The Fool: Meaning, Energy & Tarot Reading
Updated: May 15
If you’re exploring The Fool beyond clichés and into the quiet truth of beginnings, come in. This room walks with you at the edge of the unknown.
Hi, Hello! It's good to have you here. And it's good to be releasing this series here as well. Phew.
It's taken longer and more thought than I expected, but I am excited to see this unfold.
The format I came to terms with is:
- An introductory post: looser, less structured, talking about the feel of the card and with a quick reading, to show it in a more practical sense;
- An evergreen page: structured, like an ID for the card, I'll take into consideration aspects that to some degree I have used to help me interpret messages, like astrological signs, the number or element;
- A worksheet: a PDF that combines all the info together, and I also want to add some usual-practical interpretations and questions that may help in moments of a blank.
That said, the page and the worksheet are not ready yet, but I'll link them here as soon as they are.
Note: Tarot figures are traditionally depicted with gendered imagery. In my writing, I use the pronouns shown in the card’s illustration, but the archetypes themselves are not gendered,they represent energies, not identities.
The Fool
The Fool is a free spirit that makes a leap of faith into an unknown world.
When I say that, it seems really dramatic and abstract, but in short, this archetype represents potential, innocence, spontaneity, a new start, a new beginning.
When I refer to a free spirit, I like to think of an untainted disposition, almost like naivety. It is someone entering a new place with a clear mindset that has not been influenced by who's already there and any set limiting beliefs that might've been already in place.
The leap of faith is related to the deep belief that venturing out of their domain of knowledge is what feels undoubtedly right to be done, and there is no fear or hesitation. It's complete faith in life and in the instinct that that is what's right. Someone or something is going to catch them in their fall, they are going to somehow figure things out along the way.
The unknown world is simply what it sounds like, putting themselves somewhere out of their known realms.
And why would The Fool be a fool?
Well... why wouldn't anyone just keep themselves safe in their comfort zone?
In our material reality, The Fool represents going outside the landscape you have known thus far. It’s changing fields instead of being in the same line of work you've done your whole life. It’s meeting new people outside your family, your community. It’s moving away somewhere you don't call home.
It can seem like choosing a path that is out of societal standards, it is not necessarily defying, but it is unusual, not what would be expected.
No matter the choice, anyone would be considered a fool to be leaving safety, what's known or expected behind for something unsure or unknown or that doesn't match a custom.
The Fool often reminds me of that phrase: "blissful ignorance" or those stories in which rookies end up finding an unorthodox solution or driving innovation because they are not bound to the existing rules or limitations everyone else has had so far.
One thing to note, though, is that The Fool is the crossing of the threshold, the first step. It's the start of something new.
It is brimming with potential, and it is often really positive.
But it is not the assurance of success. It has great potential to reach it, but it is *raw* potential, a diamond in the rough that needs to be polished to be shiny.
You know the idea that the hardest part is having the courage or the initiative to begin something and then everything else will come as it flows? That.
That is why The Fool is considered a fool by the external observer. The Fool sees and seizes opportunities others didn't consider either because of their fears or because he doesn't follow the same rules that limit them.
It is infinite potential before consciousness builds limitations. It is initiating because it feels right (inspired action), not necessarily by thorough planning.
In a reading, when upright, it can not only talk about new beginnings, but also about courage, optimism, trust in our own inner judgment, and the ability to act from that place.
When reversed, it can indicate being hindered in new opportunities by fear, too much planning, or limitations placed by others. It can also be being reckless or irresponsible, in this case, the fear of stagnation leads to empty action.
So... first things first. And I think this might be some kind of Reading Tarot 101.
Pick your deck.
If you are new to tarot, you might not have many, or maybe just one.
Here with me I have The Antique Anatomy Tarot, a beautiful deck by Claire Goodchild. It has a Victorian apothecary vibe to it, it has a lot of human bone imagery and those old bottles of medicine.
Not for all tastes, but I was enthralled by it. Had to wait for some time, though, it was a quite expensive deck at the time, probably because it had had no recent printings.
Anyway. I know this one is... raw. If I was drawn to this one for the reading, I am not expecting messages to be sugarcoated.
So in the future, when you have a larger collection, either let them be chosen (see which ones speak to you) or choose by theme, by your feeling (how you are feeling or which one is inspiring you to read, it can be a new one you are excited about!) or simply because you know their "personality", which themes or kinds of messages they tend to flow better with.
Good? Ok, next.
And I know what you are thinking...
Do I need to meditate? To cleanse? To cleanse the cards? Pray? What do I say? Does it need to be super quiet?
Uh... do you? I swear I am not making fun of you. This is... really personal.
Right now it's a sunny Sunday afternoon, I am relatively tired because of lack of sleep, emotionally more sensitive, but good. Noises are as usual, just had a bite of chocolate.
I don't think for this reading I'll have to cleanse anything or meditate. I'll just shuffle and start.
Right now, I have way more mental work happening because I am writing, but *I* don't usually need that much preparation.
You will see I am much about my gut feeling. Sometimes I just sit in my bed before bed and read. Sometimes I like the quietness of early mornings/late nights. Sometimes I put a selenite on top of my deck or visualize smoke coming out of it. Sometimes I knock on it before starting. Sometimes I need to meditate and some deep focus music to be carried through. Sometimes I need a shower to wash away.
How do you feel? Do you need any kind of ritual? Do you feel drawn to something in particular? Try it, see what flows for you.
Shuffling.
I think you can even start without shuffling, if you feel like it.
Shuffling for me is like... fluffing the energy or moving energy that might've been caught there. It's also an easy way to "select" the card.
That said, there are some really elaborate and some really effortless ways people shuffle.
Some people shuffle between each question and wait for one to fall off the deck. Some take cards that flip, some only if it falls. Some consider the card that flips but don't give it as much meaning.
Some people just shuffle in the beginning, set the deck on the table, and pick the card at the top for each question. Some shuffle and pick all the cards that are peeking through. Some people fan the cards out on the table and pick the ones that are calling them.
Some people pre-shuffle and pick all the cards, positioning them in their respective question order. Some pick them one by one.
And usually how the deck behaves and how the card comes out tells something.
A really clean and orderly shuffle with cards coming out fast usually indicates a smooth situation, if you are asking about the outcome of a situation, chances are it will be fast and effortless or pretty straightforward.
Cards falling in clusters can be indicative of "a lot", if you are inquiring about what someone would like to say to you, many things.
If the cards are taking quite long to come out, either it is a situation that you should not know about at the time or it is a situation that is dragging itself out.
If the card falls flat on the table, reversed or upright, or on the floor, if it slips or peeks, if it turns revealing itself or not.
And... I assume the list goes on. I don't think I could cover all, my rule of thumb is: if and how that behavior has caught my attention and how that could relate to the inquiry at hand.
Good Lord, this is getting long and I haven't noticed how quirky readers can be.
Spreads.
How do you arrange your cards?
My take? However it feels right to you.
With time, you will develop signature ways to arrange them.
If you are asking one question and pulling only one card, it's just... one card.
If you clarify it (meaning you ask for more details), I usually place it below or overlapping. If there are multiple clarifiers, they might be arranged side-by-side.
If the inquiry is chronological, you can make a line, past-present-future with three cards, or mind-body-spirit, or context-problem-advice, a wheel of the year.
There are spread boards or even tablecloths that come with decks, with specific configurations and their respective guides for where each question is set.
If I am chatting, firing questions fast, it's just one card on top of the other.
As for a "formal" or maybe a popular spread, I would say the Celtic Cross. But I must confess, I have never tried it. I've never felt the need for a framework.
If you do, I am sure some quick research will give you some options, like here in Labyrinthos, but I wouldn't let that hold myself from simply starting.
There is no right or wrong.
Ready?
Reading
Take this reading as it resonates. It might just be a lesson, but it might be a message for you, you will know. I am going to assume I am reading for you.
So... it is another day, and I guess I'll take the events as a sign. You will see that often, when doors ring, messages arrive when usually the phone is on silent, packages get delivered, cars honk, or even familial pets come to join, readers may take that as a sign.
In my case, I couldn't start the reading because:
1. I was sleep deprived, and
2. I am working on something for a friend: she is soon getting married, and the girls agreed on dancing at the wedding to the song she chose. Wish-me-luck.
And this morning, when I was about to do it, I was excited, feeling good, went to open my window and found mold. Cleaned that, and now I am here, finally doing what I intended to.
My first intuition for this reading, then, is that whatever you are trying to initiate, or is trying to initiate in your life, is probably being delayed because of responsibilities, things you agreed on, or even mishaps. Not that they are bad. I am glad I cleaned that mold, it’s probably why I am sneezing, but that did take my time. And if you are not... in any degree prioritizing, you will never see it through. There is always something else to do or to distract yourself with.
As this is a thematic reading, I am pulling The Fool out of the deck first. My deck was already shuffled, and it took some time to get to the card. I am taking that as confirmation. It was in the last fourth of the deck, so you might need to bring this forth on your giant to‑do list.
So, I am going to re‑shuffle and start. You can either just start and feel what the cards are telling you or set a few questions. I am going to warn you now: setting questions doesn't mean receiving said answers. You will hear what you need to.
I want to know: What is this Fool about?
Two cards came facing down and together. Oh, I gasped.
Most of the time, when they come together, I take that as “they add to each other,” so the answer is read with both.
I am not taking reversals now. That is something you can decide before you begin the reading or as you are doing it. Many readers don't take reversals; some use the opposite meaning of the card; some set it as something mental or internal or even as a representation of the past. The reading is your oyster.
Are you avoiding someone? Pushing a date? Saying “oh, let's go out sometime,” and that time is never coming?
Or maybe for some of you... dreaming about love... but not opening to it?
More details, please.
You are... waiting. Waiting for what?
The 7 of Pentacles usually depicts a man that has worked on the soil and planted his crops, but now is there, leaning on his hoe, waiting for the harvest.
Are you waiting for someone to make a move? You planted your seeds already.
What are they waiting for? What is the source of the wait?
I wish my mind was recorded, because I thought about two cards, one of them was The Devil.
Oh... poor thing, you are overthinking.
Is it about taking the first step with someone? Maybe it’s not even asking them out... it’s just getting to know someone.
Oh dear... you dream about love, but at the same time you are afraid of it. Getting to know someone and actually falling for them. Being vulnerable.
The Devil talks about that sneaky little voice that makes us doubtful, but also about addictions, obsessions, intensity. In a love reading, this can be lust and desire as well.
Whatever this is, is living rent‑free in your mind.
So... what is this Devil about?
Clarification, please.
This makes me either think that... you are already friends, and that frightens you, what that can cause to the relationship, or part of a community, and that might stir some things, like a work environment.
I had some issues shuffling. Many cards wanted to come out in clusters. For me, that seems like... “many reasons.” You have many reasons building up to that Devil.
Is (he / she / they)... younger than you? Maybe some kind of hierarchy? You are their boss... or you or them put you in this position of “the responsible friend of the group” type of role.
Court cards can easily point to a person. It would be someone younger than you or that seems youthful for their age. Do you even know their actual age?
They have a quick mind. It’s a curious person, I want to say communicative as well. Eager to learn about the world, not so experienced, but the intentions are there. This Page feels really open but at the same time enigmatic. It’s funny. They are easy to talk to, but... they don't just open up. A puzzle you put together piece by piece.
As a situation, this can indicate gossip or misinformation that might be making you jump to certain conclusions that are far from the truth or too incomplete. In this case, it is encouraging you to ask questions, be curious. Don't put them on a pedestal, don't make assumptions or projections, get to know who they truly are, if they are a match or not. Especially if this is a new connection.
It also encourages you to be more logical about the situation. I know, I know what some of you might be thinking. You are thinking about shutting down to this opportunity because “what is more logical,” but it can go both ways, given we had The Devil.
It can be more “negative,” and the more logical reason would be not moving forward, at least not right now, because there is a need to assess your... intentions(?) If you are just afraid to be single, or just lusting and the physical attraction is running high. Is this the right way for you to move into a relationship?
It can also be... assess whatever is set in this “community.”
I'll use the age‑gap thing as an example. Unless they are underage, which, to that, I, Leticia, will say: NO. DON'T.
Otherwise, if they are great or seem to be great for you, why are you letting conventions stop you from getting to know someone that has potential?
Or if they are an incredible friend... you already know them... assess the situation better, both of your intentions, but... couldn't your best friend be the best partner? That's why friends‑to‑lovers is a trope, c’mon.
Or even... assess your own fears. Are your fears... factual?
You might be afraid to open up to love because of bad experiences in the past... and that is so valid... but... you have grown, you know better now. It’s not the same. And you've given chances to the bad ones already, why not give one to this one that could be awesome?
Well... plenty of interpretations there. I'll just ask for some advice now.
Ok... at first I misinterpreted the card and saw the “8” of Coins, which is mastery, to refine, to work on something. I heard “work b*tch,” like in that Britney Spears song. It’s a song that has a merit‑based sense to it, certain input means certain output.
But then I looked again and it's the 9.
The 9 of Coins means a dream materializing. So... I think you are making up all these scenarios and blockages when in reality, whatever this is, probably would “take way less effort.” Working on that is less painful or less of a hurdle than you imagine it to be and would lead to something good.
Working on your fears, talking to them, working on your intentions. And I am hearing that... even if it may seem negative, it actually brings something good.
For instance... if you are rejected, at least you don't have to keep carrying that doubt. If you do your inner work on your intentions, it will be way more smooth, and it will set you up for better relationships. In the best‑case scenarios, you are getting together with someone nice.
Remember that age gap that you think people care about? THEY DON'T EVEN NOTICE.
I looked at the bottom of the deck... and saw two knights.
On one hand, the Knight of Wands, he acts before he thinks. He lets his passions guide him.
On the other, the Knight of Coins, if he had a slogan, it would be “slow and steady wins the race.”
So for me, this is about your pace. You can do it at the pace you would like. No matter how you choose to move forward and BEGIN, it leads to your 9 of Coins, to the materialization of a dream.
So... begin, fast or slow.
Well... this was longer than anticipated.
For the next cards, I probably won't write the preparation for the reading, but might put the steps or reference it back to this post. I'll see how the general page goes.
If the reading was for you, I hope it has brought you some clarity. If it wasn't, and you were here to learn, I hope there was at least a new meaning or quicky for you to add to the long list readers seem to have.
Thank you for being, here, and I'll see you in the next post,
Cheers!
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