Major Arcana
The Fool
Unlike the other Major Arcana, The Fool has no number. Some tarot decks assign it number 0, preceding The Magician; but, actually, The Fool can take any position in the sequence of cards, somewhat like the Joker in a modern set of playing cards.
In the picture we see Ted setting out on the course of his journey of adventure. It is a lovely day, the countryside is lush and green, but Ted is seemingly unaware of the precipitous drop opening up before him. His faithful little dog, Woof, tries valiantly to hold him back.
Ted wears a cloak and hat of earthy colours, suitable for a journey though the countryside. The feather in his hat and the yellow flower represent the element of Air at its most lighthearted. The staff over his shoulder and his red waistcoat call to mind the active element of Fire. The pack contains all his worldly belongings, all the necessities for his journey. We chose the red spotted colour of the kerchief enclosing his belongings simply because it was once a traditional type of cloth used by wayfarers for this purpose but, as will be seen in other cards, the combination of red and white can symbolise the duality of human frailty and the capacity for recovery.
Woof represents Ted’s natural animal instincts, in this picture showing the instinct for self preservation.
The card as a whole represents the start of a journey, possibly an unexpected or unplanned one, but one for which the Fool is nevertheless equipped to handle. Some see it as representing the start of the journey of life at birth, in which case the pack on his back represents the karmic burden he brings with him from previous lives. But it can also represent the start of a completely new direction in life, his pack containing the necessities for his journey, but also probably a few non-essentials, which may be holding him back. The terrifying drop ahead is daunting, but maybe it is not as deadly as it looks. Maybe it is necessary to step off into the unknown in order to move forward. It will require, quite literally, a leap of faith.
Divination
A new beginning. Unexpected opportunities or hazards, especially ones that will result in a complete change of the existing state of affairs. Total freedom of choice. Decisions to be made. Innocence, naivety, devil-may-care. Optimistic, contented. Possible foolishness, foolish decision, or extravagance.
For experts
- Hebrew letter Alef א
- (Mother letter: Element Air 🜁)
- Tree of Life Gevurah to Khesed
You can see these cards at their best in the finished deck of Ted’s Tarot. Buy it here.