The Fool in Tarot: An In-Depth Guide
Based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
The Fool is the first card you’ll encounter in the Major Arcana of the Rider/Waite tarot deck. He represents you or the person you’re reading. He sets out on a journey to encounter the other 21 cards in the Major Arcana, each of which is a character who imparts wisdom to aid in your journey through life.
A General Overview of the Meaning of the Fool
The Fool card shows a young man wandering carefree with a small dog at his side. A yellow sky and white sun are overhead. He has a knapsack over his shoulder, a red feather, and is holding a white flower in his left hand. There’s a snow-capped mountain ridge in the background, and he’s standing casually at the edge of a cliff. His clothing is also full of significant symbolism.
Upright Meaning: The Fool represents new beginnings, new opportunities, a fresh start, blind faith in the journey, innocence, simplicity, and a touch of naivety.
Reversed Meaning: The Fool reversed indicates that you may be doing the opposite: taking unnecessary risks, being reckless, or holding back.
