General Meaning

Pamela Coleman-Smith's artful rendition of The Fool in the Rider-Waite Tarot deck
is often used to represent Tarot in general. Early classical versions of The Fool
card, however, portray quite a different character -- a person driven by base needs
and urges, who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation.

In some earlier instances, The Fool is made out to be a carnival entertainer or a

huckster. In others, he is portrayed as decrepit and vulnerable -- as the
cumulative result of his delusions and failures. Not until the 20th century do you
see the popular Rider-Waite image of The Fool arise -- that of an innocent soul
before its fall into matter, untainted by contact with society and all its ills.

Modern decks usually borrow from the Rider-Waite imagery. Most Fool cards copy the
bucolic mountainside scene, the butterfly, and the potential misplaced step that
will send The Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don't forget, though, that the
earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified
with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage toward self-
knowledge and, eventually, wisdom. The Fool reminds us to recognize the path of
personal development within ourselves -- and the stage upon that path where we find
ourselves -- in order to energize our movement toward deeper self-realization.
In the Reversed Position

When the Fool card is reversed, you are encountering an unfinished side of
yourself, a part still caught in the shadows of ignorance or immaturity. An
emotional reflex or psychological attitude could be holding you back from
responding authentically and naturally.

Release yourself from any dogmas or taboos so your natural truthfulness and
instinct for right action can be restored.
In the Advice Positon

The Fool advises that you lighten up. Let yourself be spontaneous enough to stretch
beyond the realm of logic. There is no advantage to be gained by thinking you
possess the knowledge, power, or control to direct reality. Open and receive
without question, instead of trying to manage what's happening right now. The Fool
has no ambition to manipulate a specific outcome. Just be happy to be part of the
whole.

Release any demands or expectations. Give your complete attention to events as they
are occurring in the present moment.

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