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0. The Fool

The Beginning of Everything and the Great Unknown

The Fool Tarot card

Symbolism and History

The Fool is an exceptional card - numbered 0, it is both the beginning and the end of the Major Arcana. It is the "cosmic egg" from which the whole universe of experience hatches. In old French decks he was called Le Mat, which etymologists link to the Persian phrase "checkmate" (the king is dead/has no way out). But the Fool is not dead - he is free.

The figure on the card stands at the edge of a precipice, yet he does not look down. His gaze is turned to the sky, which symbolises spiritual inspiration that is stronger than earthly caution. The dog accompanying him (or, in older versions, a jackal - the symbol of Anubis) is instinct, which warns of danger but also faithfully accompanies him on his journey.

In the Kabbalistic context the Fool is linked with the letter Aleph (the breath of God), or in other systems with Tav (the cross, the sign). He represents pure potential. He carries a small bundle on his back - the sum of his experiences so far (his karma), which is light because the Fool does not cling to the past. He walks into the unknown, trusting that the universe will catch him.

Interpretation of the Card

When the Fool appears in a spread, it is a sign that life is calling you to adventure. It is the moment to "jump in at the deep end". Logic and rational planning give way to intuition and spontaneity. This is the archetype of the Inner Child, who knows no fear because he has not yet known the pain of failure.

Upright
  • A new beginning, a clean slate
  • A spontaneous decision, an impulse
  • Innocence, openness, enthusiasm
  • A journey (physical or spiritual)
  • Freedom from limitations and conventions
  • A risk that will pay off
  • Trust in fate
Reversed
  • Recklessness, bravado
  • Naivety, being taken advantage of
  • Running away from responsibility
  • Short-lived enthusiasm
  • Foolishness, irrational action
  • Fear of taking the first step
  • Chaos and lack of direction

Card Attributes

Number: 0 (Zero) or XXII
Archetype: The Wanderer, the Child, the Mystic
Element: Air (Uranus)
Keywords: Beginning, freedom, innocence, chaos, potential, leap of faith.
Astrology: Uranus (the planet of sudden change and revolution)
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