The Fool - Meaning, Interpretations and Symbolism

The Fool is the first major card in Tarot. It describes the beginning and end of the path to enlightenment. It is associated with the beginning of spring and purity (of self) in action. It’s the representation of innocence and care-free nature that is in all of us but is rarely maintained as we grow up, especially in modern society.

The Fool is a child of nature, all natural and without any pretense. He does not pretend to be what he isn’t and is not concerned with philosophy and societal norms. The fool simply enjoys the radiating sun, the wind, the water, the earth and all the magic that surrounds him. The whole world responds to him for his kindness and goodness, for he is fearless and loving. The Fool does not have big plans for the future or any strategy, even though he has all the potential to achieve. He is still playful for he doesn’t cling to life (as he has no preventive attitude to avoid death or misery).

When this card appears in a reading, it represents freshness, newness, innocence and lack of evil. To be The Fool is to have a care-free, natural attitude to things and to embrace spontaneity, to do as your gut tells you to do and not be stuck in thoughts and planning.