In life we encounter cycles. Within our day, within the world, and within the various areas of our lives. These cycles not only teach us, offering multiple opportunities to learn, but they also are there to guide and support us.
When we encounter moments that leave us with questions or even trauma, we can turn to the structure of the cycle we are in and receive guidance and support. For this reason, we can utilize the tool known as tarot.
Tarot: “A divination tool utilizing 78 cards to depicting answers to various questions.”
Tarot:
Within 78 cards, a community long ago placed all known wisdom into the depths of various images. Now hidden from persecution, this tool could be used to ease and shape our lives, and in this way we are empowered. Since studying with an amazing tarot teacher, I have reaped the benefits found within the cards.
While their persecution is no-longer at the level it once was, we still utilize tarot. It not only holds the knowledge of those who came before us, about the human experience, but it has remained relevant to human lives today. But I also remember how overwhelmed I felt when I first started. (Check out this post, to learn how to get started: Tarot 201: What is it?)
In the first readings I laid out, I would grab my book and flip to the page with the corresponding card. From there I was able to learn the basic meanings of the cards. As time passed, my knowledge grew, and now I can look at a single image and know what story is being told.
Anyone can look up the meaning of a card. For this reason, I am going to focus on the story they tell, about the cycle of life. Starting with the Major Arcana.
The Major Arcana:
The first 22 cards of tarot are known as the Major Arcana, while the other cards are known as the Minor Arcana. There is still debate over which component of tarot was first created, but since tarot’s creation, we place the Major Arcana first within the deck.
These cards represent the major life lessons that the Fool must learn in order to complete the cycle of life or spiritual enlightenment. The Fool is the only card of the Major Arcana not numbered. Often represented with a zero or no number, the Fool holds a very special meaning within the tarot.
The Fool:
Placed as the first card within the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, this card symbolizes the Querant or seeker of wisdom. While each card has many meanings and is associated with many symbols as seen on the cards, they each have a broad symbolism that we can start with.
From there, we can delve deeper into each card. Pulling in the connections with other tools (astrology/Qabalah/numerology) and even the relationship each card has with the other 77. In this way, the cards each have a special meaning, but they offer a complexity to represent life, and become relevant to any question the Querant or Seeker might ask.
The Fool’s main symbolism is that of a young man, who has just started upon his journey in life. Often times this card represents new journeys. The reason for this, is that the Fool represents each of us as children.
When we choose to reincarnate and come to Earth, we enter the world in a new form, and with an innocence to the depth and complexity of the human experience. From this starting point, we embark into the world, ignorant to the potential dangers in life (the cliff), carrying only the tools of life and our previous knowledge (the sack). Our innocence (represented by the dog) not only allows us to smell the sweetness to life (the white rose) but it also blinds us.
As you can see in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, each card’s image holds a plethora of meanings. The important thing to note as you start to delve into this tool, is the basic story of each card and pair it with your intuition. The various aspects of the card will draw your eye depending on the reading, helping you to decipher which meaning is relevant to the question you have posed.
The Fool’s Journey:
Since the Fool represents the Seeker, it doesn’t have a number, because the Fool will travel through each lesson/story of the Major Arcana. This is why the first 21 cards are known as the Fool’s Journey.
While these cards are numbered and follow a specific order, teaching the Fool within a set lesson plan, life is not that simple. Which is why we shuffle the cards and lay them out in various spreads. If we all followed the same lesson plan as the Fool, we would learn and encounter life in the same order as everyone else.
As we know, the human experience isn’t that simple. We are each on an individual journey. For this reason, we can skip, repeat, and even retrace our steps on the Fool’s Journey. Not to mention, we will travel the Fool’s Journey with each cycle in life we participate in. Just as there are a plethora of cycles going on in life (a lifetime/relationship/job/year/season/etc.) each tarot card represents a different component of each cycle.
For example, the Fool as a story, represents us as young Seekers fresh in life, untouched by “passion,” wide-eyed and opened to what’s to come, and even blind to the potential pitfalls.
Within a spread, the Fool can represent…
- The Seeker.
- A new beginning.
- A dreamer or mystic.
- Innocence or ignorance.
- Desire to accomplish a great goal.
Then if you choose to include reversals (cards that come-up upside-down) you have another set of meanings.
As you can see, in placing all known knowledge about the human experience within a set of 78 cards, they each come with a depth of meaning. Which is why, when we first begin to study tarot, we start with the Major Arcana. We start with only right-side-up card meanings, and we build from there. After years of tarot, I am still learning, because I am still learning about the human experience.
The First Seven Cards of The Major Arcana:
Twenty-two cards make up the Major Arcana. One card is the Fool, the other twenty-one cards can be divided into three sets, to represents the three main components to the Fool’s Journey.
The first seven cards are: The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, and The Chariot. Here is how they relate to the Fool’s Journey and their main story.
The Magician:
At the start of the Fool’s Journey, our Seeker first encounters the Magician. A man in a robe lays out the tools of life onto his table. The Wand, The Cup, The Sword, and The Pentacle. (The four suits of the Minor Arcana.)
Within the image of the Rider-Waite-Smith, the Magician holds one hand in the air and directs his other hand towards the ground. Captured in action, the Magician teaches the Fool about living a human experience.
With his one hand, he pulls the energy of heaven (the divine/the esoteric) and directs it, through conscious awareness, into reality here on Earth. His manifesting abilities come through his understanding of his own mind and the control of forces within, in order to create what he envisions exactly within the world.
The Magician teaches our Fool about the power we have here in life, and the need for focus and intention. So, we can create what is healthy and desirable in life.
In a reading the Magician can symbolize:
- Taking that 1st step.
- Mastery.
- Ability to set intentions and manifest.
- Knowledge of self.
- Mastery of self.
- Ego. (When we come into our power, we can become boastful or egotistical when viewing ourselves next to those who have yet to find empowerment.)
The High Priestess:
Following the Fool’s beginning step, he passes the Magician and finds himself in a new land. Faced with a mysterious woman sitting on a throne, she is depicted as stationary. While the Magician is seen in the moment of action.
With two columns at her sides, the moon, and a half-hidden scroll, the very energy of this card, differs from the blatant truth seen with the Magician. This is because, the High Priestess has a different story to tell.
She sits beside the veil of the seen and unseen. Her knowledge is only for those who have learned about themselves and are ready to be welcomed into this secret world.
When the Fool meets the High Priestess, he learns about the tie between where he comes from (energy/the esoteric/the divine/the spiritual world) and the Earth he currently lives on. The manifesting abilities of the High Priestess teach the Fool about the artistic component of life.
In a reading the High Priestess can symbolize:
- Intuition.
- Unseen forces at work, or don’t get to know yet.
- The unknown and unseen.
- Can represent the ideal woman, a woman who will change your life, or the ideal components within you (if you’re a woman or identify as one).
- The spiritual world/component in your life.
Just as the Fool reconnects with the forces he forgot about at birth, he is ready to move onto his next lesson. Walking past the High Priestess, he is different, because he has been invited into a hidden world. With this deep wisdom within his mind, he is no-longer quite so innocent nor ignorant as before.
The Empress:
Past the High Priestess, our Seeker encounters a woman lounging in a wheat field. Her clothes, and stance depict a moment of sweet relaxation. Because the Empress has a very different story to share with the Fool.
While the Magician and High Priestess were all about the Earth and the potential the Fool has to manifest and create. The Empress is about the application of this knowledge.
She connects with the astrological sign of Venus and has many of the same traits. The Empress is filled with love for everyone, and her harmonious environment not only benefits those around her, but herself as well.
The Fool learns from her about the Law of Attraction. While the Empress enjoys a luxurious life, she approaches her life on Earth from a place of love. Her love creates a creative space within her life, and the harmony that comes from her treatment of others. Helping to manifest a safe environment for her to build her greatest dreams.
In utilizing the wisdom of the High Priestess and the self-control of the Magician, the Empress has created an internal reality that supports her. In her understanding of Karma and the Law of Attraction, she can help to influence an external reality that supports her as well. The Empress then takes the manifesting abilities of the Magician and High Priestess to create.
In a reading the Empress can symbolize:
- Seeing the good in everyone.
- Life of luxury.
- Hospitality.
- A good relationship with mother.
- Wealth.
- Marriage.
- Fertility. (For creating projects, for prospective parents, and even for farmers.)
Following the peaceful and gentle story of the Empress, the Fool has learned to embrace life with an open heart. The love he carries will not only influence his life, but what he receives from the world around him.
The Emperor:
This gentle energy washes away, only for the Fool to encounter a different component of life, the Emperor. He is hard, where the Empress is soft, but both teach about the tools and wisdom needed to create the world you desire to live in.
For the Emperor, he has traveled around the world, having seen and done much. From his journeys, we see his destination. Depicted on a large throne, the Emperor holds the active male energy in his right hand and the passive female energy in his left.
He is the result of the efforts made in life. While the Empress teaches how to approach life, the Emperor is the end product. He holds great wisdom within his being but won’t just share it with just anyone.
Through his own life journey, the Emperor knows the worth and value of his wisdom. He must be asked for the wisdom he has learned. An investment must be made.
As a result, the Emperor can judge people, seeing them for who they are. Both their strengths and weaknesses, which not only allows him to connect on a deeper level with others but protect what he has built. Enforcing the boundaries of his kingdom.
In a reading the Emperor can symbolize:
- Structure & boundaries. (Playing by the rules).
- Protecting what you’ve created.
- A lesson that teaches how to ask for aid.
- A person with wisdom to share.
- Maintaining order.
- Leadership & authority.
- Aggression (over-protectiveness).
With the foundation (#4 in numerology) in place, the Fool is ready for his next lesson. On he walks past the Emperor.
The Hierophant:
Where he encounters the Hierophant or Sage (depending on the deck and religious view). Just as the High Priestess was private in her wisdom, the Hierophant share’s his knowledge with all.
On each side of the Hierophant a column stands. These are the same columns we saw with the High Priestess, and they represent the duality in life. One column teaching the traits of severity, death, and the unseen. With the right column teaching, mercy, life, and the seen. It takes a balance of both light and dark forces to unify Spirit, the soul, and the body (three tier crown, three crosses on front of robe, & three strips on his staff).
From this balance, the Hierophant (religious leader) can channel the wisdom of the heavens and impart it to those who come seeking guidance (the two on their knees).
The one challenge the Hierophant presents to the Fool, is the public manner of his wisdom. Since the Hierophant is open with his wisdom to all who pass by, the privacy found with the High Priestess is absent. The Fool must learn not only about his own morals, his place within this world, but stand strong against the social pressures found within a public setting.
In a reading the Hierophant can symbolize:
- Asking for guidance & aid.
- Social expectation.
- Your morals.
- Discovering your fit within a group.
- Sage/religious figure.
- Institutions such as schools.
- Rituals/ceremonies/weddings.
At this stage of the Fool’s Journey, our Seeker has learned much about the world he has been born into. From this wisdom, he has formed his own moral code and learned about his place in this world.
The Lovers:
As he passes the Hierophant, he encounters a very different story. The Lovers depict not a person, but three beings. The first a great angel (Archangel Raphael- healer), then a man and a woman. Both naked, their absence of clothing represents complete honesty within the Rider-Waite-Deck.
This scene has many layers, as each person and plant represent different components within life. At its core, the Lovers depict the many decisions in life.
The Fool has learned about the world and his power in life. He then learned about the potential in life from the Empress and Emperor, but he is still young. He has many decisions to make. The Lovers teach him about the turning points in life.
The lesson the Lovers teach, is the need for harmony between the many components of life. The divine (Archangel Raphael), the subconscious (woman), the conscious (man), the energies present at his birth (astrology- tree with twelve leaves/flames), and the five sense or elements (the other tree).
In a reading, the Lovers can symbolize:
- Turning point.
- Healing. (Aromatherapy, reiki, yoga).
- A choice to be made.
- Temptation.
- Harmony between all the components of life and self.
The Chariot:
With a choice made, the Fool walks past his turning point and continues down his journey. Due to the decisions he has made since the start (birth) he has come to the next story.
The Chariot depicts a man who drives his chariot with purpose and success. Keeping in rein both the dark and light aspects of himself and life (white & black sphinx), the Chariot represents a moment of mastery.
Depicted by the square on his chest, the Chariot teaches the Fool about triumph and the mastery of the physical world he lives in.
In a reading, the Chariot can symbolize:
- Victory.
- On the right path.
- A strong, honest, and direct person.
- Internal struggle (the white & black sphinx).
- Travel. (Generally, by car).
The Second Set of Seven Cards in The Major Arcana:
One third of the way through the Fool’s Journey, our Seeker reaches a place of great triumph. Through the acquiring of past knowledge, he sets himself up to not only live in the world but thrive.
His knowledge of life and the many components within the human experience, allow him to master living on Earth. With the second component of his journey, the Fool will learn about esoteric or divine role the spiritual world has on life. These stories will be told by: Strength, The Hermit, The Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, and Temperance.
Strength:
Following victory, the Fool discovered in the mundane aspects of life, he feels strong. Our Seeker then carries this newfound strength onwards, until he encounters a woman dressed in white petting a wild lion.
Within his mind, the Fool’s thoughts revolve around the potential danger he is witnessing, and with these thoughts, he discovers his next lesson.
The woman depicted in the card of Strength, tells a story of danger and a different type of victory. While the Fool sees a woman and lion, they are both the same being.
The lion representing passion unrestrained. Desire and the darker aspects of one’s personality has the potential to open its mouth and howl. This growl can lead to danger for self and others.
But just as we all have an inner animal, passionate and wild, we also are the young woman. As the Fool can see, this woman, possess the quality of innocence and purity (white), that has the potential to rein in passion. From this loving approach, the woman can utilize the fire and energy of passion to fulfill her desires without endangering herself or the world.
In a reading, Strength can symbolize:
- Doing the right action.
- Having the strength/using the strength to do the right thing.
- Being ready to make changes.
- Digging deep within oneself or into the external world.
- Utilizing love over hatred.
Just as the Fool was feeling empowered in life, he uncovers another layer to life. This unseen aspect (subconscious/consciousnesses) can’t be witnessed from a moving car, but nonetheless lives and breathes.
The Hermit:
With this new discovery, the Fool feels as if he has entered into a new world. There is more to life than meets the eye, and with his mastery of the physical, he has demonstrated himself ready to uncover the next layer to life.
Lost in thought, he journeys past the woman and lion. As he travels, a light in the distance catches his eye and as he walks towards it. Where he meets a strange man all alone.
While his one hand holds the Lantern of Truth high, shining light out into the world, his posture and demeanor speak of solitary silence. The Hermit has crossed paths with the Fool and has new tools to share.
Holding his light, the Hermit has guided others who are more lost than he. This guidance aids people, like the Fool on their journey. But just as he holds up this light, his head dips down, because the Hermit doesn’t know all the answers.
He has questions of his own, and for this reason, he is lost in thought. In turning inwards, the Hermit can address this new layer of life he has encountered, and in doing so he teaches two very important lessons to our Fool.
Just as he seeks knowledge, so does the Hermit. Way-shower for those more lost than he, the Hermit supports those around him. While still taking time to honor his own lessons to learn. Looking inwards to discover wisdom and new knowledge.
In a reading, the Hermit can symbolize:
- The Way-shower or teacher.
- The journey to spiritual or material wealth.
- Looking inwards.
- Self-reflection.
- Hibernation.
The Hermit has taught the Fool that he has wisdom to share, even when he feels lost. The Fool has also learned how to look inwards, stepping away from the world, to address his own questions. With these lessons fresh in his mind, the Fool thanks the Hermit and walks past his light and back into the darkness.
The Wheel of Fortune:
As he walks, a sound catches his mind. The swirl of air draws him into a new environment. The Wheel of Fortune depicts a vision-esc scene. Animals, clouds, and a wheel can be seen.
With the swish and woosh, the wheel spins and the Fool feels the energy around him shift. This new scene imparts a simple truth. That nothing stays the same.
Even though the Fool didn’t hear it, the wheel has been spinning. With each new story that is shared with him, and each new piece of wisdom he seeks, our Seeker spins the wheel.
Who he was at the start of his journey, does not reflect who we see now, and for this reason, a change has occurred. The new pieces of wisdom, along with the new tools the Fool uses, change how he sees and understands the world. This perception creates his personal philosophy, his understanding of the human experience.
With the new knowledge the Hermit has imparted, the Fool spins the Wheel of Fortune and changes the quality of his life.
In a reading, the Wheel of Fortune can symbolize:
- A change, the wheel spins. (Look to the surrounding cards to know if this change is positive or not.)
- Need to get of your own way.
- Second chance/take a chance.
- Law of impermanency.
- Fluctuation of fortune.
- Fate/destiny.
As the Fool walks past the Wheel of Fortune, the sounds quite and silence greet his ears once more. But he knows differently now, and knows that as he continues on his journey, to expect a new state of things.
Justice:
Within his mind the Fool wonders what he might find. How have things changed? What will come next?
As these thoughts swirl within his mind, he envisions possible futures. Until his journey brings him to a man seated between two pillars. He knows what they mean now, and the Fool starts to assess the man before him.
The two pillars represent the balancing forces in life and the square on his crown represents mastery of the physical world. The Fool also sees a sword in one hand and a scale in the other.
With his assessment made, the Fool’s mind starts to churn over ideas of who this man is and what story he might tell.
It is then that Justice speaks, because as the Fool analyzed Justice, the man was watching the Fool. Justice shares with the Fool snippets of his story. The stories of others.
For as Justice has sat upon his throne, he has witnessed many souls and their stories. Having been tasked with weighing their past with their present, Justice must hold people accountable.
It is easy Justice tells the Fool, to gather your thoughts and opinions before an interaction. To prepare yourself based on how you think a person will respond, but this is not healthy. You must purge this false wisdom from your mind.
Each time you encounter a new situation, the result of the Wheel of Fortune spinning, you must come with an open mind and heart. Weigh the situation based on what is currently transpiring. Only use the past to help educate and guide your decision. Do not let it dictate what will happen or how you understand this new moment.
In a reading, Justice can symbolize:
- Purging.
- Feng Shui. (The purging and balancing of your environment.)
- Seeking harmony.
- Natural laws.
- Legal systems.
With these words spoken, the Fool senses within himself the swish of the wheel, as he becomes a different man. Justice has taught him that all the wisdom he has learned along his way has not all been healthy. Made based on experiences and misunderstandings, this false wisdom must be cut away from his life.
The Fool has also learned to approach each new story with an open mind. To weigh things as they are and not how we anticipate them to be or based on the outdated past.
The Hanged Man:
With these new lessons fresh in his mind, the Fool continues on his journey. He ponders all he has learned and questions which are pieces of wisdom is real. In doing so, he utilizes the lessons of the Hermit and looks inwards.
As the Empress teaches, he is lost in a place of love when his feet lead him to a man hung upside down. Upon such a sight, the Fool is knocked out of his internal contemplation.
Twisting his head from side to side, the Fool spends some time pondering the placement of this man. Such a state lies beyond his understanding and soon, his head rushes with blood and our Seeker calls out to the man.
Does he need aid? Is he in trouble? What can be done for this man?
The Hanged Man gazes at the Fool and greets him warmly. In response to the Fool’s bewilderment and need to help, the Hanged Man declines such aid. At first perplexed, the Fool takes a step forward to set the Hanged Man straight and stops.
The Fool sees he is acting on old knowledge, and does not know this Hanged Man. Because of this, he asks the Hanged Man why he declines help.
The Hanged Man responds that he is exactly where he wants to be. While it might be uncomfortable, he knows this state. To right himself, would lead him into a completely different reality. Nodding his head, the Fool feels a headache forming, due to the perplexity of this Hanged Man.
In a reading, the Hanged Man can symbolize:
- Law of acceptance.
- A crossroads.
- Self-surrendering, leading to transformation through self-awareness.
Walking onwards, the Fool shakes his head in confusion. Until he discovers the answer within his mind. When he chose to approach this new man and situation with open eyes and open heart, the past only informed his decisions and did not dictate them.
This allowed him to get to know the Hanged Man for who he was. Not who the Fool thought him to be, but what was real and true. As a result, the Fool was able to see the truth of things.
The Hanged Man wasn’t ready to move from his place. Maybe he was learning something that could only be learned hanging upside down, or maybe he was afraid of the spinning Wheel of Fortune. Either way, the Fool had a choice.
He could fight this man, an external source outside his power. Or he could accept him, for who he was. Having taken the time to get to know the Hanged Man, the Fool wasn’t sure why he chose to stay. As a result, he accepted the state of reality.
Death:
With this new approach to life within his mind, the Fool decides that he will accept whatever comes. No matter what form it takes. From this new perspective, his swift steps bring him to a strange scene.
Bodies lay upon the ground, a religious leader gazes upon a skeleton, in armor on a horse. Within the Fool’s mind he is grateful for his open mind. Especially given what he is witnessing before him.
As his eyes take in the sight before him, the Fool’s focus is slowly drawn inwards. With his sight aimed within, he witnesses a shift and change. Over the last few lessons, the Fool has come a long way since the young boy who had mastered the Earth.
With this realization, all the moving pieces within him weave together, and the Fool undergoes a transformation. Who he was before has died, and with this encounter with Death, he has been reborn.
In a reading, Death can symbolize:
- Transformation. (Often times building, but up until this point unseen.)
- Going with the flow.
- A rebirth.
- New opportunities.
- Natural change.
- Seeing what the Wheel of Fortune changed.
- Changes culminating.
This rebirth our Seeker witnesses within, leads him to walk past Death lost in thought. A change has transpired leaving our Fool in a different state than before.
While it has become the new him, he still has yet to learn what that means. Due to this, he pulls out all the tools he’s learned so far and tests who he is.
Temperance:
This testing brings him to a dynamic view. Another angel greets his sight. This time, Archangel Michael stands alone. In his hands he holds two cups, which he uses to transfer water from cup to cup. His feet stand, one in the water, and one on land.
As the Fool’s open heart and mind sweep over this angel, his sight is caught by the square. But unlike the Chariot, a triangle is drawn inside the square.
With the arrival of Temperance, this card tells a different story of victory. In being gifted with the triangle, Archangel Michael, congratulates the Fool in learning to not only thrive in the physical world, but the spiritual one as well.
In a reading, Temperance can symbolize:
- Creating something new.
- Dedicating to a path.
- Balancing of forces.
- Moderation & self-control.
The Final Set of Seven Cards in The Major Arcana:
With the Fool’s perseverance and presence in the moment, he has been exposed to the wisdom for both Earth and the unseen world. In learning these skills and tools, he has reached a place of mastery.
From his knowledge, he can craft a thriving human experience. As a master, the Fool sees himself as a grown man. No-longer wondering off of cliffs, he has faced the multi-facets of the world and come the point in his journey where he feels great.
But his journey is not finished. It is now time to put his knowledge to the test. Can the Fool face the temptations, challenges, and unknown qualities of life and still thrive? In facing The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, and The World, we’ll find out.
The Devil:
With life well in hand, the Fool continues on his journey only to encounter an intriguing, perplexing, and even frightening sight. The Archangel Uriel stands in place of the Devil and two people stand changed to a pillar.
Darkness, created by black (ignorance) seeps into the corners of the card, and the Fool is no-longer being taught a lesson about life. He is being tested. With this strange sight before him, will he walk away from his personalized temptation and fears or will he immerse himself in this dark world?
In a reading, the Devil can symbolize:
- Temptation.
- Old thought patterns. (False wisdom purged with Justice).
- Fear/phobias.
- Lust.
- Addictions.
- Materialism.
- Black magic.
The Tower:
As the Fool continues on the path he has chosen, we see where it has led him. Rather than walking away from temptation and fear, he has built himself a Tower.
Having delved deeper into his dysfunction, the Fool has built a mask to show the world. This “truth” about who he is, skates over the depth of his soul and becomes a barrier between him and the world.
The Fool has just shown us the mistakes that can be made during a life. This human mistake has led our Seeker into an unsafe and unhealthy world. But those who love him (Spirit, spirit guides, family, etc.) will not leave him to rot in his Tower.
As a result, an earthquake has shaken up the Fool’s world and brought the façade (clothing on people) he’s built, crumbling to the ground.
In a reading, the Tower can symbolize:
- Tearing down the reality you’ve created.
- Not facing your fears & old thought patterns.
- “breaking point” card.
- Change & conflict.
The Star:
As the dust settles, the Fool faces another choice in life. He can set about rebuilding the Tower (entering the eye of the storm). Or thanking his loving family for his intervention.
In choosing to keep walking the Fool’s Journey, our Seeker passes the forced transformation and begins to heal from his own self-neglect. As he walks, a light begins to form, and it draws him away from the destruction of his past. Guiding him to a different future.
In time, his feet bring him to a woman exposed and busy pouring water. In one hand the pitcher pours water back to its source, while in her other hand, the water pours new pathways into the land. Above her, the Stars shine bright and true.
Their light having guided the Fool past his own darkness, the spirit guides that reside above, twinkling with knowing. Yes, they seem to say. Yes, we have always been looking out for you.
The bare truth of this woman reminds our Seeker about his own wisdom. The truths he has come to learn, and he discovers a renewed sense of innocence and purity in life. Once again the lion within has been tamed by his love and the Fool grins, ready to live life again.
In a reading, the Star can symbolize:
- Hope.
- Wishes & dreams.
- Friendships.
- Chance encounters.
- Self-teacher.
- Light at the end of the tunnel.
- Guidance via spirit guides.
- Inspiration.
With the Fool’s renewed sense of life and hope he smiles as he walks past the Star and onto the path before him. He’s not quite sure what life has in store for him. He’s made some mistakes and lost his way.
The Moon:
But he also knows that he’s learned some things, and that he is forever guided. This knowledge held within, the Fool embarks along the river. Until he comes across a strange sight.
A river travels far into the future. On one side of the river is one column with a dog (innocence). On the other side of the riverbank is another pillar and this time a wolf (untamed passion). The sun and moon shine above, while a scorpion lays at the beginning of the river.
How is the Fool meant to read this story? What path does he take? This unknown situation perplexes the Fool, and yet he knows that to engage in life and reach his final destination, he must continue forward.
With hope renewed and love within his heart, the Fool gathers all he knows and proceeds forward into the unknown.
In a reading, the Moon can symbolize:
- Path unknown.
- The subconscious.
- Intuition.
- Past life memories.
- People with agendas.
- Discovering psychic abilities.
- Witchcraft & lunacy.
Traveling past the known world, the Fool felt strange and even uncomfortable. But as the night fades, taking the Moon with it, he is happy he continued on his journey.
The Sun:
For as the night fades, a new light begins to shine. The Sun dazzles the Fool’s sight, as a new day brings with it a new start. Approaching the day as Justice taught him, his inner child begins to smile a wide grin.
A day such as today, is meant to be spent in celebration. Thankful to be alive and filled with a sense of wonder inside, the Fool twirls around, arms spread wide, and forgets about the weight of learning.
In a reading, the Sun can symbolize:
- Happiness.
- Simplifying life.
- The good things in life.
- Success.
- Merriment.
As the Sun begins to set within the sky, the Fool looks about him and knows the moment has passed. The time for traveling has come and he must continue on his journey.
Judgement:
So close to the end of his journey, the Fool can see evidence of all his newfound wisdom. As time has gone by, his life has unfolded. With his human experience coming to a close, he has spent his time learning and weaving together the stories that have been shared with him.
As a result, what he knows and understands has only grown since that first lesson. Building upon one another, our Seeker enters into one last transformation. This time guided by Archangel Gabriel, the Fool witnesses before him others like him.
With the blowing of his horn, Archangel Gabriel sends out a ripple of sound (seven blows- the seven lines) to the people below. For they have traveled the same journey as the Fool.
Their lessons and life are each unique but each person has striven to learn more. To push the boundaries of life and pass from basic human understanding into a melding with the Universe.
In a reading, Judgement can symbolize:
- Life or work well done.
- Freedom on a soul level.
- Accomplishment.
- A test passed.
- Overcoming of ego.
- Facing your fears.
- Peace of mind.
- Living in the present.
- Law of forgiveness.
- That “aha” moment.
The World:
With a thriving human experience built, the Fool has journeyed down the many paths of life. Encountering stories, lessons, fears, challenges, tests, and others he has spent a life well-lived.
But like all cycles, this one has drawn to a close, and our Fool isn’t a child anymore. No-longer wide-eyed and oblivious to the layers of life, the Fool stands as a man. An Emperor in his own right. He has seen the World, and he and the World are better for it.
In a reading, the World can symbolize:
- Completion.
- Closure.
- Ready to start anew.
- Re-starting the Fool’s Journey.
- Entering into a new cycle.
Final thoughts:
Each of us are living a human experience. Within this single experience, we live many cycles. From the big picture of life, to the smaller moments we know, there are times when we lack answers.
In pulling a deck of 78 cards, shuffling, and laying a group of cards out, I receive insight into the unseen. My spirit guides speak with me, and in those moments when I read a story, told based upon what cards lay before me, I impact the quality of my life. That’s the power of tarot.
Challenge:
If you have chosen to learn the tool of tarot or are like me and studying for a greater understanding of the human experience take this week to focus on the Fool’s Journey. How does his journey relate to you or ones you know?
Tools:
- Check out my posts on starting to learn tarot:
- Stone: Smoky Quartz.
This cloudy quartz connects with our Earth Star Chakra and Root Chakra. These grounding energies help the user not only ground but move past painful memories. In addition, smoky quartz is used to help broaden our minds and discover new horizons.
- Affirmations:
- “I embrace each stage of the cycle I am in.”
- “I open my heart to each moment and the lessons and wealth of love found within each one.”
- “I use the lessons and wisdom found within the tarot to strengthen my life and creating a healthy thriving human experience.”