3 Fools: Interpreting Tarot
Welcome to the first installment of taking three tarot cards and looking at how different decks bring in different meanings. That’s one of the things I love about tarot is how the creators play with themes and variations and we aim to explore that in this series. The Fool is first card in the tarot so we are starting at the beginning with card zero.
The Fool – From the Animalis Os Fortuna
This wonderful deck features the Raccoon as the Fool. The whole deck is animal based. Raccoon’s are known to be tricksters and very clever. They will find a way to get to the bird feeder and get that garbage can open. This Raccoon is perched on the edge of a cliff but this Fool is not looking down he’s looking upward. What is out there in the distance that we don’t know? What tricks can I think of to get to what’s in the distance? This Fool feels like there are questions it want’s to know the answers to, just to know them.
The Raccoon Fool is thinking of what’s next, where should I go next. The feel here is of anticipation of the unknown. That you are willing to embrace the unknown and be alright with not knowing it all.
Journal Prompts:
Do you really need to have all the answers to act? How does not knowing make you feel?
The Fool – From the Mythic Tarot (I have the version from the 1980’s.)
This deck features Dionysus as the Fool. He’s poised on the edge of a cliff as an eagle (Zeus) watches. This one is mostly traditional although it does lack the dog nipping at the Fools heals. This Fool has a spirit of joy and a willingness to walk that long road we see in the distance. But first he has to find his way to get on the road.
The Fool is willing to set out for places unknown to learn, to travel, to do it just because he can. He knows there is knowledge out there and he can learn it. He can put it to use one day when he he needs it.
Journal Prompts:
Where are you willing to just go for it, to make that leap? How can you do this with joy?
StarSeed – From the Starchild Akashic Tarot
This version takes you away from the traditional fool as a a care free character not too concerned with the consequences. StarSeed makes us very aware of what you are and that you are part of the Universe. The knowledge of all that was, is, and will be is at your finger tips. It reminds you the power of awareness and the willingness to embrace the now.
The idea of absorbing comes to me with this version of The Fool card. The traditional Fool sets out on a journey to learn and experience. StarSeed is very much a card of what you need seeking you out and the ability to know it when it shows up.
Journal Prompts:
How can you soak up the energy of the Universe to help you see what is coming to you? How can you be more present?
Each deck brings in a different feel to the Fool. Is there a right or wrong I don’t think so. They all hold part of the essence of this card only in different ways. Tarot decks can bring in different energies and feelings so don’t be afraid to pull out different meanings when using different decks.
