What Does The Fool Card Mean In Tarot
Tarot cards, either as a single card pull or full reading, can offer insight into ourselves and our life situations. If you draw the Fool, it can be easy to assume this means you're messing things up, simply based on what the tarot card is called. However, the Fool card means you're being anything but foolish.
In traditional tarot decks, the Fool is depicted as a young man walking toward the edge of a cliff. There are mountains behind him, but in the distance. In his left hand, which usually represents the conscious mind, he holds a white rose (via Biddy Tarot). Historically, roses symbolize love and courage (via Harlow Gardens). He has a knapsack over his shoulder and, at his feet, there is a white dog seemingly encouraging the Fool to keep moving forward. White (the color of the rose and the dog) is often associated with purity and innocence.
The Fool has its own mark in popular culture. For instance, "The Greater Fool" is a term in economics. In an episode of Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom," the character Sloan Sabbith says, "The greater fool is someone with the perfect blend of self-delusion and ego to think that he can succeed where others have failed." Failure here is synonymous with not giving up, and the tarot card is asking you to do just that: be "The Greater Fool."
The Fool tarot card doesn't mean you're a dummy
Similar to how the Fool is explained in "The Newsroom," Biddy Tarot explains the Fool tarot card is about hope, succeeding, and taking a blind leap of faith. On the card, the Fool is depicted preparing to walk off the edge into something new. While there might be challenges in your future, what journey doesn't have challenges?
Starting over, or the beginning of a journey, is the core meaning of what the Fool tarot card represents. Looking for new love? The Fool tarot card is telling you to put yourself out there; now is the perfect time to manifest the life you want (via A Little Spark of Joy). Even if love isn't what you're looking for, the Fool tells you that you're about to head out on an unexpected journey. Now isn't the time to overthink things — let go of worry, and let go of doubt. Trust that this is the first step into the next chapter of your life.
Reversed, the Fool is telling you that maybe it's time to press pause. Whatever new idea or new adventure you're getting ready to embark on, this tarot card is telling you it's not time. Now isn't the time to act recklessly, according to Biddy Tarot. Find new ways to experience fun without overhauling your life.