world. They can also be seen as the abstract planes of reality.

Let’s take note of the fact that the Fool represents the number zero – the beginning and end, ouroboros. The mountains in the distance may be trials overcome from a past loop around the Ouroboros, or they could be a challenge yet to come. These potential challenges carry a message that the struggle will be worth it for the triumph that comes as the Fool reaches the peak. The Fool has lofty aspirations, are you ready to traverse the potential difficulties ahead of you on this journey?

As an aside, Panthera from FeralwoodFarm.com pointed out to me recently that the mountains could also be seen as ocean waves, cascading up and crashing down in the background.

♡ yellow boots

In other tarot cards, we see characters with bare feet, but the Fool’s feet are covered, providing protection against the elements. Yellow boots are an interesting choice for such an important journey, but it seems self expression was a big motivating factor behind this decision. The Fool has one foot lifted, implying that they’re eager to move forward, and aren’t exactly fully grounded, steady or stable in this current position.

Yellow has been linked psychologically to the mental plane, and with this color covering the feet, we can see this as an implication that the mind/logic is guiding the Fool’s steps, conscious movement forward… even if the Fool seems nonchalant and carefree.

♡ white dog

“I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!” Funnily enough, Toto’s relationship to Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz is quite similar to this little white dog to the Fool: the subconscious, intuitive and most animal-like part of our nature. An inner compass and guidance system that allows us to keep our face turned up to the sunshine, and trust that our feet will land safely with each step; we just have to make sure to listen to the warning when those instinctual alarm bells go off.

It’s fun to note that even though the dog is warning the Fool to watch their step: the Fool is prepared to plunge into the unknown despite the potential risk.

We can also consider that the dog is a domesticated version of a wolf, and only exists in this form due to the influence of humans. We see a domesticated dog here, a less “wild” version of nature, that is happily following along in the path of their human companion. Animals can also be interpreted as “lesser conscious” creatures than humans, and so we could view the dog as man’s evolution from beast and how we now have some control over the natural world.

When you’re on your journey, the dog is a reminder you are not alone – to have faith in your next steps and know that you can trust yourself and your instincts.

♡ white rose

The Fool gently (almost daintily) holds a white rose in their left hand. The left hand symbolizes the subconscious mind, introverted energy, and symbolic feminine energy. The rose is associated with promise, new beginnings, hope, romance, desire. The significance of the color white brings in the innocence, naivety and purity. There are two branches of leaves on either side of the rose, indicating balance. The three leaves on each side could represent the creative number: father, mother, child; physical, astral and mental planes; the holy trinity.

In simpler reflection, it’s lovely to see how our Fool is happy to stop and smell the flowers, even plucking one for their own, possibly as a reminder of the beauty available if you stop to look for it.

You can’t have a rose without thorns though, and the Fool’s particular way of holding the rose could indicate admiring the beauty while avoiding the thorns (dangers, pain) that comes along with it. Perhaps we’re being reminded that we must accept the pain if we’re to experience the beauty.

Diving a little deeper, it’s fun to notice that the pose of the hand is the “OK” symbol often seen in many “illuminati” celebrity compilations. This looks very similar to a mudra, to me. Possibly the chin or gyan mudra, which is used in meditation to stimulate the pineal gland: enhancing memory and concentration. The index finger (individual) is bowing to the thumb (supreme consciousness). In between these two points, the innocent and pure unfolding of spirit is held.

Finally, we can’t discuss the white rose without mentioning its other appearance in the Tarot. The white rose shows up later in the Major Arcana on the Death card, proudly waving on the flag Death carries (also in their left hand). Purification through transformation.

♡ laurel wreath

Sitting snugly atop the Fool’s head is a laurel wreath, a historic symbol of victory and achievement. Laurel wreaths date back to Ancient Greece, and were awarded to the victors of Olympic competitions. They were also used as status symbols, worn by rich and influential people. The Romans eventually adopted the laurel wreath, and it was frequently used to honor military victories.

The laurel wreath originates from a story about Apollo, the god of Sun and Light. After having angered Eros, the god of love, Apollo was shot with Eros’ gold arrow causing him to fall in love with a river nymph, Daphne. Eros shot Daphne with a lead arrow, however, causing her to hate Apollo. She fled from Apollo, and asked her Father, a river god, to turn her into a laurel tree so she could remain unmarried. In his grief, Apollo turned the leaves of the tree into a crown to wear with him always. It’s kind of strange that the laurel wreath symbolizes victory, considering it was just a huge L for Apollo.

According to myth, (bay) laurel leaves do not decay, and are immune to lightning.

I think there’s something to be said about Laurel Leaves placed on the head, or crown chakra, as well. The crown chakra is the seat of higher consciousness, and it is being protected by laurel leaves which are used in magic to encourage abundance and block negative energy.

♡ colorful tunic

The Fool’s clothing consists of two layers: a solid white shirt and a bright, and vibrant tunic to cover it. There’s a carefree enthusiasm to this stylish garb and we should be able to tell from this alone that the Fool is very interested in expressing themselves, and doesn’t pay any mind to societal expectations.

As an outer layer, this show of passionate creativity serves as protection, shielding the innocence of the white tunic below from the outer world.

Featured on the Fool’s tunic are a few key symbols: there’s yellow wheels, and a strange emblem over the chest. The golden wheels have 8 red spokes, creating the Wheel of Life, and is imagery we’ll see in another Major Arcana card: The Wheel. This symbol is also linked with the ultimate creative energy: the kundalini.

♡ white tunic

The first layer of clothing the Fool is wearing is a long sleeved white shirt with several lines across it. The color white appears several times in the Fool card (The Dog, The Sun and The Rose). White in the tarot cards typically point to an innocence, purity, blank slates and spirit. With the vibrant tunic covered in The Wheel of Life enclosing the white shirt (pure spirit) below, this could be seen as consciousness coming to earth and being clothed in “flesh.” Spirit becoming mortal, the beginning of the journey as a human.

More simply: The Fool’s clothing is telling us that they have fresh, pure intentions and a blank slate that is being protected by a vibrant, passionate energy that can and will renew itself many times over in a neverending cycle.

♡ wand/staff

Setting out on their journey, the Fool has brought a solid support system and balancing tool: a tall black staff (or wand, or rod). Wands in the Tarot are seen as fiery symbols of pure will and intention. Humans have used them to serve a purpose, and lend them extra power and reach throughout history. The color black could point to the unconscious mind, and this is being carried in the Fool’s right hand. We discussed in the Sun symbolism section how the wand is pointed directly at the Sun, drawing energy down into the Fool’s hand, and eventually pointing the Fool in the forward direction they are traveling.

The Fool has also been linked to Hermes energy, and this staff has been shown as a Caduceus in other tarot interpretations. (We’ll do a deep dive on the Caduceus symbol when we get to the 2 of Cups card later on in this blog series)

♡ satchel/bag/wallet

The bag that the Fool carries is very interesting, indeed. Perched at the end of the Fool’s staff, a small bag swings gently with each step forward. What lies inside? Some say it’s the Fool’s only baggage: memories from the past, burdens along the journey. Some say it holds the innate talent/skills the Fool will need on their path. Others say it is the limited experience the Fool has as they set out as a beginner in a new experience. It could be seen as traveling light, carrying only the bare essentials with you, being free of major burdens and able to travel quickly. My favorite interpretation I think I’ve seen is that this bag carries the four tools that lie on the Magician’s table in card 1 of the Major Arcana; the Fool is bringing the tools to the Magician to be taught how to use them.

We can’t talk about the Fool’s bag without discussing the precarious symbol etched on it. I’ve seen a bit of debate about what this image actually is: an eagle or a hawk? Thoth? Horus? In my opinion, it’s likely to be an eagle, since Waite (one of the co-creators of this tarot deck) has an interesting quote regarding eagles:

“To dream of an eagle in a high place …is good for those who are starting on some great undertaking.”
— A.E. Waite

thanks to doogsley from faezi.love for introducing me to this quote!

The eagle is looking backward, away from the progress of the Fool’s journey, and towards the source of the Fool’s energy: the sun. Eagles have a soaring spirit, see things from a much higher perspective, and are the elevated form of Scorpio’s energy.

♡ belt

The belt around the Fool’s waist is one of my favorite parts of the card. There are 7-dots visible, which could be linked to the 7 chakra points and/or the 7 planets (in ancient astrology). I’ve also seen the 7-sisters of the Pleiadean constellation referenced, or a possible link to the constellation Orion’s belt.

Some have proposed that we only see 7 dots on the front, but wrapped around the other side of the Fool would be an additional 5 points, creating a total of 12: the 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 apostles, 12 cranial nerves.

Looking at these as the astrological signs, this could be binding the Fool’s “flesh” (the colorful tunic) with the limits of time/space, their destiny, imposing and restricting the Fool with the cosmic influence and creating divine limitations on their human experience.

♡ red feather

Another burst of red energy on the Fool: the red feather sprouting from the laurel wreath atop the crown chakra. The red energy is connected with the root chakra, bringing the base energy all the way up to the crown – another calling to kundalini energy. The color red is associated with passion, desire, action and energy. A feather points to the freedom of birds. The “feather in your cap” imagery goes back to hunter’s taking a feather from their prey and placing it in their hat band: a symbol of success or victory. With both a laurel wreath and a feather upon the Fool’s head: this is a very bold statement of an expectation of success and victory.

We touched on continuing symbolism from the Fool to the Death card when we were discussing the white rose, and we have it again here in the red feather. Except the red feather makes a third appearance in the major arcana, on the Sun card.

The red feather showing up in The Fool, Death and The Sun gives us a pretty clear message of resurrection: coming back into use or importance; rising again; rebirth. Maybe this feather even belongs to a phoenix. Notice the change in pose of the feather throughout the cards: in an S-shape with the fool (matching the flow of the fool’s left arm), drooping and wilted in the death card, and rising high and proud in the Sun card – indicating the state of the [kundalini] energy present in each of these cards.

♡ Tau ת

Hidden in the Fool’s imagery are two major Hebrew letters. In the background behind the dog, there is an interesting rock formation that appears to be the letter Tau, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

“From aleph to tau” describes something from beginning to end, the Hebrew equivalent of the English “From A to Z.”
— source

This letter/symbol is associated with truth, life, completion, resurrection, mark, cross, gate or opening. I find it interesting that it’s behind the Fool, as if they strolled out of this cave to begin their journey. Tau, being the last letter, would be the ending that the Fool has begun anew from, a gate or portal that the Fool stepped through to start a new journey.

♡ Aleph ℵ

This blew my mind the first time I saw it, but the Fool’s pose and flow of their robes create the shape of Aleph if you rotate and mirror the letter. Several other tarot decks (more inclined to the hermetic teachings) include the letter Aleph in the artwork of the Fool card. Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the beginning. It has the symbolic power of one built into it, and is associated with the Ox. It signifies new growth, creative power and new beginnings. There is no limit, and all is one, source flows into everything.

With Aleph and Tau both present, this links up with the imagery of the 0 that represents the Fool: where one door closes, another opens; the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end; a never-ending cycle of rebirth and renewal.

♡ as above so below

If you look carefully, you will notice the Fool’s right palm is facing down and the left hand’s palm is facing up: a subtle “as above so below” reference. We’ll do a more thorough deep dive of “as above so below” when we discuss The Magician. But simply put: this is a message that implies what is occuring in the micro (the human experience) is reflected in the macro (the universe at large). You could think about this in regards to your body as the “macro” and the cells that make up your body as the “micro.

There’s an implication of duality and balance. You cannot have the universe without both “good” and “evil.” All is necessary to create the whole.

♡ zero / ouroboros

The Fool is represented by the number 0 in the Major Arcana. They are the first step on the journey, but didn’t receive the number 1, which is interesting. The Fool is the meeting point of the end of the journey and the beginning manifestation of will. The 0 symbol is a perfect circle and harkens to the imagery of the snake eating it’s own tail: the ouroboros. Life and Death. Rebirth. Constant renewal. Every idea contains it’s own ending.

The zero creates an opportunity for something to come forward: anything is possible here. There’s freedom. Nothing has happened yet. Think of the phrase “nothing to lose” and how this often inspires individuals to act without fear. You might as well try, because you can only gain from here.