78 Weeks of Tarot: The Fool

[Trogon]

For information on what these threads refer to, see this thread;

 

78 Weeks of Tarot - Informational Thread

 

The above linked thread gives suggested dates for the cards as well as links to the individual topics.

 

Some of us may be working through the study in a different order and using different decks. If you have general questions or comments regarding the 78 Weeks of Tarot study group, please post in the topic in the above link.

 

Have fun.

[gregory]

OK - since you asked that I post my old AT ones as examples:

 

The Fool - Revelations Tarot

First impressions

This comes across a bit weird, at first glance.…

 

From the book

Upright

He is a free spirit without worry and full of optimism while embarking on a new journey. He sees the world with fresh new eyes. His views are unconventional.

This card symbolizes the free spirit within one's self. It urges you to let go of all the things that hold you back and embrace new ideas and take new paths.

When this card represents an individual, that person may embody the qualities of the card, such as spontaneity, refreshing optimism, and lightheartedness. Depending on your own character, this person may be utterly enjoyable to be around for laughs and jovial occasions, or dreadfully annoying for his or her lack of seriousness and conformity to propriety.

In terms of a situation, the energy of this card lends itself to a certain level of nervous tension and an undisciplined attitude. Depending on the nature of the individual, this can be read in both a positive and negative light.

 

Reversed

He is cautious before he leaps for he worries about the risks involved. He ponders his movements and takes things slowly.

The reverse of this card embodies a nervous individual who expresses caution with the steps that he or she takes. The environment around this person does not lend itself to the carefree spirit that is freely expressed in the upside of this card. Here innocence is lost and replaced with paranoia and fear.

When this card represents an individual, that person would embody the characteristics of a cautious individual. This person often worries about the world around him or her, but desperately tries to fight within him- or herself for the right to be free. In a relationship this individual may be difficult to pin down as commitments or comfortable routines threaten his or her freedom.

In a situation, this card warns against taking any big risks. The stakes may be too high to be wasted on a whimsical urge.

 

Images and Symbolism

The butterfly represents the chasing of the childlike dream.

The baby in the rose symbolizes the innocence of the beginning of a journey.

The mountains in the background are symbols of the height of knowledge to which the figure on this card has yet to climb.

On the reverse, the moon represents the subconscious, which is linked to intuition and the unknown.

The floating/flying people in the background represent caution thrown to the wind, loss of control, and uncertainty. The canyonlike background represents the erosion of the mind through time and doubt.

 

Traditional meanings

Upright: New beginnings, new adventures, new opportunities, unlimited possibilities, pleasure, passion, thoughtlessness, rashness.

 

Reversed: A bad decision, indecision, apathy, hesitation, a faulty choice.

 

My impressions:

Upright

A fairly “traditional” fool is reaching for a butterfly, with his pack on his back and under a brilliant sun. The sky above is chaotic, and there is a pink snowcapped mountain behind him. In the centre of the card is a foetus or baby, in a pink rose.

 

Reversed

This is rather clever – you get a greyish mountain (it appears) and a roiling dark sky , littered with flying people, and the moon. The fool is all in green, and has no pack – an d looks foolish rather than innocent, and also unprepared. The sky behind him suggests chaos. The foetus – being now upside down – appears unborn rather than a baby. It could be a symbol of total innocence - or of unknowing.

 

My take

It’s quite a classic - the contrast between innocence and stupidity – planning for your trip with a bundle of essentials or going on impulse without - attractive sky vs. roiling storm; the innocence of a baby and the unknowing state of the unborn.

 

 

[gregory]

Crowley/Harris Thoth deck

Card name: Fool

First impressions

A friend just said: the fool has a nose like a pig.

I can’t get this one out of my head…. He has !

However – my first impressions (as in today, as I have seen the card before) is that it is VERY cluttered. This one has never really felt like a fool to me. He looks rather gormless. And what are all those things that look like garden hose doing ? And a dove and a caduceus and…

 

From the Book of Thoth:

 

The design of the present card resumes the principal ideas of the above essays. The Fool is of the gold of air. He has the horns of Dionysus Zagreus, and between them is the phallic cone of white light representing the influence from the Crown [Kether: see the position of the Path of Aleph on the Tree of Life.] upon him. He is shown against the background of air, dawning from space; and his attitude is that of one bursting unexpectedly upon the world.

He is clad in green, according to the tradition of Spring; but his shoes are of the phallic gold of the sun.

In his right hand he bears the wand, tipped with a pyramid of white, of the All-Father. In his left hand he bears the flaming pine- cone, of similar significance, but more definitely indicating vegetable growth; and from his left shoulder hangs a bunch of purple grapes. Grapes represent fertility, sweetness, and the basis of ecstasy. This ecstasy is shown by the stem of the grapes developing into rainbow - hued spirals. The Form of the Universe. This suggests the Threefold Veil of the Negative manifesting, by his intervention, in divided light. Upon this spiral whorl are other attributions of godhead; the vulture of Maut, the dove of Venus (Isis or Mary), and the ivy sacred to his devotees. There is also the butterfly of many-coloured air and the winged globe with its twin serpents, a symbol which is echoed and fortified by the twin infants embracing on the middle spiral. Above them hangs the benediction of three flowers in one. Fawning upon him is the tiger; and beneath his feet in the Nile with its lotus stems crouches the crocodile. Resuming all his many forms and many- coloured images in the centre of the figure, the focus of the microcosm is the radiant sun. The whole picture is a glyph of the creative light.

 

Images and Symbolism

Frieda Harris says in her essays:

The Fool is Air or Vacuum or Puissant Innocence. He holds the male element of fire, the female element of water, the sword of air, and the disc of earth.

He is the Green Man of Spring, the great Fool of the Celts, Daluah and Parsifal. He is also Zeus Arrhenothelus, Dionysus Zagreus, Bacchus Diphues and Baphomet.

 

VERY strangely – since he clearly holds a cup in his right hand, the Book of Thoth its very own self says:

In his right hand he bears the wand, tipped with a pyramid of white, of the All-Father.

This is seriously confusing to me…

 

There is almost too much symbolism in this card to write up here.

 

But it is apparently (from several books I have pulled out !) primarily phallic, and shows the fool as a man possessed – which can equate to a prophet or holy man. That makes sense to me in terms of the “usual” fool, at least. The foolish, innocent, wandering prince. It also shows masculine and feminine – the moon below, over the embracing children, and the sun covering the fool’s genitals. What I saw as a garden hose is apparently four (or Duquette says three...) spirals from his heart.

The first, with the grapes is about ecstasy, the wish of the soul to merge and for the dissolution of all limitations.

The second – with the dove, butterfly and caduceus- is one where logical thought is no longer valid. It has a dove for the procreative spirit, the butterfly representing development (from caterpillar to butterfly) and the caduceus as life and death in perpetual union.

The third spiral has children, flowers and sun – for the longing for the divine, and the last – crocodile and tiger – “the creative will that has no intentions” yet.

An awful lot to take in.

The sun over his genitals may even be a reference to sexual magic, as practised by Crowley.

Unusually – both his feet are on the ground. I am not at all sure why Harris chose that route.

He is threatened by a crocodile, which represents Sebek, the devourer, who waited by the Nile to kill and eat Harpocrates. The tiger, on the other hand, with its teeth sunk into his leg, seems not to affect him in the least. It represents Leo - the lust that might distract him – so there is perhaps a suggestion that he can resist that.

The three flowers are the benediction of three flowers in one, referring to the final Hé of the Tetragrammaton, the Daughter – element of Earth – who is the product of father, mother and Son.

He has a satchel filled with coins representing the entire universe (according to Duquette !)

 

According to Snuffin, the whole card can be seen as portraying the Tree of Life.

 

Traditional meanings –

Upright - cribbed shamelessly from Wasserman

In spiritual matters, represents ideas, thoughts, spirituality, that which endeavours to transcend earth. In material matters may show, if badly dignified, folly, eccentricity, even mania. It represents the original, subtle, sudden impulse coming from a strange and unexpected quarter.

 

Reversed: the futility of acting on ideas without having a realistic idea of how to carry them through

 

My impressions (appearance of the card):

It all seems to be about beginnings without preconceptions. But – there is so much baggage here – almost too much to take in – that I find myself thinking about the burden carried by other fools – do they have all this stuff tied up in there ? It could also be seen as showing the seed that is already aware of the flower within it, being both at the beginning and the end of the cycle.

 

My take (what I make of it/what I might see in a reading where I drew it)

I like the reference to the wandering prince – the one whose father always neglects and ignores him, who goes off on a quest and comes back victorious. It also makes sense in terms of other fools and the “fool’s journey”. I think I would have to see it as beginning something huge, though – simply because of the amount of STUFF portrayed.

 

I have to say that clearly there is so MUCH more here that a single post about such a dense card cannot hope to do it justice. But - there we go....

[Bookworm]

Deck: Fairytale Tarot

 

Card name: The Fool

 

First impressions

 

The Fool here has a cat with him, who looks as though it is trying to get his attention. The Fool, a young man, is turned away from the reader, looking out from a green, grassy cliff. I like that he has his back to us, so his perspective is our perspective.

 

The sky is blue with white fluffy clouds.

 

From the book

 

The Poor Miller’s Boy and the Cat, from Household Tales, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.

 

Keywords and Phrases: Foolish wisdom, chaos and freedom, blind faith, stepping into the unknown, trusting in fate and fortune, throwing yourself into the arms of luck, taking a leap of faith, fortune favors the innocent fool.

 

His innocence acts as a protection, the fool avoids many dangers and pitfalls around him, without ever once using his brain, or anything much beyond his kind and trusting instincts.

 

When this card comes up in a reading, it can be good to think of all the fools in fairytales: kindness, trust and optimism.

 

The original story

 

https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~spok/grimmtmp/081.txt

 

Traditional meanings

 

New beginnings, spontaneity, adventure, innocence, potential, faith, fearlessness, a leap of faith, originality, freedom from constraints, purity of action, acting without malice, being in the present, acting without thinking, eccentricity, silliness, seeking freedom, folly, stupidity, not thinking through plans properly, chaos, lack of direction, poor judgement, being gullible, naivety.

 

My impressions of the card/story combination:

 

The image shows a fairly traditional fool. He has his knapsack with everything he needs, and his companion, the cat. In the story, the Fool is the stupid third son who everyone in the family thinks will amount to nothing. He is treated cruelly, but doesn’t dwell on it, just goes about his business and encounters magic along the way. While the end result of his journey is truly impressive, his success seems to prove that what’s important is the journey and not the destination. What's unique in this Fool card is the major role played by the cat, which seems to represent allies, or magic.

 

My take (what I make of it/what I might see in a reading where I drew it)

 

I think I would emphasize the importance of striking out on your own path, even when it seems scary, trusting your instincts in starting something new, not paying attention to what others think, taking a chance on something, even when it doesn’t make logical sense, and the importance of enjoying the journey, not focusing on the destination. Also the importance, when you are starting something new or out on the road, of being open to accepting help from allies, or companions, who, though unlikely, may know more about your journey than you do.

 

Further Thoughts

 

You rarely choose to be the The Fool unless there are no other options: birth, going to school, etc. But sometimes there is no other choice, and that's when magic is likely to happen.

 

In thinking about my own relationship to this card, I thought about starting school or moving to a new city or starting a new job. Allies and friends you make as you are making your way in the world see qualities in you that you don’t necessarily see in yourself, just as the cat saw a future king in the Miller’s Boy. Friends’ faith in you can be instrumental in your becoming who you become.

 

In short, I like how this card emphasizes the crucial role of allies for the Fool.

[Rose Lalonde]

Tarot Roots of Asia

artist Amnart Klanprachar

lwb by Thaworn Boonyawan

 

The Fool is "reality unmasked from the illusion that each of us exists as an independent entity."  ~Boonyawan in the lwb

 

We're plunked in the deep end of the pool, no just dipping a toe in first. The lwb also give us 'Original Mind,' 'unity,' 'the foundation from which existence arises.'

 

One of the ways the artist gives a visual sense of vast awakening is that the Fool dwarfs the landscape and the four elements that surround him. These are big ideas, literally. What looks like a huge wave (water) peaks at the Fool's bicep, but the hills of the shoreline (earth) are small and far below him. Based on the size of those hills and the cloud at his other bicep, a person would be about the size of the Fool's fingernail. The sun (fire) is at chest level as he direct small points of light from his hands linking above and below in a way usually seen in Magician cards. The top of his head in the sky (air) disappears into a darker semi-circle -- his mind high above in "reality unmasked from illusion."

 

That's good as a signpost, but what about where I am in this moment? I like to balance it out for myself with this quote about mindfulness from the same monastic tradition as the artist: "There is nothing spectacular about paying attention – this expansive, intuitive listening... That is why it is overlooked... Generally, people look for something spectacular, some mystical experience, where they kind of merge with the ultimate in a union of bliss!... Sometimes you have moments like that where you feel as though you are in union with the ultimate, with nature and everything. But that kind of feeling quickly becomes a memory, and then you want it again. You get attached to a memory and constantly look for something – through a memory – rather than trusting in the very simple ability you have right now of just paying attention."  ~Ajahn Sumedho

 

The lwb also brings each card back to the smaller scale in a short divinatory meaning for everyday use. For the Fool it talks about limitless energy and beginnings.

 

"When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something." ~Shunryu Suzuki

 

[Onaorkal]

Manga Tarot

 

The Fool – 0

 

A woman is walking towards a cliff edge, a dog trotting at her side while looking up at her.

We are seeing the scene from an almost backview, but we can see that the woman is hiding at least part of her face with her hand(s).

We can deduce there is some wind as her long hair and clothes are being lifted up in the air behind her. She seems to be walking calmly (deduction made from the position of her feet and body). The whole card is drawn in shades of grey, except for a trail of pink/red flowers on the ground, seeminly appearing as she walks. The ground seems to be made of grass and we can see large rocks on the right of the card. There are 2 mountain peaks visible in the background (they are large, so they appear to be quite close) and the dark shading in the top portion of the card seems to hint at a heavily clouded sky.

 

Colors: Grey and white, with the exception of red flowers on the ground.

 

Season: None.

 

LWB: Space. A young woman dressed in clothes once lavish, now torn, moves closer to the edge of a ravine. Flowers sprout where she walks. It is the nature of things that space desires to be filled.

 

First impression: Because of the heavy lack of color, I feel like this card is more gloomy than it should be. The fact that the woman is hiding her face doesn't help either. My first impression, without knowing this card is the Fool, would be that this woman is depresssed and intends on ending her life by jumping down the cliff.

The LWB meaning is really cryptical too. It seems to hint at the fact that some things are sometimes meant to be, they flow naturally in a certain direction. In the case of the Fool card, this might be a way of saying that when you seem to 'fall' towards a specific journey, even if you feel uncertain about it, you should probably let go and accept it as a part of your overall life experience.

 

What others had to say:

-Most people seem to agree that this Fool doesn't convey the same kind of vibe that most Fool cards usually have.

-Some people saw the woman as being depressed, while some others found her to be more neutral.

-A lot of people focus on the dog as symbolizing the true essence of the Fool in this card.

 

What the author had to say:

When I first thougth the Manga tarot, one of the key I wanted for the deck would be a shift in focus from the single card to the relation among cards.

of course it is very difficult to traspose such an interdependecy into a systematic study.

 

However the Fool was necessarily the cornerstone of this approach.

What I see (it is one point of view, anyway) is a void card.

- absence of color

- absence of face

- absence of sight

Every beginning is a blank slate. As any finish, probably.

The fool had to be both the prince and the beggar. The one who knows everything, and knows nothing.

 

In another way, we begin our journey and we let behind what we are. We are not yet ready to look where we are going (I actually has never seen the Fool as upset or crying), but we have guidance (the dog... is not chasing us) We may be in danger, but even if we do not realize it yet, the journey has already began (the trail of growing thibgs).

 

There is song in Italy, called "via del campo". It says: "from diamonds nothing grows, from manure flowers spout". And in another verse it talks about a girl: "flowers sprouts where she walks".

I see this power of creating life, as a mark of pure innocence (and innocent purity ^^). Coscience. The soul.

 

 

Symbolism found in the card:

 

-White dog : Dogs are so pure and innocent and white is usually a symbol of purity as well. This dog can be seen as a protector of the Fool in this adventure (represents loyalty and faithfulness), or be like a mirrored version of the Fool. They're not hiding their face, but looking intently at the woman, thus preventing them from realizing how close they are to the cliff edge. Even their legs are in sync! (Look at the dog's left hindleg and the woman's left leg.)

 

-Cliff edge : Symbolizes an abrupt ending bringing a new beginning shrouded in mystery (since we don't know what lies ahead).

 

-Mountains : Represent potential hardships and challenges

 

-Red flowers : The only sparkle of color in the card, so the attention is drawn to it. Flowers are positive, it's a sign of life and in this case, of passion (because of the color red).

 

-Hiding face : The Fool can't see where she's heading, but it's a deliberate and conscious choice, as she could remove her hands from her face if she wanted.

 

-Angle : The 'almot backview' angle is interesting, because we can't really see where the woman and her dog are coming from (the past), but we can't see what is awaiting them after the cliff edge either (the future). It gives an aura of mystery to the card.

 

-Shades of grey : The color grey (and all its shades) is a mix of black and white (in various proportions). We all know the expression ''a grey area'' or ''nothing is all black or white''. Grey is a quite neutral color, nor positive or negative and not associated with any element or season. Sometimes it will be related to the feeling of confusion though, and in this case it could make sense.

 

-White : Even if about half the card is grey, the other half is closer to white (or really pale grey). It makes the card almost looking like a coloring book image that only waits for you to fill it in. And again, white is the typical color of purity and innocence.

 

-Number 0 : Zero comes before 1, the number symbolizing new beginnings. When using numerology with tarot, the Fool won't change the result of any addition since 0 + any number will give the same number. So, in a timeline, the Fool officially comes before the beginning of the adventure, but at the same time it can float anywhere and still make sense. Once again it seems to symbolize neutrality.

 

-Absence of season : Another example of neutrality in this card.

 

 

Synthesis/conclusion:

 

After reading various people and the author's take on the card, also after analyzing it myself, I have to admit that I see it in a different light. The woman doesn't look depressed anymore. I have more a feeling of a ''hide and seek'' game. She walks without fear, but without sorrow either. I put it in between a couple of other cards to see how it interacts with them and it's true that the Fool really pops out with its absence of color. But now I see it more as a 'blank slate' than a gloomy message.

[Trogon]

Haindl Tarot

 

0 – The Fool

 

First Impressions:  The Fool is, to me, one of the more important cards in a Tarot deck. Not necessarily one of my favorite cards, nor one that can make or break a deck for me. However I feel that, to a certain extent, it sets the tone for the rest of the deck. I think that is the case here. The more muted colors are used throughout the Haindl Tarot. The Fool has a more spiritual feel than in some other decks and it makes me think that this deck is going to be best used for matters of the Spirit and mind.

 

One of the first things that strikes me is the Fool’s expression – he is not blissfully happy, as some deck depict him. For example, the Thoth shows him smiling and happy, and the RWS has him dancing in the sunshine. Haindl’s Fool is more thoughtful looking, if not downright somber. Not sad, but not blissful – perhaps just a blank expression, or one of curiosity. There are sleigh bells attached to his hood or cap and these, I initially feel, have a connection to happiness (music and dancing, for example). There is also a white swan behind him. With the swan comes the idea (to me anyway) of a certain “purity” of the soul and mind – indicating that the Fool knows nothing and has experienced nothing and so is the embodiment of the idea of a blank slate. He can be anything, do anything without fear. But everything, almost each breath, is a new experience for him, everything is exciting.

 

Symbols: “Aleph” – 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet; meaning “ox” or “bull” and representing active life energy. But Aleph is silent – when God announces himself to the Israelites, he says “I am the Lord, thy God” – “I am” in Hebrew is “anokhi” – silent Aleph symbolizes that knowledge of God can not be spoken in human terms.

 

The Rune is “Wynn”, “W” – meaning “Joy”. The Fool is a child, rejoicing in life. Taking delight in every experience, “dancing through the challenges of the Trumps.” “The Rune also means to bind forces together, or to bind people into a community.” So Silent Aleph is the force that binds together the experiences of the Major Arcana – the experiences of life.

 

Astrological sign – Uranus. “… emphasizes the unexpected, the joy of surprise which moves the Fool through the different steps of life, forever daring to move into the unknown.” Surprise and discovery.

 

White Border – the element of Air, the Spirit.

 

The Jester – The Fool himself. Outside of the Royal Court and able to see their folly and comment on them with impunity. “The Fool bears the number zero. This sets him before and apart from all the other cards. It also symbolizes that intuition of the sacred clowns, that we are not any of the things we think we are. Reality can never be pinned down to any specific explanation or philosophy. Therefore, it remains – nothing. Where the other Major cards, with their fixed places in the sequence one through twenty-one, represent particular states or stages of life, the Fool, zero, can become anything.” “The Fool symbolizes instinct and innocence, a sense that we contain within us something pure, something that reaches back before culture, before conditioning, before ego, even before personality. We think of ourselves as particular people … different from everyone else. The Fool, with his blank expression, reminds us that something lies below all those visible characteristics, a universal life energy, beyond thought, beyond individuality, shared by all life.” The Fool cannot look at himself, nor can we remain The Fool as we move through life. We carry The Fool within us as we move through the major arcane, but we continue to grow.

 

The Wounded Swan – representing “The Fall”. The fall from perfection/purity of “paradise” to become physical beings. Also relates to grail mythology where Percival wounds a swan. The Fool points to the swan to remind us to heal the breach between ourselves and our animal nature. We must join with the animal within us, embrace our very nature before we can connect with the cosmos shown behind the swan.

 

Meanings (from Haindl book):

 

Upright: A situation where planning ahead is not possible or not desirable – the person needs to act intuitively. Possibly following a “foolish impulse” (maybe quitting a job or making a big move). Others may see the change as “foolish” or “crazy”. Going against what seems to be “wise” advice. A time in life where the person needs to act impulsively. Follow your feelings. Leap into new experiences – trust that things will work out. A time of surprise, wonder and excitement at life. Grab new opportunities.

 

Reversed: Finding it hard to trust your own instincts. You may desire to do something, but doubt the value of it – especially if it might appear foolish. Fearing to step into the unknown. If other cards indicate: this may warn against taking a foolish step.

 

My Interpretations:

 

Upright: Along with my usual interpretations of this card (starting new things, spiritual journeys, joy of life, “marching to the beat of a different drummer”, etc …) I would add; A dawning awareness of one’s connectedness to things outside of one’s self. For example, connection to the Earth on a spiritual level. Or, in a more mundane setting – when you’re in a new group (job, club, etc) and you begin to feel accepted.

 

You may be experiencing disillusionment with “religion”, seeing the spiritual and ecological damage to the Earth (swan’s wound), and so are seeking your own spiritual path, a new religion or becoming involved in ecological groups – though your actual beliefs and understanding are stil lacking direction and focus.

 

The Fool’s expression makes me think of a sense of wonder or surprise, more than the joy seen on many other Fool cards.

 

Reversed: A lack of spirituality. A feeling of being stuck in a rut – unable to move aheard or get started on something. Feeling disconnected from the Earth, no feeling for or understanding of Nature. Unreliable, lazy. The more negative aspects of being a “vagabond”; no place to go and no home to return to. Feeling cast adrift.

 

In a more positive aspect; a person with experience. One who is decisive or has a clear goal.

 

[tinyterrarium]

Decks- The Fairytale Tarot by Magic Realist Press and the Fairy Tale Tarot by Lisa Hunt

Card Name and Fairytale

0 The Fool, “The Poor Miller’s Boy and the Little Cat”

0 Innocence, “Little Red Riding Hood”

Visual Analysis

o What are the possible symbolic elements? (Alberti, 2011)

  The cliff, birds, cat, the cat’s gold collar, knapsack, clothing, and tall building.

  The trees, mushrooms, flowers, wolf, basket, and winding path.

o  How does the structure of a picture-or any visual art form- affect our emotional response? (Bang, 2016, p. xiv)

  The cliff on the right of the image extends far into the sky and suggests another land that the fool could climb towards. The two birds flying and cat form an invisible diagonal line creating a sense of movement. Unable to see the fool’s face I focus my attention on what I think she is looking at, the village below. Her elevated position, rolled up sleeves, and knapsack indicate she is returning or setting out on a journey. I feel that the fool is important but I cannot see her face. The action is taking place behind her and the attention to animals and landscape indicates that nature may be just as important as the fool herself.

  Little Red Riding Hood is the smallest figure in the image. Her hand holds a delicate flower and all her attention is on it. Behind her stands the wolf, paws clasped, mouth open and eyes looking at the girl. Behind the wolf are two ancient trees with faces in the bark, one smiles another reveals ghostly elongated faces. The wolf and girl stand on a path in the forest. The background is greyish and blue suggesting fog or dusk. I feel fear for the girl because she is small, alone, and distracted. A small piece of cloth protrudes from the basket suggesting that she is delivering something.

Wisdom from The Hero’s Journey (Fiction, n.d.)

o  What lessons has the hero learned about him or herself on this journey? What are we (the spectators) supposed to learn from the journey?

  The miller and apprentices have low expectations for Hans completing the task. He is mocked and set up for failure by his peers. Despite all this Hans keeps an open mind and accepts help. I think about how different the story would have been if Hans had doubted himself or the cat.

  A pretty young girl is tricked by a wolf but she isn’t alone. Her grandmother is also tricked and for a while they are both inside belly of the beast together. Young and old equally fallible. My favorite part of the tale is the ending. Little Red Riding Hood fills the wolf’s stomach with rocks killing it. Learning from experience requires that we often see the darkest parts of ourselves. I see the wolf’s stomach as a metaphor for that experience.

Interpretation

o  What does this card say to me?

  That having a beginner’s mind is one of the best tools you take with you on any journey. The willingness to start over and challenge preconceived notions allows for the possibility of new ideas to take shape. Being curious about the wolf or darker elements can only help you in the future.

Favorite Quotes from the Authors

o    “Again and again these stories tell us that kindness may be more important than cleverness, trust can get us further than suspicion, and an optimistic attitude may turn out to the be the truest view of the future.” (Mahony, 2005, p. 20)

o    “By encountering the wolf, she has begun to connect with her own animal spirit, thus expanding consciousness and mental vivacity.” (Hunt, 2009, p. 8)

 

References

 

Alberti, G. (2011). Symbolism within the Tarot and Comparative Visual Analysis: A Proposed Methodology for the Study of the Tarot as Applied to the Ride Waite Smith Deck. Retrieved from conservancy.umn.edu: https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/116801

 

Bang, M. (2016). Picture This How Pictures Work. San Francisco: Chronicle Books LLC.

 

Fiction, K. G. (n.d.). Science Fiction Writers Workshop: Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. Retrieved from http://www.sfcenter.ku.edu/Workshop-stuff/Joseph-Campbell-Hero-Journey.htm

 

Hunt, L. (2009). Once Upon a Time. Woodbury: Llewellyn .

 

Mahony, K. (2005). The Fairytale Tarot. London: Magic Realist Press.

[Hemera]

Everyday Witch Tarot (D.Blake & E.Alba 2017 Llewellyn)

The FOOL

 

Description:

A young witch with a pointy hat is about to take off the cliff on her broom. She is happy and careless and full of energy. She is ready for the adventure.

Her cat seems to be scared for them both.

Images and Symbolism:

-young witch on a broom

-cat

-precipice

-pointy hat

-the sea

-big clouds forming in the background

-sailing boat below

-two hawks

-small white flowers

-pebbles falling from the edge

 

Colours:

-red lining of the witch’s black coat, same red is on the broom

-beautiful aquamarine colour of the sea

 

What action is going on:

The witch is about to take off the cliff on her broom. She is joyous and full of energy. Her cat is hiding behind her and looks scared. Small pebbles are falling down from the cliff and clouds are gathering behind. It looks windy. There is a feeling of a lot of energy and action.

 

This card encourages to:

-follow your dreams

-go with the flow

-Carpe diem

-trust

 

Warns against:

-not to rush into things

-should you look before you leap?

-are the birds of prey waiting for your fall?

 

Traditional meanings:

-expanding horizons

-feeling carefree

-trusting the flow

-staying open (witch’s open arms)

-taking a crazy chance

-believing (-that the broom will stay up in the air)

-living in joy

-doing the unexpected

 

From the book:

- Listen to your gut and just DO IT.

- You will learn and grow from the experience even if your adventure doesn’t work out the way you thought

 

Sallie Nichols: (in Jung and Tarot. An Archetypal Journey, Weiser 1984):

-the Fool is traditionally a phallic character, from lewdness to fertility (see note below)

-the dog; animal self usually gives a warning but here the cat is hiding

-this card is close kin to Hermit

-the Fool says: “I am light and I travel light”

-she moves to the right, toward consciousness

-stepping into the world of action

-(s)he who has no fixed goal can never get lost

-practical jokes

 

Notes:

-The broom, the pointy hat and the cat’s tail all look almost like some phallic symbols -pointing upwards and full of energy. Is it accidental or did the artist intended them to look that way? Whichever the case, this might add an erotic interpretation to some readings!

 

Quote:

“They say that every cloud has a silver lining, but I think that every cloud has probably another cloud coming right behind it. So celebrate whenever you can. There is never too much laughter and joy in this world. (And buy an umbrella)”

 

 

[Lantana]

"Trust your adventurous self. Start over. Remember your innocence. Mock and play. Be spontaneous. Risk looking foolish. Trust your path. Take a plunge. Leap before you look."

 

At first glance, the most striking thing about the card is the lack of a visible body. This brings up the idea of zero: We are nothing, but we have the potential to be anything. The figure has no identity right now, but one will be gained, transformed, and actualized throughout the journey. This can relate to anything, but I do think the lack of a body is interesting from a trans perspective. When reading with a queer lens, the Fool is often a symbol of coming out of the closet or starting to transition. The figure here has a subtle, shadowed form: Is this outline something they are trying to fill into, or an imposed boundary they are starting to break free from?

 

"Refusing convention' date=' the Fledgling exists outside social norms, re-imagines inheritances and traditions, and reveals uncomfortable truths through storytelling. When you work with the Fledgling, you're able to embrace the impulsive freedom of doing the unexpected and bucking social norms, while reconnecting with your innate innocence and ability to trust."[/quote']

 

The Fledging appears to be hiking, instead of falling off a cliff. They travel in darkness, with just enough light to see what's ahead but not much more than that. There's feeling of "moving away from home", a common experience for both queer people and Southerners, or at the very least that something is being left behind without looking back. The Fledgling seems a bit more prepared than our usual Fool, having with them a huge red backpack (complete with maps and rope) and a formidable walking stick. While there is still nativity and innocence, the Fledgling isn't hopping out completely carelessly, despite what their untied shoes might say.

 

This is one of the Major cards in the deck with a name change. Most of them are done to sidestep binary gender or European-focused cultural symbols, but I'm not quite sure why this has been changed. Perhaps the Fool title comes across as a bit harsh to some, or perhaps they wanted to get away from the court jester symbolism the Fool sometimes carries.

 

The Reversed keywords are "Inhibition, shyness. Not yet time to begin. Try a small step before taking the big plunge."

 

Artist: A-B Moore

[Trogon]

As I am starting into the next card, I realized there were a couple of other thoughts about The Fool which I had not included in my original post. I thought they were worth sharing ...

 

While studying The Fool from the Haindl Tarot ... thinking of the expression of surprise and wonder on his face, made me think of "Third Rock from the Sun". The aliens come to earth in human bodies and are experiencing human life for the first time. One scene always stuck in my head and it kind of epitomizes that whole wonder and surprise with every new experience;

 

Another thing that was prompted by Rachel Pollack's write-up was a spiritual aspect of the Fool. The Fool is at the beginning of Human life - he has been given Human life at the cost of being separated from "God" and a purely spiritual existence. Why would he want to suffer the separation of his soul being forced into a mortal body? I wonder if we (as this Fool Spirit) don't do this in order to learn just what it means to be mortal. To learn what the physical and emotional feelings are in order to better understand what our Spirit has. We learn about love, pain, beauty ... and even sneezes, so we can grow more as the pure Spiritual beings we are. Do these experiences and lessons make us more well-rounded as spirit beings?

[Gardener]

Hello Tarot Friends,

 

Here we are, the fools of our own personal 78 week journey.  I am just going to post the image for now, and I will edit this post with observations over the course of the week.  I am working with PathWalker's Patchwork Tarot, and the first card is from Ciro's Legacy of the Divine.  Was anybody else on the AT boards when Ciro was first creating this deck?  It's a beauty, and a sweet way to begin!

 

[katrinka]

 

Thomson Leng Tarot, 1935

 

My purpose in doing this is not to collect possible meanings, correspondences, etc., but rather to distill information from various sources into a single, stripped-down, easily recalled core meaning that can then be unpacked and put into the context of any question that may arise at the reading table. These meanings should be subject to the influence of near-lying cards, as well.

Card description and impressions: The image is a near mirror image of RWS, but like the Wirth and the Knapp Hall, there is a crocodile or alligator, which leads me to believe that the Fool is stepping off a riverbank rather than a cliff. The end result is still carnage if nothing intervenes. The card is numbered 21, something I don’t care to split hairs over. The dog appears to be trying to stop him rather than herding him forward.

The Fool is often said to be a force of nature, blindly moving ahead. One example would be a man sneaking in a lover’s window. If caught, he may well be killed by her husband or father. But, as old Joe Campbell said, “This is the species talking.” Not the individual. Nature considers the individual disposable and mandates the creation of a new generation. Such forces can override common sense.

 

LWB: “A young man richly dressed goes merrily on his way, blinded by the sun and unaware of the dangers that beset him. The dog is trying to attract his attention ere he steps to his ruin.
This card must be taken as a special warning for the questioner. There are temptations and dangers to be faced, but safety may be found by heeding the advice of someone with love in her heart.

Upside down* - Special danger from vanity.”

 

The LWB and the image are compatible with each other. It’s a bit of a departure from popular Tarot meanings, though not at odds with those.

Synthesis/core meaning: A warning.

 

Notes: The card to the right in a line could refer to what the warning is about. In a box spread, the card diagonally below and to the right should be considered as well. The card directly below might be what the Fool “stands on” – how solid is it? The card to the left might give some clues about “the dog”. Above, what’s on the Fool’s mind, and diagonally above and to the right in the sun position, what blinds him. Use only if relevant.

 

*I intend to use attendance rather than reversals with this deck. But I’m including reversed meanings from the LWB since they would be relevant if near-lying cards were a negative influence.

 

Edited August 30, 2020 by katrinka

[Grace]

The Foolish Man – The Hermetic Tarot by Godfrey Dawson

The Spirit of Ether (Aether)



Significant Symbology and meaning

• Number 0
• Letter Aleph
• Element Air
• The Sun
• The Crocodile
• The Wolf
• Flower of Silence
• Rose
• Knapsack

 

By its very name “The spirit of Ether”, I feel like this card is referencing the shin (or the fifth element of spirit). The designation of zero pointing to the nothingness or vacuum from which he came, is reinforced by the Flower of Silence which stands behind him. The symbol of Air is strategically placed above the flower. The letter Aleph (while commonly referred to as Ox, or life-power) also is attributed to Air, or the life-breath required for the first vibration of sound that is said to belong to the next card in line – The Magician. Furthermore the three rays of the sun represent the veils of Ain Soph Aur or ‘God’ consciousness prior to the manifestation, just as they appear above the tree of life.

The Sun also represents one of the many faces of God, in this case Ra. While the Fool himself is a kind of embodiment of Horus, who was often depicted as a child. While the crocodile could be a reference to Sobek, which interestingly enough underwent a few important changes and kind of fused with both Ra and Horus. An understanding of the separateness of God energy, as well as its oneness is often talked about in esoteric teachings. The wolf by the side of the Fool is a symbolic statement about the counter energy to creation, the wolf being symbolic of destruction. The wolf as companion suggests the natural balance of creation and destruction as being symbiotic. But the Fool is holding the wolf via chain here, suggesting an element of control over that destructive energy, or the illusion of control at the very least.

The Fool holds the rose of joy in his hand, representing perfect innocence and beauty. His worldly possessions lay at his feet at the edge of the precipice, dangerously close to the edge and yet safe, perhaps showing how both huge and small a difference it is between existence and nonexistence. It really is a card of potential.

 

 

Astrological Aspects

Pluto. I’m not going to argue the rightness or wrongness of the application of this planet to The Fool (instead of the more popular Uranus for instance). It is a study that is beyond me at this point. But I am going to try and understand why it may have been applied.
 

Pluto symbolises power, transformation, destruction and regeneration – characteristics that mirror the Fool very well. As the furthest planet from the Sun, it’s power is said to be rooted in darkness and is named after the Roman God of the underworld. The connection to the void, nothingness, vacuum, or zero from which the Fool manifested can be made from not only it’s position in space, but the application of the Roman and Greek Gods to the planet. Pluto is at the edge of the conscious world, just as the Fool seems to be. Pluto is also linked to the Lord Shiva of Hindu philosophy, who is also the Father of rebirth and destruction. Pluto’s power is subtle, but undeniable – taking at least a decade or three to pass from one constellation to the next, it’s effects are felt on a deeper level which lend to internal transformation and growth. As such, Pluto influences the aspects of the primal struggle with ego. Somewhat like the Fool’s attempt to control the wolf with the chain perhaps. Interestingly enough, the symbol of Pluto represents the three elements of life – Spirit, Soul, Substance.  

Pluto’s association with Scorpio, and it’s mysterious energy are an interesting fit. They are said to be at home in the 8^th House, where amongst other things – intuition is increased, ‘psychic’ abilities, and clairsentience more specifically which is fitting for the emotive water sign. This fits the idea of the Fool being a card of introspective, ‘feel-your-way-through’ the enigma that is the physical/nonphysical veil of pure potential.

 

Exploring the Tree of Life position

The Scintillating Intelligence

Path 11 – From Kether (Crown) to Chokmah (Wisdom).

 

The Fool sits on the path which connects Kether, the divine source, with Chokmah – which is said to be the first activity towards manifestation. It’s connection to Kether subjects the Fool to the ‘Limitless Light’ or Ain Soph, which it is close to. It feels like The Fool is floating in a kind of no man’s land – not, not conceived, but not conceived…. that energy just before an idea. The potential for thought, before the thought itself. The intent however seems Earth bound, hence the Aleph reference of ‘ox’ as a kind of natural representation of our physical existence. The path is activating, which serves as a reminder at this early juncture that the sephiroth are the centres for energy, and the paths are ‘subjective experiences’ between them. So put simply, one could say the Fool embodies the moving energy between the Holy Guiding Spirit or Source of Energy of Kether, and the Will to Force of Chokmah.

 

 

Overall meaning LWB
From the LWB:
Meanings: Idea. Thought. Sensitivity. The Flesh. Eternal life. Spirituality. Initiative. Folly. Foolishness.
Reversed: Bad decision. Indecision. Apathy. Hesitation.

 

Edited September 1, 2020 by Grace

[Flaxen]

Tabula Mundi - The Fool

Elemental trump of Air

Hebrew Letter - Aleph (Ox)

Tree of Life path 11 from Kether to Chokmah

 

First Impressions:

There is a dizzying feeling watching the Fool stand on this precipice. The alchemical mix of water and fire pour into the void suggesting all is potential here. The animals present are tiger, butterfly and sobek. The ouroboros (of which there are 3) represent the Ain, Ain Soph and Ain Soph Aur the Fool must cross. He stands before a wormhole. It connects two points in space-time - the potential to travel forwards and backwards to any point in the story is there. 
 

 

Edited August 31, 2020 by Flaxen

[Gardener]

Hello all,

 

What interests me in first impression, comparing our four fools, is that the three Fools OTHER than mine have a lot in common - the stepping off into the precipice, the bag over the shoulder, the crocodile.  My Fool is floating in space and seems to face no threats, neither gravity nor crocodile.  I am enjoying the chance to see so many Fools I've never seen before.  I am getting tempted to take out ten decks and spread out ten Fools.  That's a whole lot of free spirit!  They might levitate!

[Grace]

@Gardener Your Fool is a bit of a rebel. 😂 But I think he holds the spirit of the Fool very well regardless. I would say from a purely visual/emotive/artistic aspect, you get a clearer sense of the essence of The Fool straight up. When I started researching the finer points of the symbolism of my card, the Fool feels like he is floating between this idea of existence, kind of like your Fool is floating around in space. You can still see the Earth in the background, a little reminder of the creations intended perhaps. The Tabula Mundi is perhaps the closest in terms of artistic 'feel', that cosmos vibe. The Hermetic feels more like Godfrey Dawson drank too much one night and accepted a challenge to fit as much symbology into each card as humanly possible. I love it, but it is lacking a little something.... less is more?

 

[Gardener]

 

A Fool's Journey

This post is going to be embarrassing to write, and I'm not even sure I'm posting it.

You will have all gathered by now that I am somewhat impulsive, and the more time I spend with the Fool card of various decks, the more I see that I've spent much of my life on the commencement of things.  The infinite moment of stepping off the cliff.  Starting is my strong suit, and finishing not so much.  This 78 week study is going to be a crucible of effort!

 

The Fool - patron saint of promising beginnings - c’est moi.  I love starting things.  I have started with so many different decks now, for this study.  I have written up my insights on cards from the Ironwing, the Greenwood and the Margarete Petersen.  I have spent time looking through the Wild Unknown, the Fantastic Menagerie, and now the Patchwork.  I even briefly flirted with Crowley.  All these decks are wonderful, some old favorites and some new friends.  Part of me wants to choose them all!  In fact, I considered trying to do a 7-deck study.  One Fool per day?  That hits a little too close to home!

 

The time I spent with Ciro’s Fool was the moment of suspension, when you have stepped off the cliff but not yet fallen.  Or flown.  It was the foolish moment.  I couldn’t see forward.  Isn’t the Fool sometimes blindfolded?

 

As I was hovering in the state of suspension, all of these decks like Schrodinger’s cat, neither chosen nor unchosen, all this time the Margarete Petersen has been hovering in the back of my mind.  There are two cards in particular - hopefully I can post images for you later - the Magician (in her deck, Magic) and the Two of Coins.  Magic is a tribal mask, and you can see the spirit energy breathing out its mouth.  The Two of Coins is two footprints, with a snake winding around them.  These images have been haunting me.

 

Finally, after a few days that felt like an eternity, I pulled Margarete’s Fool.  See, here’s the problem.  I don’t know if I have the ability to make you see how much this was a problem for me.  I dislike Margarte’s Fool card intensely.  It’s a lovely card, beautifully painted, great imagery.  But it doesn’t fit the rest of the deck at all.  Where most of the deck hums with shamanic fire energy, this is an intellectual piece.  It is tidy where they are raw, it is refined where they are chaos.  It was the first card she painted, and the only one she did not revisit.  She spent 20 years creating this deck, and painted most of the cards many times.  Oh how I wish she had revisited the Fool at the end of the journey!  This Fool belongs to a deck I would have eagerly purchased for its beauty, and then promptly shelved, unused.

 

So how can I start my journey, here in this 78 week study?  I guess the question really is, am I studying one deck, am I studying the Tarot with a capital T, or am I studying myself?  Is the answer - all three?

 

In order to choose to use Margarete’s deck, I have to make a leap of faith, past her Fool.

[Gardener]

@Grace - now that I've worked out my own personal dilemma, I've been wanting to reply to your comment about your Hermetic Fool.  First, I am very impressed by all the scholarship he Brought to the card, and you brought to your analysis.  But my thought, looking at the Fool, is that he is too peaceful, too static, too much at rest.  He is like a nice sturdy reliable Knight of Pentacles.  Where is his Foolish energy?

[FindYourSovereignty]

3 hours ago, Gardener said:

 

A Fool's Journey

This post is going to be embarrassing to write, and I'm not even sure I'm posting it.

You will have all gathered by now that I am somewhat impulsive, and the more time I spend with the Fool card of various decks, the more I see that I've spent much of my life on the commencement of things.  The infinite moment of stepping off the cliff.  Starting is my strong suit, and finishing not so much.  This 78 week study is going to be a crucible of effort!

 

The Fool - patron saint of promising beginnings - c’est moi.  I love starting things.  I have started with so many different decks now, for this study.  I have written up my insights on cards from the Ironwing, the Greenwood and the Margarete Petersen.  I have spent time looking through the Wild Unknown, the Fantastic Menagerie, and now the Patchwork.  I even briefly flirted with Crowley.  All these decks are wonderful, some old favorites and some new friends.  Part of me wants to choose them all!  In fact, I considered trying to do a 7-deck study.  One Fool per day?  That hits a little too close to home!

 

The time I spent with Ciro’s Fool was the moment of suspension, when you have stepped off the cliff but not yet fallen.  Or flown.  It was the foolish moment.  I couldn’t see forward.  Isn’t the Fool sometimes blindfolded?

 

As I was hovering in the state of suspension, all of these decks like Schrodinger’s cat, neither chosen nor unchosen, all this time the Margarete Petersen has been hovering in the back of my mind.  There are two cards in particular - hopefully I can post images for you later - the Magician (in her deck, Magic) and the Two of Coins.  Magic is a tribal mask, and you can see the spirit energy breathing out its mouth.  The Two of Coins is two footprints, with a snake winding around them.  These images have been haunting me.

 

Finally, after a few days that felt like an eternity, I pulled Margarete’s Fool.  See, here’s the problem.  I don’t know if I have the ability to make you see how much this was a problem for me.  I dislike Margarte’s Fool card intensely.  It’s a lovely card, beautifully painted, great imagery.  But it doesn’t fit the rest of the deck at all.  Where most of the deck hums with shamanic fire energy, this is an intellectual piece.  It is tidy where they are raw, it is refined where they are chaos.  It was the first card she painted, and the only one she did not revisit.  She spent 20 years creating this deck, and painted most of the cards many times.  Oh how I wish she had revisited the Fool at the end of the journey!  This Fool belongs to a deck I would have eagerly purchased for its beauty, and then promptly shelved, unused.

 

So how can I start my journey, here in this 78 week study?  I guess the question really is, am I studying one deck, am I studying the Tarot with a capital T, or am I studying myself?  Is the answer - all three?

 

In order to choose to use Margarete’s deck, I have to make a leap of faith, past her Fool.

You have described my experience exactly. I also considered doing one fool each day so I could learn and embrace more decks, more knowledge, more... everything. I am a natural initiator and, although I finish many things, but just as many or more things go unfinished. I really need the motivation of others to keep me going and this group will be helpful for me. 

 

Interesting details about Margarete’s deck. I’ve been fascinated by it, but not purchased. After reading your insights on, not sure why, but my mind started wandering to the Osho Tarot because it is so different than the standard RWS... sigh... another deck possibility?  😍

 

 

 

 

Edited September 3, 2020 by FindYourSovereignty

[Flaxen]

2 hours ago, Gardener said:

The Fool - patron saint of promising beginnings - c’est moi.  I love starting things.

Totally get this! I’m a bit of a magpie when it comes to learning. Love to compare and contrast and get lost down the side routes before circling back to where I started (sometimes many years later)! 
 

I’ve come to accept that I’m not really a linear learner - I work in spirals. This process of 78 weeks will be a real challenge for me. Hopefully, we can all help keep each other going. 

[Gardener]

Here is Margarete's Fool

[Gardener]

Here are two more cards from Margarete's deck that in my opinion show a very different energy.  They are Magic (the Magician) and the Two of Coins.

[Gardener]

@Flaxen and @FindYourSovereignty, we need to find a non-linear way to study the cards!  I want to create a spiral study plan!

[FindYourSovereignty]

4 minutes ago, Gardener said:

Here are two more cards from Margarete's deck that in my opinion show a very different energy.  They are Magic (the Magician) and the Two of Coins.

 

It looks like a completely different deck; both styles are really beautiful. Thank you for posting them. 

 

4 minutes ago, Gardener said:

@Flaxen and @FindYourSovereignty, we need to find a non-linear way to study the cards!  I want to create a spiral study plan!

 

That sounds fun!