Perhaps the least understood of the Major Arcana
the Fool is at times a 0, a XXII or no number is given at all. Prior to the
acceptance of the Arabic numbering system there was no 0. In an age of
binary computer codes and a long tradition of Arabic numbers it may seem
strange to us that a designation for nothing only came with the late
acceptance of the numerical style we use today.
The Fool is represented as standing on the edge
of a cliff about to step into the void. Depending on the course of the
reading this can mean danger, new things about to begin or a person of a
particular temperament.
Because the Fool is always just starting something
he remains ever youthful. For him there is no past and the future is a bland
of empty air. As a person these people tend to be spontaneous, carefree,
frivolous impulsive or irresponsible. It is in this that they are often the
"outsider". Protesters, civil disobedients, rebels, pranksters, Peter
Pan and any who live without society's rules are represented by the Fool.
Do you know someone who is a "jester"? Those
people who are inclined to be fun are often the "Fool". Find someone who
loves to play with the children at the park. That one special person who truly
is enjoying themselves with the kids. This is the spontaneous, carefree kind
of personality that usually goes with this card. On the darker side; is there
someone you know who just can't seem to get their lives together? No matter
how many jobs they take in a short time they've quit or been fired.
Taken to extreme this can lead to jail time as irresponsible actions in the
adult world result in unpaid traffic fines, financial problems due to
unresolved debts, bad check writing, over indulgence in drinking or use of
recreational substances.
Often the person who is so much the life of the
party is also the Fool. Never acknowledging the dangers of excess, ignoring
the hangover the next day, the mess that must be cleaned up by someone else.
Fun is the password to his life and pain is often the result. This can lead to
a self pitying resentful person who believes the world was created just for
his enjoyment.
The Fools Bag is a Tarot layout that uses only
five cards. On a large cloth draw a five pointed star, filling the whole
cloth. Label each point as Material, Spiritual, Emotional, Romantic and
Business. Shuffle as usual and lay out one card for each point and
interpret. This makes for a very easy short reading at the park if you're
relaxing under the shade of a big tree. I find many people will stop for a $5
reading if I'm just sitting with the cloth.
It is important to keep in mind that as with any
Tarot interpretation the Fool may not be a person. It may be a warning that
the questioner is about to behave in a foolish or dangerous manner and that
they need to think through a tendency to be Peter Pan. You may ask if the
person sees themselves in this role or if they are being affected by someone's
persistent irresponsible behavior.
Whether the Fool comes up to show a dangerous
situation about to occur or a warning to mend careless ways it is based on the
careless prankster who never grows up.