The Major Arcana

The Fool Tarot Card Meaning

When was the last time you took a leap of faith?
Where you dove in without worrying about what lay ahead?
That was your Fool moment! 

The Major Arcana: The Fool Tarot Card Description

The Fool is the very first card in a tarot card deck and is in the Major Arcana (also called a Trump card). In the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) artwork The Fool is depicted as an individual full of vigor and curiosity setting out on an adventure - they are very much a carefree spirit.

They carry very little with them, only what fits in a knapsack and a white rose - which has long been a symbol of innocence and purity. They are taking off in the direction of a cliff! However, their sight is turned upwards, not concerned with the path (and possible danger) in front of them.

Instead, they’re enthralled with the possibility of their future journey through life - represented as mountains in the background. There is also a small dog behind them jumping up at their heels - a companion? a guide? a warning?

The Fool Tarot Card Overview

This card is all about new beginnings + change. It is a positive card - new adventures await. There’s also an excitement, a buzz, around all that’s ahead and very little concern with the ‘how’ it will all be achieved. A lot of ‘the universe has my back’ energy.

Yes there will be challenges, yes there will be the highs with the lows, but that doesn’t matter right now. What matters is keeping an open mind, releasing all expectations/prior conceived notions and letting the journey unfold on its own.

Upright: The Fool Tarot Card Meaning

Upright this card is a big yes. The Fool upright encourages taking that first step, it embodies taking a leap of faith. If you’ve been waiting on a sign to start a project, try something new, step out of your comfort zone- THIS IS IT! With the hint of innocence and purity, this card suggests walking along your new path with no expectations, having a clear mind and pure heart. There's a lot of fun energy in this card : )

Now’s not the time to concern yourself with any of the small details because there is unlimited potential ahead. Step forward with confidence in the Universe and carry with you a curiosity for all you will learn, and an excitement for all the ways in which you shall grow. There’s a strong idealistic energy surrounding this card, a lot of ‘what’s the best that can happen’ vibes. Embrace those vibes and carry them with you along your journey. Remember that the mythos of your life is ever expanding and continual so don’t be surprised if you see this card, in all its forms, time and time again.

Reversed: The Fool Card Meaning

Pulling this card reversed gives us a pause. Literally. It indicates a standstill, or a false start. There’s inaction surrounding this card. However, The Fool reversed is not void of emotions- in fact, it’s vibrating with energy and emotion. The inaction could be due to fear, apprehension or having a general unease that ‘things won’t work’.

It can indicate having an overwhelming passion for something yet lacking a plan or direction to go. This card signals for a lot of work to be done to lay a better foundation- externally and internally, before starting anything new.

Love  and  Tarot

Love Meaning:
The Fool Tarot Card Upright

When the card of new beginnings and adventures finds you during a love reading, be prepared for a new chapter in that aspect of your life. The cards surrounding The Fool, and also where you are in your personal romantic journey may dictate what this card represents.

Are you single? This could signal a time to dive back into dating- or that you be open and curious about the possibility of finding love. Maybe you’ve met someone new and are in that honeymoon and starry eyed period. Or perhaps you’re currently in a relationship, this card could indicate a new chapter in your partnership.

Upright this card is alive with the buzz from those butterfly feelings you get when meeting someone new. Embrace all of these emotions and confidently dive into the unknown, trusting that you’re beginning this new chapter of connection for a reason.

Love Meaning:
The Fool Tarot Card Reversed

Pulling The Fool reversed in a love reading can indicate internal conflict within a relationship, inner turmoil and self doubt. Since this card in reverse holds more of the ‘foolish’ and naive qualities you may find yourself acting- and not thinking of the impact those actions have on people in your life.

This card can also represent reaching a stale period in your relationship or that while you feel ready for a relationship- you’re actually still needing to find your footing/sense of self first?

MONEY and Tarot

Money Meaning:
The Fool Tarot Card Upright

Think of the feeling of finding a penny heads up- that’s The Fool in financial readings. Expecting nothing, yet having the Universe provide. This card upright also signals a time that undertaking new investments, financial opportunities or even exploring new revenue streams would be fruitful.

If you’ve been wanting to shake up your approach to handling your money this is an indicator to start that process now. There’s also a lot of fun, youthful energy around this card; it may be an invitation/reminder to spend money on things that bring your joy. Maybe that’s taking a trip or something as simple as enjoying a meal at a new restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Whatever it is should bring you joy and excitement!

Money Meaning:
The Fool Tarot Card Reversed

Receiving this card upside down in a money reading is an indication to pause and reevaluate. You could be on the path of making reckless financial decisions! You could also be facing a lot of indecision around what to do with your money.

 Now’s NOT the time to make big moves. While it can be hard to wait, that’s exactly what you need to do - understand this journey through life can feel long, but you will be happy not to rush. More facts will come to light, a better path will make itself known.

career + work  and  Tarot

Career Meaning:
The Fool Card Reversed

This card has infinite potential so it's perfect potential for a career reading. The possibilities here are endless! New job offers and promotions, taking on new roles and starting new projects, or even finding entire new business opportunities! This card has the potential for a lot of positive changes in your profession.

This card can also be a huge ‘YES’ to launching that new biz, course or product you’ve been contemplating. Take the leap with those innovative ideas ; ) Embrace the enthusiasm and carefree nature The Fool encourages. Whatever new path you decide to follow in your career, do so with an optimistic vigor and zeal for all that is to come.

Career Meaning:
The Fool Card Reversed

Have you been feeling distracted at work- deterred from hitting your goals and meeting deadlines? Or perhaps you’ve been a bit restless? Feeling like your job is leading nowhere? The Fool reversed can be alllll of that. But this card doesn’t equate helplessness.

It’s illuminating what needs tending to and asks how you want to change your circumstances. Do you want to walk away from your current career path or forge ahead but redirect your passion and energy elsewhere? Sometimes a shake up can make all the difference and help realign. What’s clear is complacency and indecision isn’t working, your best path forward is being blocked.

HEALTH and  Tarot

Health Meaning:
The Fool Tarot Card Upright

The Fool bodes well for physical health if you have been ill as it indicates vitality and energy.

 Though, part of the recklessness that comes with the Fool here can also be found - make sure you are thinking long term. If you are eating a lot of foods that aren't nourishing, you may think it's okay if you still feel good, but know those can create chronic inflammation. This card can also indicate a new journey with your health.

If you've been ill or struggling with your emotional/mental health, the Fool can represent a new lease on life and feeling uninhibited.

Health Meaning:
The Fool Tarot Card Reversed

When the Fool is reversed in a Health reading, you must begin to take action towards being a better you. A reversed Fool will often appear when people have a lapsed view of health and wellbeing. There may be no major health problems, but there are still things that need to be addressed.Perhaps you are a heavy smoker, or you never really work out. Maybe stress and anxiety impact your life and you find yourself easily upset. You may feel that these things aren't that big of a deal and that, overall, your health is fine.

However, these health problems will soon become a big issue when not addressed. The Tarot is wanting you to act now to protect your health and wellbeing. This doesn't have to be anything too major, you are not expected to start running marathons! But, small changes go a long way when it comes to health. By kicking bad habits, seeking advice when you need it, and making healthier choices, you will soon find yourself happier and more content within yourself.