The Fool
This Deck: Aquarian
General Meaning: Pamela Coleman-Smith's artful rendition of an "innocent Fool" archetype (Rider-Waite 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 instances, he 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, as yet 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, the potential misplaced step that will send the Fool tumbling into the unknown. Don't forget, however, that the earlier versions of this card represented already-fallen humanity, over-identified with the material plane of existence, and beginning a pilgrimage towards 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.

Fast Facts
About The Fool
Theme: Let go of expectations and trust your instincts.
Astro Association: Uranus
Element: Air
Number: 0
Alias: The Madman, Innocence


Comments: 30
It is basically the character blindly walking among the flowers and the butterfly's head in the air and blindly steps off a cliff into the unknown...
I would love to learn so much more.
What sign are you?
"Uranus represents in astrology the planet of revolution, rebellion, freedom, and unexpected events. It's a symbol of individuality and uniqueness.
When the Fool card shows up in a reading, the querent (person inquiring) will gain a new outlook on life. It also indicates the beginning of a new cycle of life. The Fool represents optimism and joy, but can also mean that caution is needed.
Traditionally, this csrd's picture, the young man is about to walk off a cliff and is not watching where he is going. Carelessness could be the reason, and this can mean that more attention to detail is needed. A naive outlook can be implied. It can also represent a spontaneous and carefree attitude, or a person who is a dreamer and childlike.
While the Fool can mean the querent is beginning anew and will be starting out fresh and optimistically, if the cards around the Fool in a spread look difficult, the querent may be impulsive and lack good judgement with his 'head in the clouds'. New experiences will broaden one's horizons, and new people come with these new experiences.
The Fool can slo mean falling in love, just doen't leap without looking ahead or having a safety net underneath!
Thanks.
I know the Crowley Thoth deck is controversial but there are some who swear by it, including a reviewer at the above site and a very good friend of mine who has been casting for nearly half a century.
Just had a notice of free books, some on Tarot, available on line here:
http://affirm.hayhouse.com/hostedemail/email.htm?h=bf9264f1997822bc3c71cae71a88183b&CID=4738258686&ch=8B0F535B769433606812BCC23BD66D95
leo, the strength card is yours!