In this chapter of the tarot course we will see The Fool and its meanings. The hidden details for its interpretation in the tarot, its correspondence with numerology, the elements and kabbalistics.
What does The Fool mean in the Tarot? What does the Fool card mean in love, work, money or health? What is its spiritual meaning and what does it reveal to us? What does the Fool card mean upside down or inverted?
The Fool in the tarot
The Fool represents the number 0 in the tarot deck. The Fool, like all tarot cards, has a different meaning depending on whether it appears upside down or backwards.
The Fool, as a quick guide, represents in upright: principles, innocence and spontaneity, a free spirit. Inverted: it signifies naivety, foolishness, imprudence, taking inordinate risks.
Description of the figure
Also known as the goof, the fool, or the buffoon. Not as bad as it sounds, this card invites you to join the adventure.
The Fool carries the number 0 as he has no definite place. Zero is the potential without limits. The tarot cards represent with their major arcana a journey, in which the fool is the beginning of it.
This is the journey that we take through life. The sun in the figure represents the beginning of the journey. The cliff he is about to descend is the material world. In the bag he carries everything he needs for this journey, but he does not yet know all its contents.
The little white dog is the guide, his mentor, who also encourages him to learn what his journey has in store for him.
The white rose in his hand is the innocence with which he begins this adventure, it represents the purity with which we come into the world. The madman looks up, the divine spirit. The mountains that have been left behind is the place from where the madman has departed, the territories of the spirit, where he will try to return throughout his long journey.
Associations and correspondences
- In Kabbalistics: It is No. 400, the letter TAU, the earth.
- Elements: Associated to fire, but also to the other 3 elements, since it is considered that in his bag he carries all of them.
- In Numerology: It is number 22
What does the fool mean in the Tarot?
When The Fool comes out in natural position (right side up). General Meaning: Principles, innocence, spontaneity, a free spirit.
In general, the fool is always an indicator of novelty; as well as purity and great energy, unbending, like the open heart of a child. This is generally considered a positive card, with the caveat that it is important to take the time to make sure you “watch where you’re going.”
This card could indicate a new beginning that has some deeper spiritual significance, for while its meaning reaches to anything new you might start or have, it is more related to things of spiritual transcendence such as a change of job or city, a marriage or new partner, than regarding more material things such as buying a car or a new house.
It can also mean that, of course, but generally speaking it is associated with spiritual changes in your life. The appearance of the fool can represent an important “starting over”. There may be a move or a long journey.
What does the the fool Card mean at work?
Other people may not understand or support your new ideas and/or proposals, but if you know you are right, push and insist and try to help them understand where your reasoning and ideas are coming from.
This card sometimes indicates the search for a new position within the work arena or even marks that the time might be right for you to “go out on your own” and start your own business.
There may also be a situation of poor concentration and work apathy, dispersion and procrastination, all with significant mental efforts.
What does the Madman Card mean in love?
The appearance of The Fool in the context of love could mean that you are not yet ready for a commitment, even though others may be pressuring you to have one, for example a boyfriend who insists on getting married or trying cohabitation.
This card is a positive omen for your love life; lots of fun seems to be in store. Just don’t let your desire to have fun cause you to overlook “real love” (true, deep love) in case it is coming to you now or in a while.
There may be some short-lived passions due to lack of commitment and this card may point to the impossibility of intense romance or living a great love, because the current situations are not manageable, nor can they be controlled by the couple.
What does the the fool card mean for money and finances?
In terms of money, the fool has an extremely positive meaning. You can expect a raise if you work for a salary or increase your sales and profits if you are self-employed.
In addition, this card signals that you will find in yourself great strength and confidence, a knowing that no matter what happens financially, you are going to be okay and you are going to “make it to the top.” Trust yourself, work hard, and things will turn out better than expected.
It is generally an appropriate time to bring paperwork up to date, verify investments, update and monitor accounts.
What does the the fool Card mean for health?
You may be a bit accident-prone when the fool appears; you should be “present in the moment,” attentive and not take foolish risks. In general, however, when this card appears it is very likely to indicate improvements in your health.
If you are having health problems, you are likely to find the people and elements you need to move toward a full recovery. Positive thinking is important and should come quite easily to you now.
In some cases it signals blood circulation problems and recommends rest and rest as much as you can to restore yourself.
What does The Fool mean spiritually?
When this card appears, you probably have a desire to try a lot of different spiritual approaches to see how you adjust to each of them.
There is nothing wrong with this exploration, however you should not get carried away with any one thing, don’t be rushed or dazzled by the first idea or approach, remember that you are not “buying” anything, just “looking”.
This card may indicate a powerful need to gain deeper knowledge about spirituality, and your friends and family may not understand where this is coming from. In any case, you have to do what is best for you.
What does the Madman card upside down or reversed mean?
The Fool card in the reversed position, General meaning: Naivety, foolishness, recklessness, risk-taking.
When The Fool card appears reversed, it may show that there is a need for a new beginning, but there is some hesitation about making it happen.
While there is a need or awareness to start something new, you have great resistance to initiating this process.
This card also means that you are acting without thinking, literally “on the spur of the moment,” without considering the consequences. You try to live in the present, in the moment, without planning ahead.
In another aspect it could be indicative that you may be being tricked and you are playing the fool because of your innocence and gullibility.
What does the reversed the fool card mean at work?
You have some inability at the moment to get your projects off the ground and to get your day-to-day work done.
You may have excellent ideas and plans for your work but you are in a constant indecision to act, you do not know whether to put everything, you doubt your abilities and talents. It can also mean business trips that are canceled or delayed longer than planned.
What does the Madman card reversed mean in love?
When the Fool appears upside down in a love-related question, it may indicate that your desire for freedom and independence could very well be interfering with your love relationship.
Lack of firm plans and commitment could jeopardize the relationship. There is a reluctance to settle down, to marry or live together, to plan for the arrival of children.
In another aspect, the couple shows instability due to eccentric behavior on your part, crazy ideas, perhaps bad influences that surround you from friends or family.
What does the card of the fool reversed mean in money and finances?
As far as money is concerned, the reversed the fool rings some warning bells. You should pay close attention to what you sign, read the fine print of contracts to avoid paying surprisingly high costs later.
The card indicates that things may not be as they appear on the surface. There may be deception and scams against you or even coming from you. You should be attentive to the way you manage money as there are risks of losses due to bad investments.
What does the reversed the fool card mean in health?
The reversed Loco highlights the possibility that you will be somewhat prone to accidents in the near future, especially those related to sports or outdoor activities.
If you suffer from any ailments, consider consulting other opinions or changing doctors. Try to stay in a strong positive frame of mind.
What does the the fool card reversed mean spiritually?
The reversal of this card may indicate that you are abandoning a belief system you have had for a long time, for example a religion, because it no longer offers you the answers you need. You have a need to explore new ideas and concepts along perhaps less traveled paths.
It may also mean that at least for the moment, your spiritual journey is at a plateau, there is no progress, as you may be concerned with more physical and earthly matters than spiritual nourishment, so this card urges you not to abandon your spirituality.
