Meaning

You’re at the beginning, a child: The Fool almost always represents the querent. You’re card 0, the first card, you’re at the start, square one. It’s good though to be at the start! Putting a new foot forward. It’s a rebirth, like being a child again.

Like a child, you have infinite possibilities: This card, as card 0, implies a childlike nature. Like a baby, when you’re starting, you have infinite potential. The number 0 itself is pure, innocent, not limited. The Fool is everything and nothing; his journey ahead will shape him.

Childlike nature: Take time to nurture your inner child! Adventure! Enjoy the world! Be gentle with yourself! Know that you’re on a journey of personal development. Stay conscious of how you’re growing. Take steps towards your authentic self and self-realization.

New surprises are in store for you: Since you’re at the beginning, you also probably don’t know what’s coming. When you look at the card itself, note the looming cliff. One way to look at it is that the Fool is unaware that he’s approaching a ledge. This Fool has literally no idea of what’s right in front of him. But the whole point is that it’ll probably end up being good.

Things will change: When there’s a new cycle beginning, there’s also probably going to be something ending from your old life. Change is great, change breeds growth. This card’s placement can often point to where in your life that change will occur.

The Fool is without burden: The Fool is the ancestor of the Joker in playing card decks. Both are unnumbered. You can interpret this lack of numbering to mean lack of responsibility. This aligns with the childlike nature of being the first card, kids don’t have a lot of responsibilities. Therefore, if you’re having any problems, see if you can just... walk away.

Try not to fear or overthink the change: The Fool is unburdened. The Fool isn’t stressing about his future. He’s just taking life as it comes, and if this card shows up, you should too. Don’t try to overthink or manage the change. Be open and take it as it comes. Let go of expectations. Let yourself be spontaneous. Give your energy to the present moment. Find peace in being part of a greater whole.

Honesty and authenticity: Think about Jesters in courts, Jokers, Fools. Fools can often get away with saying the truth without getting in trouble. Similarly, think of how authentic children are, unapologetically themselves. So where this card lands in a spread can mean there’s authenticity and truth there.

Important decisions: Some interpret the Fool to indicate there may be a big upcoming decision, in which you will have to choose the most authentic path. It may even involve an element of risk. If this comes to fruition for you, the idea is to embody the carefree and trusting nature of the Fool when you make this choice. Don’t overthink it, just do what’s authentically you. Lighten up, have optimism.

Take the advice of that little dog, an ally: The dog on the card is your friend. The dog is desperately yapping at you to not mindlessly walk off a ledge. Maybe there’s someone in your life (a concerned friend, family member, mentor, or just your own instincts) playing the same role. If so, listen to them! (Cough cough, it could be your tarot reader!)

Have faith: The dog is also known to signify faith. It’s faith that tells you which path is right for you. This card usually means you’re on your authentic path already and that you need to trust and believe that the universe will take care of you. Keep on the path, move forward! Be okay with taking a risk!

The Fool can be the wisest one of all: I’m going to bring it back to children. Kids are naive, sure, but also can sometimes see things more clearly. Or think of a horse, being all casually majestic. The Fool, authentic and without self-doubt, can be argued to be the most enlightened of them all. Card 0 can be the eternal soul, enlightenment itself. It’s powerful! The power of youth.

But also… you could just be a Fool: This card (when upright) is best interpreted in a positive childlike way, but just keep an eye out to make sure you aren’t being foolish in the bad way. Try to keep some common sense. Again, there is that cliff, so pay attention.

Be foolish in the good way, with balance: Be naive (but not too naive). Have faith in others (but not stupidly). Try new things (with care). Be frivolous for fun, know that you still have time, and get excited for what’s ahead!

Other: The Fool can also indicate new freelance work, untethered.