How to Interpret the Fool Card in a Tarot Reading

The Tarot Fool card is a Major Arcana card, which may be numbered 0 or XXII. An archetypal card, the Fool incorporates symbols of naivety and ignorance. When interpreting the Fool card (or any Tarot card), pay attention to the surrounding symbols on the card. Practice and develop your intuitive powers to give an accurate and comprehensive reading. Read the Fool's story in the illustrations of the card.

Instructions

1. 

   Advise your seeker that when one draws The Fool, it can herald an approaching journey that will have an important impact and introduce a fundamental change in the seeker's life.

2. 

   Interpret the symbols that populate the card. The Fool or Jester symbolizes the seeker's need to lighten up, to laugh at himself, play and have a good time. Emphasize that a playful approach to self and life reveals that which can not otherwise be realized.

3. 

   Describe the meaning of The Fool's wand or staff. Symbolic of fire and its passionate energy, The Fool holds the staff with a tight grip. This is how the seeker should hold on to opportunities. Although the staff is a symbol of power, it is power held playfully. The seeker is advised not to take herself too seriously.

4. 

   Draw the seeker's attention to The Fool's garments. His cape is blue, which symbolizes a journey toward truth and wisdom. The Fool is just beginning his journey and, when he finds his destination, he will share his wisdom far and wide.

5. 

   Read the Fool Reversed. In reversed position, The Fool Reversed suggests that the seeker experiences fear of taking a chance, of journeying into the unknown, the distant land of opportunities that ought not be missed. The normal comic grin is turned upside down and may mean that the seeker hides his true feelings out of fear.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to interpret individual cards within the larger contexts of the spread and the issue.

Resources

• The Fool
• The Fool: Basic Tarot Symbols
• Trump 0 - The Fool